Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness video put out this morning as "bizarre" and "ridiculous".

Hosting an Iftar party at a luxury hotel here today, Gandhi said this amounted to bankruptcy and asked CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out his fitness video to match the prime minister.

"Did you see the PM's fitness video? It is ridiculous... I mean... It is bizarre... This is bankruptcy," he said as he poked fun at the video put out by the prime minister.

Sharing a table with former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil, Gandhi then turned to Yechury asking him to put out his fitness video as a challenge to Modi's.

TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra and DMK's Kanimozhi were among those who had a hearty laugh over the prime minister's video.

Mukherjee, Patil and former vice president Hamid Ansari, who were sharing the table, were silently hearing the conversation.

Among others who also attended the Congress chief's Iftar included former prime minister Manmohan Singh. 
 
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad.

Earlier, Congress leader Pramod Tewari termed the fitness video as an insult to the supreme sacrifice of the four BSF personnel who died in cross-border firing from Pakistan in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Congress President made his comments at the iftar party hosted by him Wednesday night. He also asked CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out a fitness video to match that of the prime minister's

Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness video put out this morning as "bizarre" and "ridiculous". Hosting an Iftar party at a luxury hotel here today, Gandhi said this amounted to bankruptcy and asked CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out his fitness video to match the prime minister. "Did you see the PM's fitness video? It is ridiculous... I mean... It is bizarre... This is bankruptcy," he said as he poked fun at the video put out by the prime minister. Sharing a table with former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil, Gandhi then turned to Yechury asking him to put out his fitness video as a challenge to Modi's. TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra and DMK's Kanimozhi were among those who had a hearty laugh over the prime minister's video. Mukherjee, Patil and former vice president Hamid Ansari, who were sharing the table, were silently hearing the conversation. Among others who also attended the Congress chief's Iftar included former prime minister Manmohan Singh. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad. Earlier, Congress leader Pramod Tewari termed the fitness video as an insult to the supreme sacrifice of the four BSF personnel who died in cross-border firing from Pakistan in Kashmir.

Modi fitness video 'bizarre, ridiculous', says Rahul Gandhi

Madhu Goud Yaskhi&nbsp;is two-time Congress MP from Nizamabad who returned to India in 2004 to successfully contest elections in 2004. Nizamabad is part of the state of Telangana. Yaski looks after Congress Overseas Cell and is Secretary in charge of Karnataka. In an interview with WION, Yaski says that earlier when PM’s went abroad, they went as Indians, but Narendra Modi makes his foreign trips all about his own party. Edited excerpts&nbsp;

 
Q: Of late Congress has shown a lot of interest in reorganising its overseas Indian cell?

A: We could see the potential of overseas Indians. They have a lot to contribute. There exists a diaspora impact in India especially in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala and Gujarat. &nbsp;There is another issue. When MPs would visit foreign countries, we were specifically told by MEA that you represent your country and not the party. It has been changed by Modi. Whenever he meets the Indian diaspora, he toes the party line. Diaspora has been politicised. Diaspora also helped BJP win 2014 elections. Our estimate is that 500 diaspora IT professionals came to Ahmedabad to help BJP in Lok Sabha elections.

&nbsp;

Q: BJP has the first mover advantage. They are well organised and have functioning units abroad? PM’s interaction with NRIs is also far more frequent than Congress President.

A: BJP took advantage of anti-Islamic sentiments which is prevalent globally. They convinced the diaspora that Congress empowerment of minorities was an appeasement which wasn’t the case. I would say that nothing much has been done for the NRIs in this present dispensation. Many NRIs lost money because of DeMo as they could not travel back under the specified time. Even today there is no visa online. Please don’t go on the scale. Rahul Gandhi's tour to the United States was very well received.

&nbsp;

Q: What are the prospects of Congress Party in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?

A: We are fighting fit in Telangana. We will defeat TRS in the next assembly elections. In Andhra Pradesh, our vote share has gone up from 3 per cent to 12 per cent. There is some resentment over the fact that special status was not accorded to the state. &nbsp;So, we will still play an important role in AP. In Telangana, people don’t hate us. We will come back to power in the state.

&nbsp; 
Q: Is there a possibility of an alliance with TRS in Telangana?

A: Absolutely not. We may have a tie-up with smaller parties. TRS is the B Team of BJP. They have supported BJP on every issue. They have supported BJP on issues which were not openly supported by their own alliance partners. BJP meanwhile felt that they will make in-roads in Telangana which has not happened. Telangana is a badly governed state and we will on our own strength defeat TRS.

&nbsp;Q: Andhra Pradesh is still a problem area for the Congress. People still blame you for the division of the state. What do you have to say?

A: We came back to power in Punjab after Operation BlueStar. It will take some time in AP, but we will come back. BJP and TDP also participated in the creation of Telangana. Yes, people were angry with us, but they aren’t now as they realise that both BJP and TDP participated in the process of creation of Telangana. We will not align with anyone. We will also not align with Jagan Mohan Reddy. He is arrogant and supports BJP.

BJP took advantage of anti-Islamic sentiments which is prevalent globally. They convinced the diaspora that Congress empowerment of minorities was an appeasement which wasn’t the case.

Madhu Goud Yaskhi is two-time Congress MP from Nizamabad who returned to India in 2004 to successfully contest elections in 2004. Nizamabad is part of the state of Telangana. Yaski looks after Congress Overseas Cell and is Secretary in charge of Karnataka. In an interview with WION, Yaski says that earlier when PM’s went abroad, they went as Indians, but Narendra Modi makes his foreign trips all about his own party. Edited excerpts Q: Of late Congress has shown a lot of interest in reorganising its overseas Indian cell? A: We could see the potential of overseas Indians. They have a lot to contribute. There exists a diaspora impact in India especially in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala and Gujarat. There is another issue. When MPs would visit foreign countries, we were specifically told by MEA that you represent your country and not the party. It has been changed by Modi. Whenever he meets the Indian diaspora, he toes the party line. Diaspora has been politicised. Diaspora also helped BJP win 2014 elections. Our estimate is that 500 diaspora IT professionals came to Ahmedabad to help BJP in Lok Sabha elections. Q: BJP has the first mover advantage. They are well organised and have functioning units abroad? PM’s interaction with NRIs is also far more frequent than Congress President. A: BJP took advantage of anti-Islamic sentiments which is prevalent globally. They convinced the diaspora that Congress empowerment of minorities was an appeasement which wasn’t the case. I would say that nothing much has been done for the NRIs in this present dispensation. Many NRIs lost money because of DeMo as they could not travel back under the specified time. Even today there is no visa online. Please don’t go on the scale. Rahul Gandhi's tour to the United States was very well received. Q: What are the prospects of Congress Party in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh? A: We are fighting fit in Telangana. We will defeat TRS in the next assembly elections. In Andhra Pradesh, our vote share has gone up from 3 per cent to 12 per cent. There is some resentment over the fact that special status was not accorded to the state. So, we will still play an important role in AP. In Telangana, people don’t hate us. We will come back to power in the state. Q: Is there a possibility of an alliance with TRS in Telangana? A: Absolutely not. We may have a tie-up with smaller parties. TRS is the B Team of BJP. They have supported BJP on every issue. They have supported BJP on issues which were not openly supported by their own alliance partners. BJP meanwhile felt that they will make in-roads in Telangana which has not happened. Telangana is a badly governed state and we will on our own strength defeat TRS. Q: Andhra Pradesh is still a problem area for the Congress. People still blame you for the division of the state. What do you have to say? A: We came back to power in Punjab after Operation BlueStar. It will take some time in AP, but we will come back. BJP and TDP also participated in the creation of Telangana. Yes, people were angry with us, but they aren’t now as they realise that both BJP and TDP participated in the process of creation of Telangana. We will not align with anyone. We will also not align with Jagan Mohan Reddy. He is arrogant and supports BJP.

TRS is the B Team of BJP, no question of alliance: Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi

A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today.

Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation.

"It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here.

However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties.

"Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this.

The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said.

The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday.

He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested."

"There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said.

"The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. 
Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel.

"However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged.

Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country.

Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man.

He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".&nbsp

'It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' Gandhi told reporters in Mumbai

A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today. Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation. "It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here. However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties. "Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this. The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said. The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday. He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested." "There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said. "The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel. "However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged. Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country. Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man. He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".

Grand alliance against Modi 'is sentiment of people, not just political parties': Rahul Gandhi

India&nbsp;is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project following protests by fruit growers, government officials said, likely delaying one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious projects.

Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week, as&nbsp;Indian officials seek to reassure Tokyo that the hurdles can be overcome through intense negotiations with sapota and mango growers in Maharashtra.

Protests, backed by local politicians, have flared up in recent months against attempts to secure sections of a 108-km stretch, which is around one-fifth of the entire bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the largest commercial city in Modi's home state Gujarat.

"I've worked hard for three decades to develop this plantation, and they are asking me to hand over this land," sapota farmer Dashrat Purav, 62, said as he showed his orchard in the town of Palghar, a three-hour-drive north of Mumbai.

"I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children."

Purav said he would sell his land only if at least one of his two unemployed sons was promised a government job.

Protests against land acquisitions are common in&nbsp;India, where tens of millions of farmers till small holdings. A planned $44 billion refinery to be run by a consortium including Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, is also struggling to secure land in Maharashtra.

"Land acquisition for any project is complex in&nbsp;India," said Dhananjay Kumar, spokesman for the National High-Speed Rail Corp Ltd (NHSRCL) that is overseeing the project. "Here also we are facing difficulty because of so much resistance."

Failure to procure the bullet train land by the deadline would delay disbursal of soft-loans by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a government development body, which is reviewing the project next month, said two senior officials with the state-run&nbsp;Indian Railways, declining to be named.

A JICA spokeswoman said that&nbsp;India&nbsp;must create&nbsp;relocation plans for local residents and make them public in order to enter into a loan agreement covering the main part of the bullet train project.

"It is possible that it takes time to sign a contract as&nbsp;India&nbsp;takes proper and careful measures in line with JICA's guidelines for environmental and social considerations," she said.

To assuage Japan's concerns,&nbsp;Indian officials have sought a meeting this month with transport ministry officials in Tokyo, one of the&nbsp;Indian officials said.&nbsp;India&nbsp;wants the project's completion target to be advanced by a year to 2022, the 75th year of&nbsp;India's independence.

A Japanese transport ministry official who deals with the bullet train project said that&nbsp;Indian officials had told them that "they can manage" the land acquisition.

"We will continue to work together with the&nbsp;Indian government to bring this project forward with an aim to start operation in 2023," the official said.

'NOT INSURMOUNTABLE'

Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan. Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp, JFE Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba Corp and Hitachi are likely to supply at least 70 per cent of the core components of the rail line, sources told Reuters in January.

Modi has called the project crucial for his pet "Make in&nbsp;India" campaign aimed at lifting the share of manufacturing in&nbsp;India's $2 trillion economy. The government also hopes to generate hundreds of jobs through the train project, and hence is pushing hard to finish it on time.

To sweeten the terms for people opposed to selling their land,&nbsp;Indian Railways has put its weight behind NHSRCL, pledging funds from its own welfare scheme to build schools and community halls, one of the officials said.

Ashwani Lohani, chairman of the&nbsp;Indian Railway Board, said the issues with farmers were not insurmountable.

The government has offered to buy land at a 25 per cent premium to the market value, the two government officials said. Farmers are also being offered resettlement dues of 500,000 rupees ($7,409) or 50 per cent of the land value, whichever is higher.

However, local political opposition in Palghar, ahead of a general election next year, has fanned the protests. Opponents say the bullet train is wasteful and the money would be better used upgrading the country's rickety rail infrastructure. Farmers have threatened a hunger strike.

Last week, farmers and local activists disrupted a public hearing conducted by NHSRCL, its second attempt to hold such an event in less than a month. The first one last month was also cut short by protests.

"In coming weeks, we will intensify the protests," said Nilam&nbsp;Gorhe, a spokesman for Shiv Sena, a regional party that has an on-off relationship with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The delays have followed protests by fruit growers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week

India is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project following protests by fruit growers, government officials said, likely delaying one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious projects. Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week, as Indian officials seek to reassure Tokyo that the hurdles can be overcome through intense negotiations with sapota and mango growers in Maharashtra. Protests, backed by local politicians, have flared up in recent months against attempts to secure sections of a 108-km stretch, which is around one-fifth of the entire bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the largest commercial city in Modi's home state Gujarat. "I've worked hard for three decades to develop this plantation, and they are asking me to hand over this land," sapota farmer Dashrat Purav, 62, said as he showed his orchard in the town of Palghar, a three-hour-drive north of Mumbai. "I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children." Purav said he would sell his land only if at least one of his two unemployed sons was promised a government job. Protests against land acquisitions are common in India, where tens of millions of farmers till small holdings. A planned $44 billion refinery to be run by a consortium including Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, is also struggling to secure land in Maharashtra. "Land acquisition for any project is complex in India," said Dhananjay Kumar, spokesman for the National High-Speed Rail Corp Ltd (NHSRCL) that is overseeing the project. "Here also we are facing difficulty because of so much resistance." Failure to procure the bullet train land by the deadline would delay disbursal of soft-loans by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a government development body, which is reviewing the project next month, said two senior officials with the state-run Indian Railways, declining to be named. A JICA spokeswoman said that India must create relocation plans for local residents and make them public in order to enter into a loan agreement covering the main part of the bullet train project. "It is possible that it takes time to sign a contract as India takes proper and careful measures in line with JICA's guidelines for environmental and social considerations," she said. To assuage Japan's concerns, Indian officials have sought a meeting this month with transport ministry officials in Tokyo, one of the Indian officials said. India wants the project's completion target to be advanced by a year to 2022, the 75th year of India's independence. A Japanese transport ministry official who deals with the bullet train project said that Indian officials had told them that "they can manage" the land acquisition. "We will continue to work together with the Indian government to bring this project forward with an aim to start operation in 2023," the official said. 'NOT INSURMOUNTABLE' Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan. Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp, JFE Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba Corp and Hitachi are likely to supply at least 70 per cent of the core components of the rail line, sources told Reuters in January. Modi has called the project crucial for his pet "Make in India" campaign aimed at lifting the share of manufacturing in India's $2 trillion economy. The government also hopes to generate hundreds of jobs through the train project, and hence is pushing hard to finish it on time. To sweeten the terms for people opposed to selling their land, Indian Railways has put its weight behind NHSRCL, pledging funds from its own welfare scheme to build schools and community halls, one of the officials said. Ashwani Lohani, chairman of the Indian Railway Board, said the issues with farmers were not insurmountable. The government has offered to buy land at a 25 per cent premium to the market value, the two government officials said. Farmers are also being offered resettlement dues of 500,000 rupees ($7,409) or 50 per cent of the land value, whichever is higher. However, local political opposition in Palghar, ahead of a general election next year, has fanned the protests. Opponents say the bullet train is wasteful and the money would be better used upgrading the country's rickety rail infrastructure. Farmers have threatened a hunger strike. Last week, farmers and local activists disrupted a public hearing conducted by NHSRCL, its second attempt to hold such an event in less than a month. The first one last month was also cut short by protests. "In coming weeks, we will intensify the protests," said Nilam Gorhe, a spokesman for Shiv Sena, a regional party that has an on-off relationship with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Bullet train: India to miss December deadline to acquire land

A police sub-inspector has lodged a complaint against BJP MLA Narayan Kuche, accusing the legislator of abusing and threatening him over the phone during investigation of a case, the police said today. 
 
The complaint has been filed by sub-inspector Ashok Avchare, of the Ambad police station in Maharashtra's Jalna district. 
 
Mr Avchare was heading the investigation into the disappearance of one Bhausaheb Kisan Rathod, who went missing on June 7. A missing complaint was lodged with the Ambad police station. 
 
During the investigation, Mr Avchare came to know that Mr Rathod had borrowed&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;3 lakh from an agent of a sugar factory and was not repaying the amount, police said. 
 
Later, the agent reportedly asked Suresh Chavan, a support of Mr Kuche, to recover the money from Mr Rathod. Mr Chavan had been allegedly harassing Mr Rathod over the pending amount, they said. 
 
Mr Avachare called Mr Chavan for inquiry and told him he will register a complaint against him in connection with the disappearance of Mr Rathod, police said. 
 
Mr Chavan reportedly called Mr Kuche and told him about the likely police action. Mr Kuche then called Mr Avachare and allegedly threatened and abused him for trying to "implicate" Mr Chavan in the case, they said.

Mr Avachare also made an entry in the police dairy regarding the incident. He yesterday submitted a written complaint against the MLA from Badnapur constituency in the district to in-charge of the Ambad police station.

Additional Superintendent of Police Lata Phad confirmed the filing of complaint against the legislator. 
 
Ms Phad did not provide further details, saying she was still looking into the matter. Mr Kuche was not available for comment.

The complaint has been filed by sub-inspector Ashok Avchare, of the Ambad police station in Maharashtra's Jalna district

A police sub-inspector has lodged a complaint against BJP MLA Narayan Kuche, accusing the legislator of abusing and threatening him over the phone during investigation of a case, the police said today. The complaint has been filed by sub-inspector Ashok Avchare, of the Ambad police station in Maharashtra's Jalna district. Mr Avchare was heading the investigation into the disappearance of one Bhausaheb Kisan Rathod, who went missing on June 7. A missing complaint was lodged with the Ambad police station. During the investigation, Mr Avchare came to know that Mr Rathod had borrowed Rs. 3 lakh from an agent of a sugar factory and was not repaying the amount, police said. Later, the agent reportedly asked Suresh Chavan, a support of Mr Kuche, to recover the money from Mr Rathod. Mr Chavan had been allegedly harassing Mr Rathod over the pending amount, they said. Mr Avachare called Mr Chavan for inquiry and told him he will register a complaint against him in connection with the disappearance of Mr Rathod, police said. Mr Chavan reportedly called Mr Kuche and told him about the likely police action. Mr Kuche then called Mr Avachare and allegedly threatened and abused him for trying to "implicate" Mr Chavan in the case, they said. Mr Avachare also made an entry in the police dairy regarding the incident. He yesterday submitted a written complaint against the MLA from Badnapur constituency in the district to in-charge of the Ambad police station. Additional Superintendent of Police Lata Phad confirmed the filing of complaint against the legislator. Ms Phad did not provide further details, saying she was still looking into the matter. Mr Kuche was not available for comment.

BJP legislator accused Of abusing, threatening Maharashtra policeman

India&nbsp;is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project following protests by fruit growers, government officials said, likely delaying one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious projects.

Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week, as&nbsp;Indian officials seek to reassure Tokyo that the hurdles can be overcome through intense negotiations with sapota and mango growers in Maharashtra.

Protests, backed by local politicians, have flared up in recent months against attempts to secure sections of a 108-km stretch, which is around one-fifth of the entire bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the largest commercial city in Modi's home state Gujarat.

"I've worked hard for three decades to develop this plantation, and they are asking me to hand over this land," sapota farmer Dashrat Purav, 62, said as he showed his orchard in the town of Palghar, a three-hour-drive north of Mumbai.

"I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children."

Purav said he would sell his land only if at least one of his two unemployed sons was promised a government job.

Protests against land acquisitions are common in&nbsp;India, where tens of millions of farmers till small holdings. A planned $44 billion refinery to be run by a consortium including Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, is also struggling to secure land in Maharashtra.

"Land acquisition for any project is complex in&nbsp;India," said Dhananjay Kumar, spokesman for the National High-Speed Rail Corp Ltd (NHSRCL) that is overseeing the project. "Here also we are facing difficulty because of so much resistance."

Failure to procure the bullet train land by the deadline would delay disbursal of soft-loans by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a government development body, which is reviewing the project next month, said two senior officials with the state-run&nbsp;Indian Railways, declining to be named.

A JICA spokeswoman said that&nbsp;India&nbsp;must create&nbsp;relocation plans for local residents and make them public in order to enter into a loan agreement covering the main part of the bullet train project.

"It is possible that it takes time to sign a contract as&nbsp;India&nbsp;takes proper and careful measures in line with JICA's guidelines for environmental and social considerations," she said.

To assuage Japan's concerns,&nbsp;Indian officials have sought a meeting this month with transport ministry officials in Tokyo, one of the&nbsp;Indian officials said.&nbsp;India&nbsp;wants the project's completion target to be advanced by a year to 2022, the 75th year of&nbsp;India's independence.

A Japanese transport ministry official who deals with the bullet train project said that&nbsp;Indian officials had told them that "they can manage" the land acquisition.

"We will continue to work together with the&nbsp;Indian government to bring this project forward with an aim to start operation in 2023," the official said.

Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan. Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp, JFE Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba Corp and Hitachi are likely to supply at least 70 percent of the core components of the rail line, sources told Reuters in January.

Modi has called the project crucial for his pet "Make in&nbsp;India" campaign aimed at lifting the share of manufacturing in&nbsp;India's $2 trillion economy. The government also hopes to generate hundreds of jobs through the train project, and hence is pushing hard to finish it on time.

To sweeten the terms for people opposed to selling their land,&nbsp;Indian Railways has put its weight behind NHSRCL, pledging funds from its own welfare scheme to build schools and community halls, one of the officials said.

Ashwani Lohani, chairman of the&nbsp;Indian Railway Board, said the issues with farmers were not insurmountable.

The government has offered to buy land at a 25per centt premium to the market value, the two government officials said. Farmers are also being offered resettlement dues of 500,000 rupees ($7,409) or 50 percent of the land value, whichever is higher.

However, local political opposition in Palghar, ahead of a general election next year, has fanned the protests. Opponents say the bullet train is wasteful and the money would be better used upgrading the country's rickety rail infrastructure. Farmers have threatened a hunger strike.

Last week, farmers and local activists disrupted a public hearing conducted by NHSRCL, its second attempt to hold such an event in less than a month. The first one last month was also cut short by protests.

"In coming weeks, we will intensify the protests," said Nilam&nbsp;Gorhe, a spokesman for Shiv Sena, a regional party that has an on-off relationship with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

'I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children'

India is set to miss a December deadline to acquire land for a Japan-backed $17 billion bullet train project following protests by fruit growers, government officials said, likely delaying one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious projects. Modi's office is now monitoring the project week-to-week, as Indian officials seek to reassure Tokyo that the hurdles can be overcome through intense negotiations with sapota and mango growers in Maharashtra. Protests, backed by local politicians, have flared up in recent months against attempts to secure sections of a 108-km stretch, which is around one-fifth of the entire bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, the largest commercial city in Modi's home state Gujarat. "I've worked hard for three decades to develop this plantation, and they are asking me to hand over this land," sapota farmer Dashrat Purav, 62, said as he showed his orchard in the town of Palghar, a three-hour-drive north of Mumbai. "I haven't worked hard to surrender land for the project. I did that for my children." Purav said he would sell his land only if at least one of his two unemployed sons was promised a government job. Protests against land acquisitions are common in India, where tens of millions of farmers till small holdings. A planned $44 billion refinery to be run by a consortium including Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, is also struggling to secure land in Maharashtra. "Land acquisition for any project is complex in India," said Dhananjay Kumar, spokesman for the National High-Speed Rail Corp Ltd (NHSRCL) that is overseeing the project. "Here also we are facing difficulty because of so much resistance." Failure to procure the bullet train land by the deadline would delay disbursal of soft-loans by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a government development body, which is reviewing the project next month, said two senior officials with the state-run Indian Railways, declining to be named. A JICA spokeswoman said that India must create relocation plans for local residents and make them public in order to enter into a loan agreement covering the main part of the bullet train project. "It is possible that it takes time to sign a contract as India takes proper and careful measures in line with JICA's guidelines for environmental and social considerations," she said. To assuage Japan's concerns, Indian officials have sought a meeting this month with transport ministry officials in Tokyo, one of the Indian officials said. India wants the project's completion target to be advanced by a year to 2022, the 75th year of India's independence. A Japanese transport ministry official who deals with the bullet train project said that Indian officials had told them that "they can manage" the land acquisition. "We will continue to work together with the Indian government to bring this project forward with an aim to start operation in 2023," the official said. Japan is majority-funding the train project through a 50-year loan. Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp, JFE Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba Corp and Hitachi are likely to supply at least 70 percent of the core components of the rail line, sources told Reuters in January. Modi has called the project crucial for his pet "Make in India" campaign aimed at lifting the share of manufacturing in India's $2 trillion economy. The government also hopes to generate hundreds of jobs through the train project, and hence is pushing hard to finish it on time. To sweeten the terms for people opposed to selling their land, Indian Railways has put its weight behind NHSRCL, pledging funds from its own welfare scheme to build schools and community halls, one of the officials said. Ashwani Lohani, chairman of the Indian Railway Board, said the issues with farmers were not insurmountable. The government has offered to buy land at a 25per centt premium to the market value, the two government officials said. Farmers are also being offered resettlement dues of 500,000 rupees ($7,409) or 50 percent of the land value, whichever is higher. However, local political opposition in Palghar, ahead of a general election next year, has fanned the protests. Opponents say the bullet train is wasteful and the money would be better used upgrading the country's rickety rail infrastructure. Farmers have threatened a hunger strike. Last week, farmers and local activists disrupted a public hearing conducted by NHSRCL, its second attempt to hold such an event in less than a month. The first one last month was also cut short by protests. "In coming weeks, we will intensify the protests," said Nilam Gorhe, a spokesman for Shiv Sena, a regional party that has an on-off relationship with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

India set to miss key target for Japan-backed bullet train project

India's domestic sales for diesel and petrol rose to record highs in May, pushing the country's overall fuel consumption for the month higher year-on-year, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry showed&nbsp;on Saturday.

Fuel consumption, a proxy for oil demand, totalled 18.72 million tonnes last month, during which diesel sales soared to 7.55 million tonnes and petrol consumption climbed to 2.46 million tonnes - the highest monthly sales figures in PPAC data going back to April 1998.

India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, used 35.2 million tonnes of diesel during January to May this year, up 6 per cent from the corresponding period last year.

The country's monthly diesel sales have averaged 7.05 million tonnes in 2018, compared with a monthly average consumption of 6.6 million tonnes last year.

Sales of gasoline, or petrol, rose 7.6 per cent in May from April and are up 2 per cent from the same month last year. Monthly demand for petrol has averaged 2.27 million tonnes this year, up 7 per cent from the 2017 average of 2.12 million tonnes.

Diesel consumption growth during the calendar year of 2018 may be more than double from last year, analysts and traders told Reuters, aided by an expected regular monsoon that should boost demand for diesel used in harvesting, while the government targets massive infrastructure spending.

More than half of&nbsp;India's population is employed in the farm sector, which depends on diesel to fuel the pumps for land irrigation.

Higher domestic consumption in&nbsp;India, however, may cap the country's capacity to export diesel.

India's diesel exports during March to April this year were 3.79 million tonnes, down 22 per cent from 4.87 million tonnes of the industrial fuel exported during the same time last year.

Last month, petrol and diesel pump prices in&nbsp;India&nbsp;surged to record highs, raising pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to find a solution to provide relief to consumers without taking a hit on its finances.

The recent rise in global crude prices was largely behind the surge in domestic prices, but fuel is also heavily taxed by&nbsp;India's state and union authorities, accounting for about half the cost of petrol and 40 per cent of the diesel price.

India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, used 35.2 million tonnes of diesel during January to May this year, up 6 per cent from the corresponding period last year

India's domestic sales for diesel and petrol rose to record highs in May, pushing the country's overall fuel consumption for the month higher year-on-year, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry showed on Saturday. Fuel consumption, a proxy for oil demand, totalled 18.72 million tonnes last month, during which diesel sales soared to 7.55 million tonnes and petrol consumption climbed to 2.46 million tonnes - the highest monthly sales figures in PPAC data going back to April 1998. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, used 35.2 million tonnes of diesel during January to May this year, up 6 per cent from the corresponding period last year. The country's monthly diesel sales have averaged 7.05 million tonnes in 2018, compared with a monthly average consumption of 6.6 million tonnes last year. Sales of gasoline, or petrol, rose 7.6 per cent in May from April and are up 2 per cent from the same month last year. Monthly demand for petrol has averaged 2.27 million tonnes this year, up 7 per cent from the 2017 average of 2.12 million tonnes. Diesel consumption growth during the calendar year of 2018 may be more than double from last year, analysts and traders told Reuters, aided by an expected regular monsoon that should boost demand for diesel used in harvesting, while the government targets massive infrastructure spending. More than half of India's population is employed in the farm sector, which depends on diesel to fuel the pumps for land irrigation. Higher domestic consumption in India, however, may cap the country's capacity to export diesel. India's diesel exports during March to April this year were 3.79 million tonnes, down 22 per cent from 4.87 million tonnes of the industrial fuel exported during the same time last year. Last month, petrol and diesel pump prices in India surged to record highs, raising pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to find a solution to provide relief to consumers without taking a hit on its finances. The recent rise in global crude prices was largely behind the surge in domestic prices, but fuel is also heavily taxed by India's state and union authorities, accounting for about half the cost of petrol and 40 per cent of the diesel price.

India's petrol, diesel demand rise to record highs in May

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Congress party's OBC sammelan in Delhi's Talkatora stadium, the party chief said that no one in the BJP is allowed to speak and they are only asked to tow the line of these leaders.&nbsp;

"Everyone including MPs is afraid to speak. Most of them are not allowed to speak. And those of us who do speak, the BJP does not listen to. Only RSS is given a hearing," Rahul said. "Today, our nation has become a slave of 2-3 BJP leaders and RSS."

In an attempt to woo OBCs, Rahul said the Congress party has stood by the community for 70 years and will continue to work for their rights.&nbsp;

"You are India's strength. We will advance together with the Congress party," the Congress leader said.&nbsp;

"We will not give you just a little space. We will give you what is rightfully yours. We want to bring you to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Assembly," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

'Industrialists get loan waiver, farmers ignored'&nbsp;

Gandhi claimed Modi's government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others.

"People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore.&nbsp;

"Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.&nbsp;

Modi helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore, Rahul said

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS. Speaking at the Congress party's OBC sammelan in Delhi's Talkatora stadium, the party chief said that no one in the BJP is allowed to speak and they are only asked to tow the line of these leaders. "Everyone including MPs is afraid to speak. Most of them are not allowed to speak. And those of us who do speak, the BJP does not listen to. Only RSS is given a hearing," Rahul said. "Today, our nation has become a slave of 2-3 BJP leaders and RSS." In an attempt to woo OBCs, Rahul said the Congress party has stood by the community for 70 years and will continue to work for their rights. "You are India's strength. We will advance together with the Congress party," the Congress leader said. "We will not give you just a little space. We will give you what is rightfully yours. We want to bring you to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Assembly," Gandhi said. 'Industrialists get loan waiver, farmers ignored' Gandhi claimed Modi's government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others. "People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying. Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore. "Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said. He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.

India has become slave to some BJP leaders and RSS, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that his government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others.

"People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying.&nbsp

Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore.&nbsp

"Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said.&nbsp

He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.&nbsp

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that his government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others. "People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying. Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore. "Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said. He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.

Modi helps a small group of industrialists, ignores interests of farmers: Rahul Gandhi

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday trivialised the assassination threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the letter was being used to garner people`s sympathy, reports news agency ANI.

He said, "They say there was a threatening letter. I spoke to a retired police officer, who had worked for CID. He said there is no substance in the letter. The letter is being used to garner people`s sympathy."

Claiming that the people arrested for inciting the Bhima -Koregaon violence were innocent, Pawar said, "When like-minded people came together to organise Elgar Parishad, they were called Naxals and arrested. Everyone knows who executed the Bhima-Koregaon violence, but those who have no link with it were arrested. This is a misuse of power."

For the uninitiated, the Pune police told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in Rajiv Gandhi-type incident.

"Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party... Comrade Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj," the letter read."We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident," it added.

In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". The assassination plot`s revelation has generated reactions across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

Pune Police had told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the violence in Bhima-Koregaon, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in a Rajiv Gandhi-type incident

The Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday trivialised the assassination threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the letter was being used to garner people`s sympathy, reports news agency ANI. He said, "They say there was a threatening letter. I spoke to a retired police officer, who had worked for CID. He said there is no substance in the letter. The letter is being used to garner people`s sympathy." Claiming that the people arrested for inciting the Bhima -Koregaon violence were innocent, Pawar said, "When like-minded people came together to organise Elgar Parishad, they were called Naxals and arrested. Everyone knows who executed the Bhima-Koregaon violence, but those who have no link with it were arrested. This is a misuse of power." For the uninitiated, the Pune police told a court that they were in possession of a letter, seized from the residence of one of the five people who has been arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence, which talks about the assassination of Prime Minister Modi in Rajiv Gandhi-type incident. "Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party... Comrade Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj," the letter read."We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident," it added. In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". The assassination plot`s revelation has generated reactions across the political spectrum.

Modi assassination letter being used to garner public sympathy: Sharad Pawar

No official in the Prime Minister's Office has been designated to handle communication received for the 'Mann ki Baat' programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PMO has told the CIC, according to reports.

It also said a huge number of suggestions and grievances is received for Mann Ki Baat' from various sources which are forwarded to ministries and organisations concerned based on the contents and nature of communication.

Acording to news agency PTI, the information was provided during a hearing before Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur in a case where RTI applicant Aseem Takyar had sought to know from the PMO the information regarding &nbsp;Mann ki Baat' program like total number of video, audio and written messages received by the prime minister since its inception.

According to government website MyGov.In, people are asked to send their suggestions which could form part of the address by the prime minister in Mann ki Baat, a program started on All India Radio by Modi in which he addresses people over various issues touching their routine lives.&nbsp;

So far, 44 episodes of these speeches have been broadcast by AIR with the latest one being aired on May 27, according to the website of Akashwani, the state broadcaster.

Not satisfied with the response from the PMO, Takyar approached the Commission seeking disclosure of information.

The PMO official told Mathur that the information sought is not maintained in compiled form but scattered over various documents.&nbsp;

Putting together, this information will require sifting of voluminous data which will disproportionally divert the resources of the office from the normal discharge of its functions and attract the provisions of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, he said.

There are no designated officials to handle communication received under Mann Ki Baat' in PMO, Mathur noted in his order citing submissions of the PMO official.

Agreeing with the response furnished by the PMO, the CIC said the action and steps taken by the respondent in giving response to the RTI application is satisfactory and refused to intervene in the matter.&nbsp;

So far, 44 episodes of these speeches have been broadcast by AIR with the latest one being aired on May 27, according to the website of Akashwani, the state broadcaster.

No official in the Prime Minister's Office has been designated to handle communication received for the 'Mann ki Baat' programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PMO has told the CIC, according to reports. It also said a huge number of suggestions and grievances is received for Mann Ki Baat' from various sources which are forwarded to ministries and organisations concerned based on the contents and nature of communication. Acording to news agency PTI, the information was provided during a hearing before Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur in a case where RTI applicant Aseem Takyar had sought to know from the PMO the information regarding Mann ki Baat' program like total number of video, audio and written messages received by the prime minister since its inception. According to government website MyGov.In, people are asked to send their suggestions which could form part of the address by the prime minister in Mann ki Baat, a program started on All India Radio by Modi in which he addresses people over various issues touching their routine lives. So far, 44 episodes of these speeches have been broadcast by AIR with the latest one being aired on May 27, according to the website of Akashwani, the state broadcaster. Not satisfied with the response from the PMO, Takyar approached the Commission seeking disclosure of information. The PMO official told Mathur that the information sought is not maintained in compiled form but scattered over various documents. Putting together, this information will require sifting of voluminous data which will disproportionally divert the resources of the office from the normal discharge of its functions and attract the provisions of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, he said. There are no designated officials to handle communication received under Mann Ki Baat' in PMO, Mathur noted in his order citing submissions of the PMO official. Agreeing with the response furnished by the PMO, the CIC said the action and steps taken by the respondent in giving response to the RTI application is satisfactory and refused to intervene in the matter.

No designated officials in PMO for handling 'Mann Ki Baat' communication, CIC told

The RSS may project former president Pranab Mukherjee as a prime ministerial candidate if the BJP falls short of a majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and other parties refuse to back Narendra Modi for the post, news agency PTI reported quoting Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut&nbsp;on Sunday.

His speculation was, however, refuted by Mukherjee's daughter, who said her father had no plans to return to active politics.

The Sena leader further said the RSS's agenda behind inviting Mukherjee as the chief guest to one of its event, held in Nagpur on June 7, would only be clear after the 2019 general elections.

"The scenario prevalent in the country is such that the BJP will not win a majority in 2019. If there is a fractured mandate and other parties do not support Modi, Mukherjee will be projected as a prime ministerial candidate, who will be acceptable to all," Raut told PTI.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Sena leader's statement, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted: "Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again."

Raut said Mukherjee, during his address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, was expected to speak on serious issues plaguing the country since the former president is also an economist.

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Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again <a href="https://t.co/WJmmZx5g1y">https://t.co/WJmmZx5g1y</a>
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sharmistha_GK/status/1005727343497789440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Pranab Mukherjee did not speak on serious issues plaguing the country. He also did not talk about the unrest in the judiciary. The government has been ineffective on the issues of price rise and unemployment. He did not mention these issues. As an economist, he was expected to speak on them," he added.

The former president's decision to address the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) "Shiksha Varg" and attend the organisation's drill on June 7 did not go down well with the Congress leaders initially, though the party, later, lauded Mukherjee's speech.

'After retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again,' Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted

The RSS may project former president Pranab Mukherjee as a prime ministerial candidate if the BJP falls short of a majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and other parties refuse to back Narendra Modi for the post, news agency PTI reported quoting Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday. His speculation was, however, refuted by Mukherjee's daughter, who said her father had no plans to return to active politics. The Sena leader further said the RSS's agenda behind inviting Mukherjee as the chief guest to one of its event, held in Nagpur on June 7, would only be clear after the 2019 general elections. "The scenario prevalent in the country is such that the BJP will not win a majority in 2019. If there is a fractured mandate and other parties do not support Modi, Mukherjee will be projected as a prime ministerial candidate, who will be acceptable to all," Raut told PTI. Meanwhile, reacting to the Sena leader's statement, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted: "Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again." Raut said Mukherjee, during his address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, was expected to speak on serious issues plaguing the country since the former president is also an economist. Mr. Raut, after retiring as President of India, my father is NOT going to enter into active politics again https://t.co/WJmmZx5g1y — Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 10, 2018 × "Pranab Mukherjee did not speak on serious issues plaguing the country. He also did not talk about the unrest in the judiciary. The government has been ineffective on the issues of price rise and unemployment. He did not mention these issues. As an economist, he was expected to speak on them," he added. The former president's decision to address the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) "Shiksha Varg" and attend the organisation's drill on June 7 did not go down well with the Congress leaders initially, though the party, later, lauded Mukherjee's speech.

Shiv Sena says RSS may project Pranab as PM candidate in 2019, his daughter says no

China and India on Saturday settled a dispute over the flood-prone Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet to Bangladesh in a sign of growing cooperation between them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

"Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi said on Twitter, as the two countries try to reset troubled ties months after a border standoff.

The SCO, launched in 2001 mainly to combat radical Islam and other security concerns across Central Asia, added traditional rivals India and Pakistan as members last year.

Under two deals signed on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Saturday, China will share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra river and amend certain requirements on Indian exports of rice other than the premium Basmati variety to China, India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, said on Twitter.

India said last year that China had not stuck to an agreement to share hydrological data, or scientific information on the movement, distribution and quality of water for the Brahmaputra river. China had cited "technological" reasons.

New Delhi has also been concerned about the rising trade deficit with China, and has sought greater access to the world's second-largest economy for products such as rice, rapeseed, soybeans and sugar.

India's trade gap with China has widened to $51 billion, a nine-fold increase over the past decade.

The rice deal should help India finally crack the market in China, the world's biggest buyer of the commodity, traders said.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that China will buy 6.4 million tonnes of rice in 2018, while India will export a total of 11.9 million tonnes.

"Despite competitive prices, India was unable to export rice to China due to their phytosanitary norms," said a New Delhi based dealer with a global trading firm, referring to food standards as well as animal and plant hygiene.

"As the norms are going to change, India can easily export more than 1 million tonnes rice every year to China."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

China and India on Saturday settled a dispute over the flood-prone Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet to Bangladesh in a sign of growing cooperation between them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi said on Twitter, as the two countries try to reset troubled ties months after a border standoff. The SCO, launched in 2001 mainly to combat radical Islam and other security concerns across Central Asia, added traditional rivals India and Pakistan as members last year. Under two deals signed on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Saturday, China will share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra river and amend certain requirements on Indian exports of rice other than the premium Basmati variety to China, India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, said on Twitter. India said last year that China had not stuck to an agreement to share hydrological data, or scientific information on the movement, distribution and quality of water for the Brahmaputra river. China had cited "technological" reasons. New Delhi has also been concerned about the rising trade deficit with China, and has sought greater access to the world's second-largest economy for products such as rice, rapeseed, soybeans and sugar. India's trade gap with China has widened to $51 billion, a nine-fold increase over the past decade. The rice deal should help India finally crack the market in China, the world's biggest buyer of the commodity, traders said. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that China will buy 6.4 million tonnes of rice in 2018, while India will export a total of 11.9 million tonnes. "Despite competitive prices, India was unable to export rice to China due to their phytosanitary norms," said a New Delhi based dealer with a global trading firm, referring to food standards as well as animal and plant hygiene. "As the norms are going to change, India can easily export more than 1 million tonnes rice every year to China."

India strikes river, rice deals with China as relations thaw

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday.

The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports.

Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship.

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One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary <a href="https://t.co/CdwKCMeMZi">pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi</a>
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Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019.

He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

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It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres <a href="https://t.co/zBhGwk38Bo">pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo</a>
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&nbsp

Date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday. The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports. Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship. One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019. He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided. Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 ×

Chinese President Xi accepts Modi's invitation for informal summit in India in 2019

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-says-his-meeting-with-xi-will-add-further-vigour-to-india-china-ties--143318">Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">18 flights diverted as </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">dust</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313"> storm, light rain hit Delhi</a>

As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-to-leave-g7-early-missing-environmental-talks-143323">Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks</a>

US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/19-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-base-officials-143311">19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials</a>

At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-discuss-exchange-of-prisoners-kremlin-143320">Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin</a>

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

 
&nbsp

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. 18 flights diverted as dust storm, light rain hit Delhi As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported. Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs. 19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week. Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

News brief: Read big stories of the day

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades.

Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states.

"We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi.

Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened."

"'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said.

The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back.

The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly.

Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues.

Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul.&nbsp;

The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said.

"We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said.

The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said.

It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them.

The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.&nbsp;

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades. Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states. "We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi. Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened." "'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said. The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back. The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly. Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues. Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul. The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said. "We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said. The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said. It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them. The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.

Amit Shah mocks Rahul, says lucky that he got such opposition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues.&nbsp;

"Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations.

An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks.&nbsp;

"Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted.

The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff.

After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future.

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Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> Informal Summit, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a> on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/8fOGULpnLS">pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS</a>
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The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations.

Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years.

Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit.

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Following PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice <a href="https://t.co/a9dg0Lu4pJ">pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005419392782426114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.

China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode.

Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century.

The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China.

China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week.&nbsp;

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year.

The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.&nbsp;

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues. "Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations. An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks. "Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted. The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff. After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future. Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the #Wuhan Informal Summit, PM @narendramodi had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President #XiJinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. #IndiainSCO #SCOSummit pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years. Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit. Following PM @narendramodi meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership. China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28. However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode. Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China. China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties

Opposition in Maharashtra questioned the government's claim of a Maoist conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a possible attempt to divert attention or gain sympathy.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to "gain sympathy".

"It needs to be investigated whether this info is correct or not and this is also true that Mr Modi is habitual of spreading such false info to gain sympathy particularly when his popularity declines," Nirupam said on Twitter.

Pune police, who have arrested five persons for alleged Maoist links, yesterday claimed that ultras were planning to target the prime minister.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that claims of the existence of such a conspiracy appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the main issues related to the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune district earlier this year.

Police should have investigated the matter before seeking remand of the accused citing the alleged conspiracy, he said.

"The information should have been probed first instead of citing it as a ground to seek remand. It goes on to show that there is an attempt to do a publicity stunt," the NCP leader alleged.

A letter found in the house of Delhi-resident Rona Wilson, arrested for alleged Maoist "links", talks about the ultras mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Modi should be targeted during his road shows, according to the Pune police.

Wilson was among five people arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in Pune in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to 'gain sympathy'

Opposition in Maharashtra questioned the government's claim of a Maoist conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a possible attempt to divert attention or gain sympathy. Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to "gain sympathy". "It needs to be investigated whether this info is correct or not and this is also true that Mr Modi is habitual of spreading such false info to gain sympathy particularly when his popularity declines," Nirupam said on Twitter. Pune police, who have arrested five persons for alleged Maoist links, yesterday claimed that ultras were planning to target the prime minister. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that claims of the existence of such a conspiracy appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the main issues related to the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune district earlier this year. Police should have investigated the matter before seeking remand of the accused citing the alleged conspiracy, he said. "The information should have been probed first instead of citing it as a ground to seek remand. It goes on to show that there is an attempt to do a publicity stunt," the NCP leader alleged. A letter found in the house of Delhi-resident Rona Wilson, arrested for alleged Maoist "links", talks about the ultras mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Modi should be targeted during his road shows, according to the Pune police. Wilson was among five people arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in Pune in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence.

Claims of Maoist conspiracy could be diversionary tactic: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in the delegation-level talks with other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at Anren Hall in China's Qingdao city on the sidelines of the summit.

The SCO summit is scheduled to take place on Sunday where talks regarding terrorism and security are expected to be focused upon.

This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met General Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov.

Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city, where the two leaders took stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan.

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India and China signed agreements in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and President of China Xi Jinping in China's Qingdao. <a href="https://t.co/eRT5MI2v36">pic.twitter.com/eRT5MI2v36</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005408540729618432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held a bilateral meeting with him on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Qingdao. <a href="https://t.co/6Vn0k8M0le">pic.twitter.com/6Vn0k8M0le</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005409185037631490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations.

The declaration is expected to contain details for creating significant mechanisms to resist terror activities around the globe.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The SCO summit is scheduled to take place on Sunday where talks regarding terrorism and security are expected to be focused upon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday participated in the delegation-level talks with other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at Anren Hall in China's Qingdao city on the sidelines of the summit. The SCO summit is scheduled to take place on Sunday where talks regarding terrorism and security are expected to be focused upon. This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met General Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov. Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city, where the two leaders took stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan. India and China signed agreements in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and President of China Xi Jinping in China's Qingdao. pic.twitter.com/eRT5MI2v36 — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. PM Narendra Modi met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held a bilateral meeting with him on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Qingdao. pic.twitter.com/6Vn0k8M0le — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations. The declaration is expected to contain details for creating significant mechanisms to resist terror activities around the globe.

PM Modi participates in delegation-level talks at Qingdao

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with&nbspChinese President Xi Jinping soon after his arrival in this port city, where the two leaders are to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit&nbspwhich will explore concrete ways to bolster cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation besides deliberating on pressing global issues.

Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI.

The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers.

Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the Wuhan informal summit, official sources said.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries.&nbsp

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with&nbspChinese President Xi Jinping soon after his arrival in this port city, where the two leaders are to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan. The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit&nbspwhich will explore concrete ways to bolster cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation besides deliberating on pressing global issues. Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI. The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers. Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the Wuhan informal summit, official sources said. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

PM Modi meets Chinese President Xi on the sidelines of SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in China on Saturday&nbsp;on a two-day visit to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit where India is likely to pitch for concerted regional and global action against terror networks and favour effective connectivity links to boost trade.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the eight-member group's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Hours after his arrival in this central port city, Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping&nbsp;during which the two leaders are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation.

The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in central China's Wuhan city during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers.

In&nbsp;tomorrow's&nbsp;meeting, Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the informal summit.

About the SCO summit, officials said India will pitch for evolving effective ways to deal with the growing challenge of terrorism and enhancing security cooperation among SCO countries.

India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.&nbsp;

The officials said India is also likely to focus on the importance of regional connectivity projects to boost trade among members of the SCO countries.

India has been strongly pushing for connectivity projects like the Chabahar port project and International North-South Transport Corridor to gain access to resource-rich Central Asian countries.

Sources indicated that India's focus would be to include its concerns over cross-border terrorism in the final outcome document.

India has been raising the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in various multilateral forums with an aim to build pressure on Islamabad to dismantle the terror infrastructure operating from that country.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China.

Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the informal summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in China on Saturday on a two-day visit to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit where India is likely to pitch for concerted regional and global action against terror networks and favour effective connectivity links to boost trade. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the eight-member group's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Hours after his arrival in this central port city, Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which the two leaders are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation. The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in central China's Wuhan city during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers. In tomorrow's meeting, Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the informal summit. About the SCO summit, officials said India will pitch for evolving effective ways to deal with the growing challenge of terrorism and enhancing security cooperation among SCO countries. India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The officials said India is also likely to focus on the importance of regional connectivity projects to boost trade among members of the SCO countries. India has been strongly pushing for connectivity projects like the Chabahar port project and International North-South Transport Corridor to gain access to resource-rich Central Asian countries. Sources indicated that India's focus would be to include its concerns over cross-border terrorism in the final outcome document. India has been raising the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in various multilateral forums with an aim to build pressure on Islamabad to dismantle the terror infrastructure operating from that country. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China.

PM Modi to attend SCO summit tomorrow; terror, trade on agenda

Indian bonds rallied on Friday on optimism that the government will soon take steps to ease a jump in bond yields after word spread that the interim finance minister had met a handful of bankers and analysts to seek feedback on the economy.

In the meeting held late on Thursday, Piyush Goyal allayed concerns around India's fiscal deficit and rising inflation, and sought feedback on massive losses in banks' bond holdings, two participants who attended the meeting told Reuters.

Goyal wanted to know ways in which the government could help banks reduce the trading losses on their bond portfolios due to soaring yields, one of the participants said.

Some of the suggestions from the participants included issuance of floating rate bonds and bond buybacks by the government, he said.

Indian bonds have weakened to multi-year lows as global oil prices surged, causing yields to spike above 8 per cent.

The benchmark 10-year bond yield opened at a three-year high of 8.033 per cent on Friday, on worries over further rate hikes and a potentially higher fiscal deficit. However, by 0750 GMT the yield had eased to 7.92 percent.

On Wednesday, the country's central bank raised its key policy rate for the first time in four years, citing growing inflation worries due to a steep spike in oil prices and a weakening rupee.

The hike - the first since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power - could not have come at a worse time for a government grappling with spending constraints, voter discontent in the rural heartlands and rising oil prices.

Goyal assured the government would stick to its fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent, responding to concerns over fiscal slippage ahead of an election year, according to one of the participants.

The minister also said that the government's proposed plan to buy food grains at a minimum price from farmers would not be inflationary.

Goyal, who is currently the railway minister, has taken additional charge of the finance ministry temporarily until Arun Jaitley recovers after undergoing a kidney transplant.

"He was just seeking feedback and we do not know whether the government will implement any of these steps or not," another participant at the meeting told Reuters.

Piyush Goyal allayed concerns around India's fiscal deficit and rising inflation

Indian bonds rallied on Friday on optimism that the government will soon take steps to ease a jump in bond yields after word spread that the interim finance minister had met a handful of bankers and analysts to seek feedback on the economy. In the meeting held late on Thursday, Piyush Goyal allayed concerns around India's fiscal deficit and rising inflation, and sought feedback on massive losses in banks' bond holdings, two participants who attended the meeting told Reuters. Goyal wanted to know ways in which the government could help banks reduce the trading losses on their bond portfolios due to soaring yields, one of the participants said. Some of the suggestions from the participants included issuance of floating rate bonds and bond buybacks by the government, he said. Indian bonds have weakened to multi-year lows as global oil prices surged, causing yields to spike above 8 per cent. The benchmark 10-year bond yield opened at a three-year high of 8.033 per cent on Friday, on worries over further rate hikes and a potentially higher fiscal deficit. However, by 0750 GMT the yield had eased to 7.92 percent. On Wednesday, the country's central bank raised its key policy rate for the first time in four years, citing growing inflation worries due to a steep spike in oil prices and a weakening rupee. The hike - the first since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power - could not have come at a worse time for a government grappling with spending constraints, voter discontent in the rural heartlands and rising oil prices. Goyal assured the government would stick to its fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent, responding to concerns over fiscal slippage ahead of an election year, according to one of the participants. The minister also said that the government's proposed plan to buy food grains at a minimum price from farmers would not be inflationary. Goyal, who is currently the railway minister, has taken additional charge of the finance ministry temporarily until Arun Jaitley recovers after undergoing a kidney transplant. "He was just seeking feedback and we do not know whether the government will implement any of these steps or not," another participant at the meeting told Reuters.

Indian bonds rally on hopes government will bolster markets

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the SCO Summit during which they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China.

The bilateral meeting with President Xi would take place on June 9, while meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao were being finalised, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here.

Officials have said Modi and Xi are expected to take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at their informal summit in Wuhan.

Among other issues, the SCO summit is expected to focus on opportunities for cooperation among the member countries and the situation in the region, Kumar said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend the summit.

Modi had last month met Putin in an informal summit in Sochi.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year, and are participating as full members for the first time.

Kumar, while talking to reporters after the briefing, said China appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore last week.

This was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week, he said.

This was also conveyed by China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in a meeting held here, Kumar said.

In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Modi said Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests.&nbsp

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the SCO Summit during which they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China. The bilateral meeting with President Xi would take place on June 9, while meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao were being finalised, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here. Officials have said Modi and Xi are expected to take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at their informal summit in Wuhan. Among other issues, the SCO summit is expected to focus on opportunities for cooperation among the member countries and the situation in the region, Kumar said. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend the summit. Modi had last month met Putin in an informal summit in Sochi. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year, and are participating as full members for the first time. Kumar, while talking to reporters after the briefing, said China appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore last week. This was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week, he said. This was also conveyed by China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in a meeting held here, Kumar said. In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Modi said Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests.

PM Modi to meet Xi on SCO Summit sidelines in China

A resort island off Singapore that once housed a prisoner of war camp run by wartime Japanese forces and was called "Rear&nbsp;Death&nbsp;Island" is the&nbsp;venue&nbsp;for Tuesday's summit&nbsp;between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The island is now called Sentosa, or Peace and Tranquility, and the two leaders will meet in the Capella hotel, a refurbished British Royal Artillery mess, where, according to legend, there may be silver&nbsp;buried&nbsp;under the lawn.

There were few tourists at the Capella on Wednesday but police, other security personnel and workers were thronging the luxury sprawling hotel to prepare for the meeting that is set to start in six days time.

The hotel is honouring existing guest reservations for now but no new bookings were being accepted.

While Singapore has hosted major&nbsp;summits in the past, none have been held on Sentosa, better known for its beaches, hotels, a casino and a Universal Studios theme park.

"That means having to plan the security strategy from scratch," said Toby Koh, group managing director at Ademco Security Group, which provides security systems to businesses in several Asian countries.

Koh is not involved in security for the&nbsp;summit.

The United States and North Korea are technically still at war, being the signatories along with China of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump has indicated he would try to sign a document that formally ends the war.

Singapore has declared all of Sentosa island a "special event area" for the Trump-Kim&nbsp;summit, which means it will be subject to enhanced security checks, potentially slowing the movement of traffic, and banning the use of loudspeakers and drones.

Even though hotels and other establishments on the island was bracing for disruptions for several days next week, the government agency that handles its management said it would be "business as usual."

But those who live in the multi-million dollar homes on the island, linked to Singapore by a causeway, monorail and cable car, were braced for delays.

"Sentosa has only one entrance and if the entrance is blocked completely, it will definitely be a major inconvenience," said Patricia Siswandjo, a Sentosa resident.

Once a graveyard and named Pulau Belakang Mati, which roughly means "Rear&nbsp;Death&nbsp;Island" in Malay, it was developed as a tourist attraction in the 1970s, when it was enlarged through land reclamation.

Under the Lawn

Included in the Capella are two colonial-era bungalows that used to accommodate British artillery officers and was also their regimental mess. According to the hotel's website, the officers&nbsp;buriedthe regimental silver in front of the mess before the Japanese invasion.

Part of the silver was recovered from Malaysia in later years "but the whereabouts of the rest is still unknown, and possibly still lying under the lawn", the website said.

Today the Capella is a part of real estate development company called Pontiac Land Group, which is owned by Singapore's billionaire Kwee family that bought the brand from former Ritz Carlton president Horst Schulze last year.

It has 112 rooms, suites, villas and manors, including the three-bedroom colonial manor, which goes for 10,000 Singapore dollars ($7,500) a night. The grounds have three pools, tennis courts and a spa.

Although no announcements have been made, the leaders are unlikely to stay on Sentosa.

Singapore has designated a separate area near its main downtown district as another special event zone, which has several luxury hotels, which could house the two delegations.

The Orchard Road district also has most major embassies, the Interpol regional office, condominiums, high-end shops and malls and some seedy bars and massage parlours.

The Orchard Towers, a short stroll from some of the major hotels that have been mentioned as possible&nbsp;venues to host Trump and Kim, is home to the embassies of Cambodia and Romania but also a series of establishments with names such as "Naughty Girl" and "Top 5" that come to life after dark.

Not far from there is the Shangri-La Hotel, the site for the historic and only meeting between China's President Xi Jinping and then-Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou in 2015.

Last weekend, the hotel hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other defence ministers for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue and local media have said it could be where Trump stays.

Security will be the biggest priority for Singapore, ranked one of the safest countries in the world, but which has been stepping up efforts to deter terrorism in recent years.

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state.

"Because of the unique sensitivities and peculiarities of the&nbsp;summit, almost anything unpredictable could possibly affect the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;itself," Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow, at the S&nbsp;Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said.

A resort island off Singapore that once housed a prisoner of war camp run by wartime Japanese forces and was called "Rear Death Island" is the venue for Tuesday's summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

A resort island off Singapore that once housed a prisoner of war camp run by wartime Japanese forces and was called "Rear Death Island" is the venue for Tuesday's summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The island is now called Sentosa, or Peace and Tranquility, and the two leaders will meet in the Capella hotel, a refurbished British Royal Artillery mess, where, according to legend, there may be silver buried under the lawn. There were few tourists at the Capella on Wednesday but police, other security personnel and workers were thronging the luxury sprawling hotel to prepare for the meeting that is set to start in six days time. The hotel is honouring existing guest reservations for now but no new bookings were being accepted. While Singapore has hosted major summits in the past, none have been held on Sentosa, better known for its beaches, hotels, a casino and a Universal Studios theme park. "That means having to plan the security strategy from scratch," said Toby Koh, group managing director at Ademco Security Group, which provides security systems to businesses in several Asian countries. Koh is not involved in security for the summit. The United States and North Korea are technically still at war, being the signatories along with China of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump has indicated he would try to sign a document that formally ends the war. Singapore has declared all of Sentosa island a "special event area" for the Trump-Kim summit, which means it will be subject to enhanced security checks, potentially slowing the movement of traffic, and banning the use of loudspeakers and drones. Even though hotels and other establishments on the island was bracing for disruptions for several days next week, the government agency that handles its management said it would be "business as usual." But those who live in the multi-million dollar homes on the island, linked to Singapore by a causeway, monorail and cable car, were braced for delays. "Sentosa has only one entrance and if the entrance is blocked completely, it will definitely be a major inconvenience," said Patricia Siswandjo, a Sentosa resident. Once a graveyard and named Pulau Belakang Mati, which roughly means "Rear Death Island" in Malay, it was developed as a tourist attraction in the 1970s, when it was enlarged through land reclamation. Under the Lawn Included in the Capella are two colonial-era bungalows that used to accommodate British artillery officers and was also their regimental mess. According to the hotel's website, the officers buriedthe regimental silver in front of the mess before the Japanese invasion. Part of the silver was recovered from Malaysia in later years "but the whereabouts of the rest is still unknown, and possibly still lying under the lawn", the website said. Today the Capella is a part of real estate development company called Pontiac Land Group, which is owned by Singapore's billionaire Kwee family that bought the brand from former Ritz Carlton president Horst Schulze last year. It has 112 rooms, suites, villas and manors, including the three-bedroom colonial manor, which goes for 10,000 Singapore dollars ($7,500) a night. The grounds have three pools, tennis courts and a spa. Although no announcements have been made, the leaders are unlikely to stay on Sentosa. Singapore has designated a separate area near its main downtown district as another special event zone, which has several luxury hotels, which could house the two delegations. The Orchard Road district also has most major embassies, the Interpol regional office, condominiums, high-end shops and malls and some seedy bars and massage parlours. The Orchard Towers, a short stroll from some of the major hotels that have been mentioned as possible venues to host Trump and Kim, is home to the embassies of Cambodia and Romania but also a series of establishments with names such as "Naughty Girl" and "Top 5" that come to life after dark. Not far from there is the Shangri-La Hotel, the site for the historic and only meeting between China's President Xi Jinping and then-Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou in 2015. Last weekend, the hotel hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other defence ministers for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue and local media have said it could be where Trump stays. Security will be the biggest priority for Singapore, ranked one of the safest countries in the world, but which has been stepping up efforts to deter terrorism in recent years. While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. "Because of the unique sensitivities and peculiarities of the summit, almost anything unpredictable could possibly affect the summit itself," Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow, at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said.

Death, POWs and buried silver: Chequered history of Trump-Kim summit venue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government is taking several steps to promote young entrepreneurs in the country, adding that startups are no longer confined to big cities.

Smaller towns and villages too are emerging as vibrant startup centres, the Prime Minister said while interacting with young entrepreneurs from across the country, including cities like Dehradun, Guwahati and Raipur.&nbsp;

He also said that along with Make in India, Design in India too is important for startups.&nbsp;

"Adequate capital, courage and connecting with people are required for excelling in the startup sector," he said.&nbsp;

Modi added that there was a time when startups meant only digital and technology innovation but now things are changing and we are seeing startups in various other fields, including agriculture.&nbsp;

"We have started an Agriculture Grand Challenge. We invite more youngsters to ideate on how to transform our agriculture sector," he added.

The government has launched the Startup India Action Plan to promote budding entrepreneurs in the country. The plan is aimed at giving incentives such as tax holiday, inspector raj-free regime and capital gains tax exemption, Modi said.

"Our startups are growth engines. Today's big companies were startups at some point. I urge the people of India to keep innovating," he added.

He also said that the youth in India is now creating jobs and the government is committed to harnessing the demographic dividend.&nbsp;

Commenting on the issue of fund availability for startups, Modi said the government has created a Rs 10,000 crore Fund of Funds.&nbsp;

He also said startups can sell their products to the government and it has eased public procurement norms for them.

India has distinguished itself in the global startup ecosystem, the Prime Minister added.

He also said that along with Make in India, Design in India too is important for startups

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government is taking several steps to promote young entrepreneurs in the country, adding that startups are no longer confined to big cities. Smaller towns and villages too are emerging as vibrant startup centres, the Prime Minister said while interacting with young entrepreneurs from across the country, including cities like Dehradun, Guwahati and Raipur. He also said that along with Make in India, Design in India too is important for startups. "Adequate capital, courage and connecting with people are required for excelling in the startup sector," he said. Modi added that there was a time when startups meant only digital and technology innovation but now things are changing and we are seeing startups in various other fields, including agriculture. "We have started an Agriculture Grand Challenge. We invite more youngsters to ideate on how to transform our agriculture sector," he added. The government has launched the Startup India Action Plan to promote budding entrepreneurs in the country. The plan is aimed at giving incentives such as tax holiday, inspector raj-free regime and capital gains tax exemption, Modi said. "Our startups are growth engines. Today's big companies were startups at some point. I urge the people of India to keep innovating," he added. He also said that the youth in India is now creating jobs and the government is committed to harnessing the demographic dividend. Commenting on the issue of fund availability for startups, Modi said the government has created a Rs 10,000 crore Fund of Funds. He also said startups can sell their products to the government and it has eased public procurement norms for them. India has distinguished itself in the global startup ecosystem, the Prime Minister added.

Government has eased norms, provided funds to promote startups: PM

The Congress is more capable than the BJP in building alliances and collaborating with parties, Rashtriya Lok Dal Vice President Jayant Chaudhary has said, asserting that the Rahul Gandhi-led party can play a key role in forging an opposition coalition for the 2019 polls.

Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, triumphed last week over her BJP rival in Kairana to become the first Muslim face from Uttar Pradesh in the 16th Lok Sabha.

Her victory also gave RLD, its first representative in the current Lok Sabha after the party drew a blank in the 2014 general election.

In an interview to PTI, Chaudhary said the BJP wants to make the 2019 polls a battle of personalities, but the opposition wants to project issues rather than a personality to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"They (the BJP) have built a personality cult around Modi and now they expect the opposition to also thrust upon the nation a similar figure so that the two can sort of take each other on," the 39-year-old leader said.

Chaudhary, who is the son of RLD chief Ajit Singh and the grandson of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, said there was more talent in the opposition ranks and more freedom to express than in the BJP.

"So, I think going into 2019, I am not sure there will be an understanding of who's on top and who's at the bottom (of the opposition alliance), but we will be working together. That is important for the country," he asserted.

Asked if Congress being a pan-India party could be the pivot of the opposition alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "Congress today is the largest opposition party and they have an organisation in most states of the country that is still strong.

"... I see a good story emerging. Congress can definitely play that role. They can cooperate and collaborate more effectively than the BJP."

He said that due to the manner in which the BJP has dealt with its own allies, the saffron party's alliance partners were either breaking away or speaking very openly against it.

"So, the Congress has an opportunity here to try and make new relationships with these partners as well," he said.

Asked if the Congress was more capable of building alliances and working in unison with parties in an alliance, Chaudhary said, "That's my perception, (and) that is the perception of a lot of people in the political system."

Chaudhary, whose party RLD has been in an alliance with the BJP in the past, also alleged that there was arrogance that had crept into the BJP and it was no longer 'the party with a difference'.

"They (the BJP) have shown that they are willing to grab power at any cost. So I think these are all signals and they are very threatening to smaller parties, to regional parties, to anyone who believes that there needs to be cooperation, so that's why I think that there is a mindset now that's been developed in the opposition parties at least that the BJP is a complete no," he said.

The BJP leads the NDA coalition at the Centre. The Telugu Desam Party recently quit the NDA, while the Shiv Sena has been critical of the BJP over several issues.

Chaudhary also asserted that if the alliance between his party, the SP, the BSP and the Congress in UP takes shape, it would help the Congress in states where it is involved in a direct contest with the BJP.

"I think ultimately it (the alliance in UP) will help Congress in the states where it is taking on the BJP, there numbers will go up... If Congress takes us along and tells us that lets work together in other states as well, some of these opposition leaders will be very willing to do that," the former MP said.

Acknowledging that seat sharing would not be easy for the grand alliance in UP, he said the "social coalition" formed was more important than just simple political arithmetic or simple political coalition.

"So, to sustain that social coalition, if political parties have to forego their own interest and work together, I think we should do it," Chaudhary said.

Talking about the Kairana bypoll win, he said it was basically a message to political parties that the alliance was also the people's will.

"It was a negative vote against BJP. It was also a positive vote for the opposition working together. Going forward it is this public opinion and these good results that will perhaps act as the glue for cementing the alliance," Chaudhary said.

The united opposition victory in Kairana follows the BJP defeats in the Lok Sabha bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March, and come just a year before the general election.

Talking about his 'Ganna not Jinnah' campaign in Kairana, he said the campaign based around the farmer identity was able to trump the religious identity model.

"It is a strong signal that going forward also the antagonistic tone that the BJP has employed in many elections, the Hindu-Muslim rhetoric, it may not work," Chaudhary said.

Asserting that alliances are here to stay, he said the reason he feels the alliance in UP would continue was because it has tasted success. 
"When you win an election, there is pressure from your workers, there is pressure from the voters to continue," Chaudhary said.

Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year

The Congress is more capable than the BJP in building alliances and collaborating with parties, Rashtriya Lok Dal Vice President Jayant Chaudhary has said, asserting that the Rahul Gandhi-led party can play a key role in forging an opposition coalition for the 2019 polls. Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, triumphed last week over her BJP rival in Kairana to become the first Muslim face from Uttar Pradesh in the 16th Lok Sabha. Her victory also gave RLD, its first representative in the current Lok Sabha after the party drew a blank in the 2014 general election. In an interview to PTI, Chaudhary said the BJP wants to make the 2019 polls a battle of personalities, but the opposition wants to project issues rather than a personality to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "They (the BJP) have built a personality cult around Modi and now they expect the opposition to also thrust upon the nation a similar figure so that the two can sort of take each other on," the 39-year-old leader said. Chaudhary, who is the son of RLD chief Ajit Singh and the grandson of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, said there was more talent in the opposition ranks and more freedom to express than in the BJP. "So, I think going into 2019, I am not sure there will be an understanding of who's on top and who's at the bottom (of the opposition alliance), but we will be working together. That is important for the country," he asserted. Asked if Congress being a pan-India party could be the pivot of the opposition alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "Congress today is the largest opposition party and they have an organisation in most states of the country that is still strong. "... I see a good story emerging. Congress can definitely play that role. They can cooperate and collaborate more effectively than the BJP." He said that due to the manner in which the BJP has dealt with its own allies, the saffron party's alliance partners were either breaking away or speaking very openly against it. "So, the Congress has an opportunity here to try and make new relationships with these partners as well," he said. Asked if the Congress was more capable of building alliances and working in unison with parties in an alliance, Chaudhary said, "That's my perception, (and) that is the perception of a lot of people in the political system." Chaudhary, whose party RLD has been in an alliance with the BJP in the past, also alleged that there was arrogance that had crept into the BJP and it was no longer 'the party with a difference'. "They (the BJP) have shown that they are willing to grab power at any cost. So I think these are all signals and they are very threatening to smaller parties, to regional parties, to anyone who believes that there needs to be cooperation, so that's why I think that there is a mindset now that's been developed in the opposition parties at least that the BJP is a complete no," he said. The BJP leads the NDA coalition at the Centre. The Telugu Desam Party recently quit the NDA, while the Shiv Sena has been critical of the BJP over several issues. Chaudhary also asserted that if the alliance between his party, the SP, the BSP and the Congress in UP takes shape, it would help the Congress in states where it is involved in a direct contest with the BJP. "I think ultimately it (the alliance in UP) will help Congress in the states where it is taking on the BJP, there numbers will go up... If Congress takes us along and tells us that lets work together in other states as well, some of these opposition leaders will be very willing to do that," the former MP said. Acknowledging that seat sharing would not be easy for the grand alliance in UP, he said the "social coalition" formed was more important than just simple political arithmetic or simple political coalition. "So, to sustain that social coalition, if political parties have to forego their own interest and work together, I think we should do it," Chaudhary said. Talking about the Kairana bypoll win, he said it was basically a message to political parties that the alliance was also the people's will. "It was a negative vote against BJP. It was also a positive vote for the opposition working together. Going forward it is this public opinion and these good results that will perhaps act as the glue for cementing the alliance," Chaudhary said. The united opposition victory in Kairana follows the BJP defeats in the Lok Sabha bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March, and come just a year before the general election. Talking about his 'Ganna not Jinnah' campaign in Kairana, he said the campaign based around the farmer identity was able to trump the religious identity model. "It is a strong signal that going forward also the antagonistic tone that the BJP has employed in many elections, the Hindu-Muslim rhetoric, it may not work," Chaudhary said. Asserting that alliances are here to stay, he said the reason he feels the alliance in UP would continue was because it has tasted success. "When you win an election, there is pressure from your workers, there is pressure from the voters to continue," Chaudhary said.

Congress more capable of building alliances than BJP: RLD's Jayant Chaudhary

Member of parliament and actor Paresh Rawal is all set to play to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a biopic. The actor has revealed to a newspaper that the work on the film has just begun and he will soon start shooting for it.&nbsp; 
“We are just locking the script and hopefully it will be finished by August 15, and we will begin to shoot it in September or October,” Rawal told the publication. “It will be a hugely challenging role.”

Rawal, who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, will also produce the film. It is not clear yet on who will helm the project and which actors, other than Rawal, are part of it.&nbsp;

The 63-year-old actor will soon be seen as Sunil Dutt in Raju Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Sanju will be released on June 9. 
&nbsp;

Rawal will play the PM's character in the film.

Member of parliament and actor Paresh Rawal is all set to play to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a biopic. The actor has revealed to a newspaper that the work on the film has just begun and he will soon start shooting for it. “We are just locking the script and hopefully it will be finished by August 15, and we will begin to shoot it in September or October,” Rawal told the publication. “It will be a hugely challenging role.” Rawal, who is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, will also produce the film. It is not clear yet on who will helm the project and which actors, other than Rawal, are part of it. The 63-year-old actor will soon be seen as Sunil Dutt in Raju Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt. Sanju will be released on June 9.

Paresh Rawal to start working on a biopic on PM Narendra Modi soon

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks.

As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers.

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

"When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI.

The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said.

On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year.

Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh.

"It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee.

This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications.

After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister.

The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.

On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals.

On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?"

A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers."

On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said.

"Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar.

AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back.

"How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said.

"We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added.&nbsp

He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.&nbsp

Kejriwal kept mum in 2017 after AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the the BJP's sweep of Uttar Pradesh. But now, with Modi on the backfoot, the Delhi Chief Minister has renewed his attacks with the same level of acerbity as earlier

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks. As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers. In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. "When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI. The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said. On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year. Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh. "It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee. This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications. After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister. The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals. On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?" A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers." On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said. "Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar. AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back. "How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said. "We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added. He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.

After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi 

The government is all set to conclude a multi-billion dollar deal by October to procure 200 Kamov Ka-226T attack helicopters through a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and state-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

Official sources said almost all the groundwork to finalise the mega project has been completed as the government is eyeing to seal it within the next four months.

An inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia was signed for the project during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December 2015.

In October 2016, India and Russia had finalised a broad agreement to set up the joint venture (JV) between HAL and Russian Helicopters which will co-produce the choppers. India is procuring the choppers to replace its ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

Last month, the defence ministry issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Indo-Russian venture for the project.

Officials said the HAL-RH joint venture will send a detailed response to the RFP by end of August and the final deal is set to be signed in October.

They said the government has already approved the technical configuration for the twin-engine multi-role helicopter which is known for its superior manoeuvring capabilities in mountainous areas.&nbsp

The defence ministry has already approved the payment for setting up of the JV. A site in the vicinity of Tumkur near Bengaluru has been identified for setting up the facility to produce the choppers.&nbsp

The Kamov helicopters will be supplied to the Indian Air Force and the Army. Both these forces have been pressing for early conclusion of the deal so that they could replace their ageing fleet of existing choppers within next three to four years.

According to the 2015 agreement, 60 Kamov-226T helicopters will be supplied to India in fly-away condition, while 140 will be manufactured in India.

Russia had agreed to ensure transfer of technologies to India as part of the pact. Russia has been one of India's key suppliers of arms and ammunition for decades.

An inter-governmental agreement between inter-governmental was signed for the project during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December 2015.

The government is all set to conclude a multi-billion dollar deal by October to procure 200 Kamov Ka-226T attack helicopters through a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and state-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Official sources said almost all the groundwork to finalise the mega project has been completed as the government is eyeing to seal it within the next four months. An inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia was signed for the project during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December 2015. In October 2016, India and Russia had finalised a broad agreement to set up the joint venture (JV) between HAL and Russian Helicopters which will co-produce the choppers. India is procuring the choppers to replace its ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Last month, the defence ministry issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Indo-Russian venture for the project. Officials said the HAL-RH joint venture will send a detailed response to the RFP by end of August and the final deal is set to be signed in October. They said the government has already approved the technical configuration for the twin-engine multi-role helicopter which is known for its superior manoeuvring capabilities in mountainous areas. The defence ministry has already approved the payment for setting up of the JV. A site in the vicinity of Tumkur near Bengaluru has been identified for setting up the facility to produce the choppers. The Kamov helicopters will be supplied to the Indian Air Force and the Army. Both these forces have been pressing for early conclusion of the deal so that they could replace their ageing fleet of existing choppers within next three to four years. According to the 2015 agreement, 60 Kamov-226T helicopters will be supplied to India in fly-away condition, while 140 will be manufactured in India. Russia had agreed to ensure transfer of technologies to India as part of the pact. Russia has been one of India's key suppliers of arms and ammunition for decades.

Govt to seal deal by October to procure 200 Kamov military choppers

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