<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended the politics of appeasement and dynasty, and ushered in politics of development, BJP President Amit Shah said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Shah, during a press conference, also listed the achievements of the NDA government on its fourth anniversary.</p>

<p>He said that with the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC, the government exhibited its political willingness to take on the country's adversaries.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended politics of appeasement, dynasty and casteism, and ushered politics of development," Shah said.</p>

<p>The BJP president said the government has also resolved the long-pending issue of One Rank One Pension within a year of coming to power.</p>

<p>He also said that several measures such as the constitution of an SIT to curb black money were taken by the government. The black money issue was one of the main poll planks of the BJP during the 2014 election campaign.</p>

<p>"Modi dispensation is sensitive and committed towards development of villages," Shah said, noting that while focusing on the rural areas, due emphasis was also given to urban areas.&nbsp</p>


Shah, during a press conference, also listed the achievements of the NDA government on its fourth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended the politics of appeasement and dynasty, and ushered in politics of development, BJP President Amit Shah said on Saturday. Shah, during a press conference, also listed the achievements of the NDA government on its fourth anniversary. He said that with the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC, the government exhibited its political willingness to take on the country's adversaries. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ended politics of appeasement, dynasty and casteism, and ushered politics of development," Shah said. The BJP president said the government has also resolved the long-pending issue of One Rank One Pension within a year of coming to power. He also said that several measures such as the constitution of an SIT to curb black money were taken by the government. The black money issue was one of the main poll planks of the BJP during the 2014 election campaign. "Modi dispensation is sensitive and committed towards development of villages," Shah said, noting that while focusing on the rural areas, due emphasis was also given to urban areas.

Modi government ended politics of dynasty, ushered politics of development: Amit Shah

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jharkhand today and lay the foundation of development projects worth Rs 27 thousand crores. PM Modi, along with Jharkhand's Chief Minister Raghubar Das, will lay the foundation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Deoghar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other projects that will be kicked off by PM Modi would include the development of Deoghar airport, gas pipeline development at Deoghar AIIMS and in Ranchi among other projects.</p>

<p>Jharkhand will also get around 250 medical centres all across.</p>

<p>According to reports, around Rs, 1103 crore has been allocated for the development of Deoghar AIIMS. Rs 441 crores has been allotted for Deoghar airport. Sindri workshop will be reopened at the expense of Rs 7,000 crores while Rs 11,668 crore will be spent for the setting up of an NTPC plant in Patratu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi will travel to Sindri from Dhanbad at around 3.30pm on Friday. After unveiling the details of the development project, the Prime Minister will hold a meeting with state officials and Jharkhand CM in the evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister&nbsp;will also visit West Bengal today.&nbsp;</p>


Jharkhand will get around 250 medical centres all across

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jharkhand today and lay the foundation of development projects worth Rs 27 thousand crores. PM Modi, along with Jharkhand's Chief Minister Raghubar Das, will lay the foundation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Deoghar. Other projects that will be kicked off by PM Modi would include the development of Deoghar airport, gas pipeline development at Deoghar AIIMS and in Ranchi among other projects. Jharkhand will also get around 250 medical centres all across. According to reports, around Rs, 1103 crore has been allocated for the development of Deoghar AIIMS. Rs 441 crores has been allotted for Deoghar airport. Sindri workshop will be reopened at the expense of Rs 7,000 crores while Rs 11,668 crore will be spent for the setting up of an NTPC plant in Patratu. PM Modi will travel to Sindri from Dhanbad at around 3.30pm on Friday. After unveiling the details of the development project, the Prime Minister will hold a meeting with state officials and Jharkhand CM in the evening. The Prime Minister will also visit West Bengal today.

PM Modi to visit Jharkhand today, development projects worth Rs 27,000 crore to be unveiled

<p>The BJP will launch a fortnight-long programme to mark the fourth anniversary of the Modi government, with its president Amit Shah leading an exercise to reach out to one lakh personalities from different walks of life to highlight its achievements.</p>

<p>The programme will start on May 27, in which all ministers -- both from the Centre and BJP-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, mayors and all other office-bearers of the party will reach out to personalities or experts or influential people across the country, BJP general secretary Arun Singh said in a letter.</p>

<p>It will also include a special contact drive in SC and ST localities and also with senior citizens, he said.</p>

<p>"As part of the programme, each BJP leader will interact with at least 25 renowned people from various fields such as retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, retired bureaucrats, retired army personnel, sports stars, writers among others and will inform them about the achievements of the Modi government in last four years," Singh said.</p>

<p>Singh further said all party leaders have also been instructed to organise various events such as a conference of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, get-together of intellectuals, press conference and gram sabhas.</p>

<p>Besides, the leaders have been asked by the party to meet at least 50 polling booth workers of the BJP and brief them about the Modi government's works.</p>

<p>Singh also asked the party leaders to promote the use of Narendra Modi App during their interactions with the people.</p>


The programme will start on May 27, in which all ministers -- both from the Centre and BJP-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, mayors and all other office-bearers of the party will reach out to personalities or experts or influential people across the country

The BJP will launch a fortnight-long programme to mark the fourth anniversary of the Modi government, with its president Amit Shah leading an exercise to reach out to one lakh personalities from different walks of life to highlight its achievements. The programme will start on May 27, in which all ministers -- both from the Centre and BJP-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, mayors and all other office-bearers of the party will reach out to personalities or experts or influential people across the country, BJP general secretary Arun Singh said in a letter. It will also include a special contact drive in SC and ST localities and also with senior citizens, he said. "As part of the programme, each BJP leader will interact with at least 25 renowned people from various fields such as retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, retired bureaucrats, retired army personnel, sports stars, writers among others and will inform them about the achievements of the Modi government in last four years," Singh said. Singh further said all party leaders have also been instructed to organise various events such as a conference of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, get-together of intellectuals, press conference and gram sabhas. Besides, the leaders have been asked by the party to meet at least 50 polling booth workers of the BJP and brief them about the Modi government's works. Singh also asked the party leaders to promote the use of Narendra Modi App during their interactions with the people.

BJP to launch 15-day programme to mark fourth anniversary of Modi government

<p>India needs to be central to what the Trump administration does in South and Central Asia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the lawmakers on Thursday, asserting that India "ought to be" one of America's closest partners.</p>

<p>"For scores of reasons, India needs to be central to what we do. Specific issues -- South Central Asia issues, Southeast Asia issues. They ought to be one of our closest partners and we ought to do everything we can to make sure that we achieve that," he told the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.<br />
<br />
Pompeo was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons from Delaware about how to further strengthen the US-India relationship.</p>

<p>"Mr Secretary, if you would like to say anything about how we can work with this most populous democracy, a potential strategic partner to strengthen that relationship, I'll make that my last question," Coons asked.</p>

<p>He said sustaining a strategic dialogue with India was something that "would enjoy strong support here".</p>

<p>Pompeo responded that, "Defense Secretary (James) Mattis and I will jointly meet with our Indian counterparts in a dialogue that the two countries have had. I don't know that the date's been set but we're looking to do it. I think it's set this summer, very important."</p>

<p>Pompeo and Mattis are expected to host their Indian counterparts -- External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- sometime this summer for the inaugural 2+2 dialogue.</p>

<p>The decision about this was taken when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on June 26 last year.</p>

<p>The US-India relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the US Congress.</p>

<p>Early this week, a top US State Department official said the Trump administration supports India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>"The US-India partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. We support India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in our efforts to ensure that the Indo-</p>

<p>Pacific is a region of peace, stability and growing prosperity," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert had said.&nbsp;</p>


Pompeo was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons from Delaware about how to further strengthen the US-India relationship

India needs to be central to what the Trump administration does in South and Central Asia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the lawmakers on Thursday, asserting that India "ought to be" one of America's closest partners. "For scores of reasons, India needs to be central to what we do. Specific issues -- South Central Asia issues, Southeast Asia issues. They ought to be one of our closest partners and we ought to do everything we can to make sure that we achieve that," he told the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pompeo was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons from Delaware about how to further strengthen the US-India relationship. "Mr Secretary, if you would like to say anything about how we can work with this most populous democracy, a potential strategic partner to strengthen that relationship, I'll make that my last question," Coons asked. He said sustaining a strategic dialogue with India was something that "would enjoy strong support here". Pompeo responded that, "Defense Secretary (James) Mattis and I will jointly meet with our Indian counterparts in a dialogue that the two countries have had. I don't know that the date's been set but we're looking to do it. I think it's set this summer, very important." Pompeo and Mattis are expected to host their Indian counterparts -- External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- sometime this summer for the inaugural 2+2 dialogue. The decision about this was taken when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on June 26 last year. The US-India relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the US Congress. Early this week, a top US State Department official said the Trump administration supports India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. "The US-India partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. We support India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in our efforts to ensure that the Indo- Pacific is a region of peace, stability and growing prosperity," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert had said.

India ought to be one of America's closest partners, says US Secretary of State

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation of five development projects worth Rs 27,000 crores in Jharkhand today.</p>

<p>While addressing a rally in the state's Sindri town, PM Modi said his government was devoting significant resources for the empowerment of the poor, Dalits and the tribal communities.</p>

<p>"Central Government is devoting significant resources for the empowerment of the poor, Dalits and tribal communities. Today, we have laid the foundation stone for five big projects. The total cost of these projects is Rs 27,000 crore," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>Terming Jharkhand as a land of "courage", the Prime Minister said the state and the Centre have been working hand-in-hand from past four years for the progress of the state and empowerment of the people.</p>

<p>PM Modi, along with Jharkhand's Chief Minister Raghubar Das, will also lay the foundation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Deoghar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister said that the establishment of&nbsp;AIIMS&nbsp;in Jharkhand will transform the healthcare sector in the state.</p>

<p>Tracing back the achievement of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after assuming power, PM Modi said it was his government who made the electricity available to 18,000 villages of the country.</p>

<p>He further said they aim to make electricity available to every household in India.</p>

<p>"We worked to brighten the lives of people in these villages and took electricity there," the prime minister said.</p>

<p>He assured that soon the fertiliser plants, which had stopped working, will be revived, which will benefit Eastern India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other projects that will be kicked off by PM Modi would include the development of Deoghar airport, gas pipeline development at Deoghar AIIMS and in Ranchi among other projects.</p>

<p>Jharkhand will also get around 250 medical centres across the state.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation of five development projects worth Rs 27,000 crores in Jharkhand today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation of five development projects worth Rs 27,000 crores in Jharkhand today. While addressing a rally in the state's Sindri town, PM Modi said his government was devoting significant resources for the empowerment of the poor, Dalits and the tribal communities. "Central Government is devoting significant resources for the empowerment of the poor, Dalits and tribal communities. Today, we have laid the foundation stone for five big projects. The total cost of these projects is Rs 27,000 crore," PM Modi said. Terming Jharkhand as a land of "courage", the Prime Minister said the state and the Centre have been working hand-in-hand from past four years for the progress of the state and empowerment of the people. PM Modi, along with Jharkhand's Chief Minister Raghubar Das, will also lay the foundation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Deoghar. The prime minister said that the establishment of AIIMS in Jharkhand will transform the healthcare sector in the state. Tracing back the achievement of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after assuming power, PM Modi said it was his government who made the electricity available to 18,000 villages of the country. He further said they aim to make electricity available to every household in India. "We worked to brighten the lives of people in these villages and took electricity there," the prime minister said. He assured that soon the fertiliser plants, which had stopped working, will be revived, which will benefit Eastern India. Other projects that will be kicked off by PM Modi would include the development of Deoghar airport, gas pipeline development at Deoghar AIIMS and in Ranchi among other projects. Jharkhand will also get around 250 medical centres across the state.

Government devoting significant resources for development of Dalits, tribals: PM Modi in Jharkhand

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has completed four years. During this time, his government launched several initiatives which garnered laurels as well as created a lot of buzz across the country.</p>

<p>As his party gears up for elections next year, here is a look at his pet schemes and how they have performed in these four years:</p>

<p><strong>Goods and Services Tax</strong></p>

<p>This was one of the most crucial reform introduced by the Modi government. Though the plan was in the works for more than a decade, the GST (as it is popularly called) was finally implemented in July, 2017. The GST replaced many indirect taxes (as many as 14) that previously existed and streamlined tax rates across the country under one umbrella. The implementation of GST altered the country's indirect tax regime for good.</p>

<p>The GST was meant to introduce single tax slab across the country, but after numerous discussions and political compulsions, there are now four slabs. However, it has reduced the number of taxes while moving goods within the country, or availing services at different locations. Initially, it resulted in drop in tax collection, but after nearly a year of GST, the numbers have gone up.</p>

<p><strong>Demonetisation</strong></p>

<p>On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the nation by surprise when he announced the discontinuation of existing high-values currency notes - Rs 500 and 1000 - which was termed as demonetisation. THe decision was taken essentially to wipe out all the black money, curb fake currency and terror financing.</p>

<p>This prompted people to embrace digital payment channels and reduced their dependence on cash. Post-demonetisation, the number of tax returns filed by individuals increased 25.3 per cent and 9.1 million taxpayers have been added to the tax net.</p>

<p>Demonetisation, like GST, was put to challenge both by opposition parties and people who were shocked at huge amounts of cash disappearing from the system. Many assembly elections and bypolls were fought solely on these two economic decisions of the BJP, and the party paid by losing some of these polls. The main criticism was ATM machines going dry and long queues outside, but the upheaval was contained a few months later. Government announced a slew of measures to make people's lives easier.</p>

<p>Demonetisation, the gamble which government played, directly hit sectors like real estate where presence of black money was highest. The growth rate, which had plunged initially, is back now and compliance among the business community has increased.</p>

<p><strong>Make in India</strong></p>

<p>Just a few months into his term, PM Modi launched the "Make in India" scheme to facilitate domestic investment, boost in-house research & development (R&D) and create skill-based jobs by developing manufacturing in the country and to make India a global manufacturing power.</p>

<p>A "Start-up India" programme was also launched with the objective of making India the start-up capital of the world. Modi promised an increase in manufacturing's share of the country's GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022 and to create 100 million additional jobs by that year.</p>

<p><strong>Aadhaar linking</strong></p>

<p>The Modi government introduced a policy to link PAN card, voter ID, LPG connection card, ration card and mobile number to a 12-digit unique number, known as Aadhaar. It was introduced on March 26, 2016.</p>

<p>Modi government projected and Parliament enacted the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act. Today, Aadhaar has become India's most credible identity currency, and is used while filing taxes, and buying financial products like mutual funds.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the unique identification number will work as a "big weapon" in the fight against benami property. "Aadhaar has a played a big role in ensuring that ration at proper rates, scholarships, pension and government subsidies reached the poor," he said.</p>

<p><strong><em>Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</em> (Clean India Campaign)</strong></p>

<p><em>Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</em> was launched on October 2, 2014, by PM Modi with hopes to increase the reach of sanitation facilities to every family. Under the scheme, toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, cleanliness, and safe and adequate drinking water supply will be ensured in every village of the country so that they can become open-defecation free by October 2, 2019. Modi nominated notable personalities from film industry, sports, media, business and other celebrities to promote the initiative.</p>

<p>The mission's biggest component, the <em>Swachh Bharat</em> Mission-<em>Gramin </em>or SBM-G, which has the vital mission of constructing 10 crore toilets in India's villages, has been underfunded since 2014, research report shows. The gap between money the SBM-G needs and what it actually gets has extended from Rs 3,500 crore in 2016-17 to an astounding Rs 15,000 crore in the coming financial year.</p>

<p>Since the Modi government came to power there have been significant economic changes in the country. His government has taken the rightful steps towards a stable political and macroeconomic environment, redefining the tax system, as well as battled corruption by introducing demonetisation. These policies have helped India’s economy outperform most emerging markets in per capita GDP growth, and improved the country's business environment, as inflation has dropped.</p>

<p>India's economic growth collapsed in the quarters following demonetisation. However, it turned around with the December quarter clocking 7.2 per cent growth In the country's GDP. India's ranking in the World Bank's "Ease of doing business report" also moved from 130 to 100 this year.</p>

<p>Another noteworthy accomplishment of the Indian economy over the past few years has been the extraordinary growth in foreign flows, in particular the foreign direct investment (FDI).</p>

<p>But then it also led to some downfalls. Bad debts - now at more than Rs 9 trillion - linger profoundly not just on government-controlled banks but also on its economic well-being (e.g. the 13,000 crore PNB fraud). The oil prices have been steadily increasing over the last couple of months.</p>

<p>The agriculture sector has taken a hit with farmers' income dropping in real terms, primarily on account of food price deflation and the breakdown in the cash-based rural economy after demonetisation. In fact, if one compares India's real GDP growth to expansion of its farm sector, the latter has steadily lagged the former since 2012.</p>

<p>GDP growth is still above five per cent, but it has slowed down sharply from past rates of eight and nine per cent. And even the above-five per cent GDP growth is not creating jobs fast enough. In 2014, during its election campaign, the government had promised to create 10 million jobs a year. However, only less than a million jobs were created in the four years it has been in power.</p>


GDP growth is still above five per cent, but it has slowed down sharply from past rates of eight and nine per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has completed four years. During this time, his government launched several initiatives which garnered laurels as well as created a lot of buzz across the country. As his party gears up for elections next year, here is a look at his pet schemes and how they have performed in these four years: Goods and Services Tax This was one of the most crucial reform introduced by the Modi government. Though the plan was in the works for more than a decade, the GST (as it is popularly called) was finally implemented in July, 2017. The GST replaced many indirect taxes (as many as 14) that previously existed and streamlined tax rates across the country under one umbrella. The implementation of GST altered the country's indirect tax regime for good. The GST was meant to introduce single tax slab across the country, but after numerous discussions and political compulsions, there are now four slabs. However, it has reduced the number of taxes while moving goods within the country, or availing services at different locations. Initially, it resulted in drop in tax collection, but after nearly a year of GST, the numbers have gone up. Demonetisation On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the nation by surprise when he announced the discontinuation of existing high-values currency notes - Rs 500 and 1000 - which was termed as demonetisation. THe decision was taken essentially to wipe out all the black money, curb fake currency and terror financing. This prompted people to embrace digital payment channels and reduced their dependence on cash. Post-demonetisation, the number of tax returns filed by individuals increased 25.3 per cent and 9.1 million taxpayers have been added to the tax net. Demonetisation, like GST, was put to challenge both by opposition parties and people who were shocked at huge amounts of cash disappearing from the system. Many assembly elections and bypolls were fought solely on these two economic decisions of the BJP, and the party paid by losing some of these polls. The main criticism was ATM machines going dry and long queues outside, but the upheaval was contained a few months later. Government announced a slew of measures to make people's lives easier. Demonetisation, the gamble which government played, directly hit sectors like real estate where presence of black money was highest. The growth rate, which had plunged initially, is back now and compliance among the business community has increased. Make in India Just a few months into his term, PM Modi launched the "Make in India" scheme to facilitate domestic investment, boost in-house research & development (R&D) and create skill-based jobs by developing manufacturing in the country and to make India a global manufacturing power. A "Start-up India" programme was also launched with the objective of making India the start-up capital of the world. Modi promised an increase in manufacturing's share of the country's GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022 and to create 100 million additional jobs by that year. Aadhaar linking The Modi government introduced a policy to link PAN card, voter ID, LPG connection card, ration card and mobile number to a 12-digit unique number, known as Aadhaar. It was introduced on March 26, 2016. Modi government projected and Parliament enacted the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act. Today, Aadhaar has become India's most credible identity currency, and is used while filing taxes, and buying financial products like mutual funds. PM Modi said that the unique identification number will work as a "big weapon" in the fight against benami property. "Aadhaar has a played a big role in ensuring that ration at proper rates, scholarships, pension and government subsidies reached the poor," he said. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched on October 2, 2014, by PM Modi with hopes to increase the reach of sanitation facilities to every family. Under the scheme, toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, cleanliness, and safe and adequate drinking water supply will be ensured in every village of the country so that they can become open-defecation free by October 2, 2019. Modi nominated notable personalities from film industry, sports, media, business and other celebrities to promote the initiative. The mission's biggest component, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin or SBM-G, which has the vital mission of constructing 10 crore toilets in India's villages, has been underfunded since 2014, research report shows. The gap between money the SBM-G needs and what it actually gets has extended from Rs 3,500 crore in 2016-17 to an astounding Rs 15,000 crore in the coming financial year. Since the Modi government came to power there have been significant economic changes in the country. His government has taken the rightful steps towards a stable political and macroeconomic environment, redefining the tax system, as well as battled corruption by introducing demonetisation. These policies have helped India’s economy outperform most emerging markets in per capita GDP growth, and improved the country's business environment, as inflation has dropped. India's economic growth collapsed in the quarters following demonetisation. However, it turned around with the December quarter clocking 7.2 per cent growth In the country's GDP. India's ranking in the World Bank's "Ease of doing business report" also moved from 130 to 100 this year. Another noteworthy accomplishment of the Indian economy over the past few years has been the extraordinary growth in foreign flows, in particular the foreign direct investment (FDI). But then it also led to some downfalls. Bad debts - now at more than Rs 9 trillion - linger profoundly not just on government-controlled banks but also on its economic well-being (e.g. the 13,000 crore PNB fraud). The oil prices have been steadily increasing over the last couple of months. The agriculture sector has taken a hit with farmers' income dropping in real terms, primarily on account of food price deflation and the breakdown in the cash-based rural economy after demonetisation. In fact, if one compares India's real GDP growth to expansion of its farm sector, the latter has steadily lagged the former since 2012. GDP growth is still above five per cent, but it has slowed down sharply from past rates of eight and nine per cent. And even the above-five per cent GDP growth is not creating jobs fast enough. In 2014, during its election campaign, the government had promised to create 10 million jobs a year. However, only less than a million jobs were created in the four years it has been in power.

Four years of Modi government: 5 schemes and how they performed

<p>It's been a year of hits and misses in foreign policy terms. India is struggling to reinforce its credentials in its own neighbourhood against a resurgent China. &nbspThe United States, under Donald Trump, conveys only incoherence. Ties with Russia are under strain as Moscow moves closer to China and Pakistan. &nbspHere's a look at four years of PM Modi's foreign policy.</p>

<p>In politics, as in diplomacy, gestures matter. &nbspSo when Russia's president Vladimir Putin personally saw off Narendra Modi in Sochi on Monday night, it conveyed much about the nature of their talks and the depth of the relationship. &nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p>"We can proudly say that the partnership that we had begun has already grown into a large tree of privileged, strategic partnership," PM Modi in Sochi.</p>

<p>But the fact also remains that the India-Russia relationship is struggling for relevance. Bilateral trade between both the countries is low at around $7 billion. India is diversifying its arms purchases away from Russia to ensure our strategic autonomy. &nbspother hiccups in the relationship are Russia's proximity to China.</p>

<p>On the 4th anniversary of the Modi government, it's clear that managing relations with China will remain India's major challenge. &nbspModi's informal summit with China's president Xi Jinping in Wuhan last month may have helped clarify the doubts and the lack of trust. &nbspBut China's growing power and status imply there will be difficulties ahead no matter what the two leaders may believe.&nbsp</p>

<p>"The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the India-China border regions. They decided that they will strengthen communications between the two militaries in order to build trust and understanding," Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary, India.&nbsp</p>

<p>It doesn't help that Modi's reach out to Donald Trump last year has not given any political direction to the relationship. Trump has taken aim at India's small trade surplus with the US, he has cracked down on immigration and H-1b visas which has hit Indians, new sanctions on Iran will force up oil prices and complicate India's position. &nbsp</p>

<p>Trump has been harder on Pakistan for its support of terrorism but there is no sign that he's willing to hit them where it hurts the most. Pakistan continues to back terror groups in India and is seen to be working alongside China to undermine India in the region. &nbspDebt-laden Sri Lanka is beholden to China, so is the Maldives, so could Nepal and Bangladesh in a few years from now.</p>

<p>How Delhi manages the contradictions of being the big guy in the region without being seen as big brother is a challenge. &nbspYet there's no doubt Modi has single-mindedly moved to heighten India's profile in the world. &nbspIndia is seen and noticed but minus economic heft, will not get a seat at the high table.&nbsp</p>


On the 4th anniversary of the Modi government, it's clear that managing relations with China will remain India's major challenge

It's been a year of hits and misses in foreign policy terms. India is struggling to reinforce its credentials in its own neighbourhood against a resurgent China. &nbspThe United States, under Donald Trump, conveys only incoherence. Ties with Russia are under strain as Moscow moves closer to China and Pakistan. &nbspHere's a look at four years of PM Modi's foreign policy. In politics, as in diplomacy, gestures matter. &nbspSo when Russia's president Vladimir Putin personally saw off Narendra Modi in Sochi on Monday night, it conveyed much about the nature of their talks and the depth of the relationship. "We can proudly say that the partnership that we had begun has already grown into a large tree of privileged, strategic partnership," PM Modi in Sochi. But the fact also remains that the India-Russia relationship is struggling for relevance. Bilateral trade between both the countries is low at around $7 billion. India is diversifying its arms purchases away from Russia to ensure our strategic autonomy. &nbspother hiccups in the relationship are Russia's proximity to China. On the 4th anniversary of the Modi government, it's clear that managing relations with China will remain India's major challenge. &nbspModi's informal summit with China's president Xi Jinping in Wuhan last month may have helped clarify the doubts and the lack of trust. &nbspBut China's growing power and status imply there will be difficulties ahead no matter what the two leaders may believe. "The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the India-China border regions. They decided that they will strengthen communications between the two militaries in order to build trust and understanding," Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary, India. It doesn't help that Modi's reach out to Donald Trump last year has not given any political direction to the relationship. Trump has taken aim at India's small trade surplus with the US, he has cracked down on immigration and H-1b visas which has hit Indians, new sanctions on Iran will force up oil prices and complicate India's position. Trump has been harder on Pakistan for its support of terrorism but there is no sign that he's willing to hit them where it hurts the most. Pakistan continues to back terror groups in India and is seen to be working alongside China to undermine India in the region. &nbspDebt-laden Sri Lanka is beholden to China, so is the Maldives, so could Nepal and Bangladesh in a few years from now. How Delhi manages the contradictions of being the big guy in the region without being seen as big brother is a challenge. &nbspYet there's no doubt Modi has single-mindedly moved to heighten India's profile in the world. &nbspIndia is seen and noticed but minus economic heft, will not get a seat at the high table.

Four years of Modi government: A look at India's foreign policy

<p>When Hrithik Roshan took to Mumbai streets to show how he keeps himself fit, little did he know that his video would draw such flak from Twitteratis.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actor was challenged by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rajyavardhan Rathore a few days back. Rathore has started a fitness challenge on Twitter asking everyone to share pictures and videos of how they keep themselves fit. He challenged Virat Kohli, Hrithik Roshan and Saina Nehwal to take up the challenge.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> ???<br />
<br />
Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> to join in? <a href="https://t.co/pYhRY1lNEm">pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm</a></p>
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/998800601243881472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Roshan took to Twitter to show how he keeps himself fit by posting a video of him cycling down to work. The only problem with the video was that Roshan was seen recording a selfie video while cycling down Mumbai's streets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ra_THORe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! <a href="https://t.co/twoI1vna9c">pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c</a></p>
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/998959071020617734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twitter soon called out the actor for violating traffic rules and even tweeted to Mumbai Police.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
People on Twitter stated that Hrithik was making a video while cycling and wasn’t wearing a helmet.&nbsp;<br />
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A Twitter user @DuttRisky tweeted, “This is called violation of traffic rules. @MumbaiPolice what you are going to do now? @iHrithik you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road.”&nbsp;Mumbai Police responded to the user, saying, “Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division.”<br />
The actor is yet to respond to the tweets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is called violation of traffic rules. <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MumbaiPolice</a> what you are going to do now?<a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a> you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road.</p>
— DuttRisky (@duttrisky) <a href="https://twitter.com/duttrisky/status/999134101184495616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division.</p>
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice/status/999136748922863617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please wear a helmet while biking too and do not use mobile phone while cycling on busy streets of mumbai....</p>
— Pooja Gianchandani (@theskillspundit) <a href="https://twitter.com/theskillspundit/status/999313082169155584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">irresponsible example to be shooting video while cycling, so many selfie deaths are a case in point <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a></p>
— priyanka jain (@priyankajain1) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankajain1/status/999315856013365249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Tiger Shroff, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Deepika Padukone have all posted videos taking up the fitness challenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli nominated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/challenge-accepted-says-pm-modi-accepting-virat-kohlis-fitness-dare-139302">PM Modi who has accepted the challenge </a>and tweeted, " Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit"</p>


The actor took to Mumbai streets to show how he keeps himself fit.

When Hrithik Roshan took to Mumbai streets to show how he keeps himself fit, little did he know that his video would draw such flak from Twitteratis. The actor was challenged by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rajyavardhan Rathore a few days back. Rathore has started a fitness challenge on Twitter asking everyone to share pictures and videos of how they keep themselves fit. He challenged Virat Kohli, Hrithik Roshan and Saina Nehwal to take up the challenge. #HumFitTohIndiaFit ??? Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a #FitnessChallenge to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge @iHrithik, @imVkohli & @NSaina to join in? pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) May 22, 2018 × Roshan took to Twitter to show how he keeps himself fit by posting a video of him cycling down to work. The only problem with the video was that Roshan was seen recording a selfie video while cycling down Mumbai's streets. This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo @Ra_THORe #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) May 22, 2018 × Twitter soon called out the actor for violating traffic rules and even tweeted to Mumbai Police. People on Twitter stated that Hrithik was making a video while cycling and wasn’t wearing a helmet. A Twitter user @DuttRisky tweeted, “This is called violation of traffic rules. @MumbaiPolice what you are going to do now? @iHrithik you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road.” Mumbai Police responded to the user, saying, “Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division.” The actor is yet to respond to the tweets. This is called violation of traffic rules. @MumbaiPolice what you are going to do now?@iHrithik you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road. — DuttRisky (@duttrisky) May 23, 2018 × Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) May 23, 2018 × Please wear a helmet while biking too and do not use mobile phone while cycling on busy streets of mumbai.... — Pooja Gianchandani (@theskillspundit) May 23, 2018 × irresponsible example to be shooting video while cycling, so many selfie deaths are a case in point @iHrithik — priyanka jain (@priyankajain1) May 23, 2018 × Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Tiger Shroff, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Deepika Padukone have all posted videos taking up the fitness challenge. Kohli nominated PM Modi who has accepted the challenge and tweeted, " Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit"

Hrithik Roshan accepts Rajyavardhan Rathore's fitness challenge; Twitter is not impressed

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Indonesia on May 29 in his first ever visit to the country. The bilateral engagements between PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will take place on May 30&nbspand 31.</p>

<p>PM Modi will receive a Guard of Honor and will deliver press statements along with his Indonesian counterpart. He is also expected to visit Hero National Cemetery, national monuments and interact with the Indonesian business community. A permanent feature during most of his visit, the PM will also interact with the Indian diaspora. Both India and Indonesia will unveil a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp<br />
The Prime Minister will also visit a Buddhist Temple. India and Indonesia are&nbspexpected to sign a MoU on the&nbsprenewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning.<br />
&nbsp<br />
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had visited India earlier this year and was one of the chief guests at the Republic Day event. During the visit, Widodo had appreciated India's support for the ASEAN-led mechanism included in the East Asia Summit (EAS).</p>

<p>President Widodo is expected to invite the key countries in the region to discuss the Indo-Pacific concept.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Indonesia was the&nbspsecond foreign destination of India's external affairs minister this year. Sushma Swaraj visited Indonesia in&nbspJanuary 2018 and co-chaired the 5th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission. Indian and Indonesian ministers also inaugurated the second meeting of ASEAN-India Network of think tanks.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Indonesia is an important partner for India with respect to trade and strategic matters. In recent times, there has been intensive engagement between the two countries.&nbsp</p>

<p>Both India and Indonesia consider themselves as maritime neighbors. India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands border&nbspthe Aceh province of Indonesia. New Delhi and Jakarta have also been discussing connectivity plans including a cruise connectivity project.<br />
&nbsp</p>


During the visit, India and Indonesia will sign a MoU on the renewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Indonesia on May 29 in his first ever visit to the country. The bilateral engagements between PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will take place on May 30&nbspand 31. PM Modi will receive a Guard of Honor and will deliver press statements along with his Indonesian counterpart. He is also expected to visit Hero National Cemetery, national monuments and interact with the Indonesian business community. A permanent feature during most of his visit, the PM will also interact with the Indian diaspora. Both India and Indonesia will unveil a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties. The Prime Minister will also visit a Buddhist Temple. India and Indonesia are&nbspexpected to sign a MoU on the&nbsprenewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning. President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had visited India earlier this year and was one of the chief guests at the Republic Day event. During the visit, Widodo had appreciated India's support for the ASEAN-led mechanism included in the East Asia Summit (EAS). President Widodo is expected to invite the key countries in the region to discuss the Indo-Pacific concept. Interestingly, Indonesia was the&nbspsecond foreign destination of India's external affairs minister this year. Sushma Swaraj visited Indonesia in&nbspJanuary 2018 and co-chaired the 5th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission. Indian and Indonesian ministers also inaugurated the second meeting of ASEAN-India Network of think tanks. Indonesia is an important partner for India with respect to trade and strategic matters. In recent times, there has been intensive engagement between the two countries. Both India and Indonesia consider themselves as maritime neighbors. India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands border&nbspthe Aceh province of Indonesia. New Delhi and Jakarta have also been discussing connectivity plans including a cruise connectivity project.

PM Modi to visit Indonesia on May 29 to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties

<p>Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had given an open fitness challenge to Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, cricketer Virat Kohli and shuttler Saina Nehwal on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports posted a video on his official Twitter handle and promoted the campaign #HumFitTohIndiaFit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He shot the video himself being dressed in the formal attire and did ten push-ups without a pause while asking the viewers to share their "fitness mantra."</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> ???<br />
<br />
Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> to join in? <a href="https://t.co/pYhRY1lNEm">pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm</a></p>
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/998800601243881472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Olympian also said that he is inspired by the fitness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also influenced by Modi's motto of fit and healthy India.</p>

<p>Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan accepted the challenge and shared his fitness secret. Hrithik&nbsp;advocated the promotion of environment-friendly ways to keep up good health like walking, jogging and cycling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He posted a video on Twitter with a caption, "This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo @Ra_THORe #HumFitTohIndiaFit &nbsp;#FitnessChallenge this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT!"</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ra_THORe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! <a href="https://t.co/twoI1vna9c">pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c</a></p>
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/998959071020617734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier this year Rathore also initiated and monitored the launch of the Khelo India School Games that promote sports among students across schools of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initiative aims to provide a scholarship of Rs. 5 lakh each year to 1,000 athletes for a period of eight years.</p>

<p>Mr. Rathore, who recently took charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, was a former professional shooter and as a shooter, competing in the double trap event, he won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games.</p>


Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has given an open fitness challenge to Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, cricketer Virat Kohli and shuttler Saina Nehwal

Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had given an open fitness challenge to Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, cricketer Virat Kohli and shuttler Saina Nehwal on Tuesday. The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports posted a video on his official Twitter handle and promoted the campaign #HumFitTohIndiaFit. He shot the video himself being dressed in the formal attire and did ten push-ups without a pause while asking the viewers to share their "fitness mantra." Watch the video here: #HumFitTohIndiaFit ??? Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a #FitnessChallenge to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge @iHrithik, @imVkohli & @NSaina to join in? pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) May 22, 2018 × The Olympian also said that he is inspired by the fitness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also influenced by Modi's motto of fit and healthy India. Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan accepted the challenge and shared his fitness secret. Hrithik advocated the promotion of environment-friendly ways to keep up good health like walking, jogging and cycling. He posted a video on Twitter with a caption, "This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo @Ra_THORe #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT!" Watch the video here: This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo @Ra_THORe #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) May 22, 2018 × Earlier this year Rathore also initiated and monitored the launch of the Khelo India School Games that promote sports among students across schools of India. The initiative aims to provide a scholarship of Rs. 5 lakh each year to 1,000 athletes for a period of eight years. Mr. Rathore, who recently took charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, was a former professional shooter and as a shooter, competing in the double trap event, he won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games.

Watch: How Hrithik Roshan responds to Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's fitness challenge

<p>India&nbsp;will&nbsp;build&nbsp;government&nbsp;stockpiles of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;a&nbsp;surplus&nbsp;in the market, two official sources said on Tuesday, a move that will prop up local prices and help money-losing mills pay dues to millions of cane growers, a key voting bloc.</p>

<p>The cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon approve a plan to create "buffer stocks" of 3 million tonnes of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to suck the extra supply out of the domestic&nbsp;market&nbsp;and to stave off a free fall in prices, one of the sources said.</p>

<p>Buffer stocks refer to government-held purchases.</p>

<p>Other than creating buffer stocks of&nbsp;sugar, the government could look at other means of supporting prices, said the second source. The sources, directly involved in policy making, sought anonymity in line with government policy.</p>

<p>A Food Ministry spokesman declined to comment.</p>

<p>India, where&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;output usually yo-yos, has created buffer stocks in the past to tackle a supply glut.</p>

<p>Once&nbsp;India&nbsp;approves the plan to&nbsp;build&nbsp;buffer stocks,&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills, saddled with excess&nbsp;supplies, will stock the sweetener in their warehouses and the government will pay the carrying costs for the commodity, the sources said.</p>

<p>The plan would cost around 12.15 billion rupees ($178.49 million) to the government, they said.</p>

<p>Other than the creation of the buffer stock, the government could also look at giving cheap loans to&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills to expand their ethanol production capacity, the sources said.</p>

<p>India, the world's biggest&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;producer after Brazil, is likely to churn out a record 30.3 million tonnes of the sweetener in the 2017/18 season that ends on Sept. 30, up from 20.3 million tonnes in the previous year.</p>

<p>A sharp jump in output has led to a drop in local&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;prices to their lowest level in 28 months, making it difficult for mills to pay farmers mandatory cane prices.</p>

<p>As a result,&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills now owe nearly 220 billion rupees which could leap to a record 250 billion rupees in the current 2017/18 season.</p>

<p>New Delhi scrapped a 20-per cent tax on&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;exports in March, and in April asked mills to export 2 million tonnes of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;back inventories.</p>

<p>The government also decided to share some burden of&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills by approving a plan to provide financial support to cane farmers for produce sold to&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;mills.</p>

<p>The government is keen to placate&nbsp;India's 50 million cane growers, who make up an influential political lobby, especially with national elections barely a year away in May 2019.</p>


India will build government stockpiles of sugar to cut a surplus in the market, a move that will prop up local prices and help money-losing mills pay dues to millions of cane growers, a key voting bloc

India will build government stockpiles of sugar to cut a surplus in the market, two official sources said on Tuesday, a move that will prop up local prices and help money-losing mills pay dues to millions of cane growers, a key voting bloc. The cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon approve a plan to create "buffer stocks" of 3 million tonnes of sugar to suck the extra supply out of the domestic market and to stave off a free fall in prices, one of the sources said. Buffer stocks refer to government-held purchases. Other than creating buffer stocks of sugar, the government could look at other means of supporting prices, said the second source. The sources, directly involved in policy making, sought anonymity in line with government policy. A Food Ministry spokesman declined to comment. India, where sugar output usually yo-yos, has created buffer stocks in the past to tackle a supply glut. Once India approves the plan to build buffer stocks, sugar mills, saddled with excess supplies, will stock the sweetener in their warehouses and the government will pay the carrying costs for the commodity, the sources said. The plan would cost around 12.15 billion rupees ($178.49 million) to the government, they said. Other than the creation of the buffer stock, the government could also look at giving cheap loans to sugar mills to expand their ethanol production capacity, the sources said. India, the world's biggest sugar producer after Brazil, is likely to churn out a record 30.3 million tonnes of the sweetener in the 2017/18 season that ends on Sept. 30, up from 20.3 million tonnes in the previous year. A sharp jump in output has led to a drop in local sugar prices to their lowest level in 28 months, making it difficult for mills to pay farmers mandatory cane prices. As a result, sugar mills now owe nearly 220 billion rupees which could leap to a record 250 billion rupees in the current 2017/18 season. New Delhi scrapped a 20-per cent tax on sugar exports in March, and in April asked mills to export 2 million tonnes of sugar to cut back inventories. The government also decided to share some burden of sugar mills by approving a plan to provide financial support to cane farmers for produce sold to sugar mills. The government is keen to placate India's 50 million cane growers, who make up an influential political lobby, especially with national elections barely a year away in May 2019.

India to build sugar stockpile to cut surplus supplies in market

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-never-recognised-so-called-arunachal-pradesh-gold-mining-part-of-geological--scientific-research-china-138621">Never recognised 'so-called Arunachal Pradesh', gold mining part of geological & scientific research: China</a></p>

<p>China today emphatically declared that mining operations close to the Arunachal Pradesh was "completely" within its sovereignty, and it "totally" belongs to China.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-live-pm-modi-meets-russian-president-putin-138616">PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, hails 'friendship'</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia's Sochi as part of his informal summit with the Russian President. The two leaders also held a meeting.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/raise-national-flag-on-all-mosques-declares-state-run-china-islamic-association-138657">Watch: Raise national flag on all mosques, declares State-run China Islamic Association</a></p>

<p>All mosques in China should raise the national flag and study socialist core values to strengthen their "concept of nation" and carry forward "the spirit of patriotism," the China Islamic Association declared, as the Communist Party seeks to tighten its grip on religion.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2-dead-2-injured-in-a-blast-in-azerbaijans-capital-baku-138669">2 dead, 2 injured in a blast in Azerbaijan's capital Baku</a></p>

<p>A blast occurred in a small cafe in Binagadi district of Azerbaijan's capital Baku on Monday, news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-little-ziva-dances-with-ms-dhoni-to-celebrate-chennais-win-against-punjab-138654">Watch: Little Ziva dances with MS Dhoni to celebrate Chennai's win against Punjab</a></p>

<p>MS Dhoni sent a warning before the knock-out matches of Indian Premier League when he displayed a magnificent batting show against Punjab in the last league match.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Never recognised 'so-called Arunachal Pradesh', gold mining part of geological & scientific research: China China today emphatically declared that mining operations close to the Arunachal Pradesh was "completely" within its sovereignty, and it "totally" belongs to China. PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, hails 'friendship' Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia's Sochi as part of his informal summit with the Russian President. The two leaders also held a meeting. Watch: Raise national flag on all mosques, declares State-run China Islamic Association All mosques in China should raise the national flag and study socialist core values to strengthen their "concept of nation" and carry forward "the spirit of patriotism," the China Islamic Association declared, as the Communist Party seeks to tighten its grip on religion. 2 dead, 2 injured in a blast in Azerbaijan's capital Baku A blast occurred in a small cafe in Binagadi district of Azerbaijan's capital Baku on Monday, news agency Reuters reported. Watch: Little Ziva dances with MS Dhoni to celebrate Chennai's win against Punjab MS Dhoni sent a warning before the knock-out matches of Indian Premier League when he displayed a magnificent batting show against Punjab in the last league match.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister a "victory of democracy".</p>

<p>Chandrababu Naidu said that as a chief minister and someone who believed in democracy, he welcomed the development and that the whole country would be happy about what had transpired.</p>

<p>"This is a victory of democracy. As a chief minister and as someone who believes in democracy, I am welcoming this. Everyone in the country will be happy about this development," Naidu said.</p>

<p>The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah of trying to "deride the democracy" in Karnataka. He also questioned the message the Prime Minister and the BJP President have given to the nation and the youth.</p>

<p>Chandrababu Naidu further accused the BJP of bribing voters with Rs 10,000 for each vote and of bringing back tainted leader Janardhan Reddy to the forefront.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister told he will be honest, will bring back black money from Swiss Bank and abroad. But, BJP bribed upto Rs10,000 for each vote in the Karnataka elections. BJP brought back Janardhan Reddy who looted the mineral wealth in the country to the forefront and did politics, gave them seats," Naidu added.</p>

<p>The Andhra Pradesh chief minister accused the BJP of "misusing the institution of Governor" in Karnataka.</p>

<p>JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy will now take oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on May 23 after he was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala to form the government in the state.</p>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly on Saturday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)</p>


The Andhra Pradesh chief minister accused PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of trying to 'deride the democracy' in Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called BS Yeddyurappa's resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister a "victory of democracy". Chandrababu Naidu said that as a chief minister and someone who believed in democracy, he welcomed the development and that the whole country would be happy about what had transpired. "This is a victory of democracy. As a chief minister and as someone who believes in democracy, I am welcoming this. Everyone in the country will be happy about this development," Naidu said. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah of trying to "deride the democracy" in Karnataka. He also questioned the message the Prime Minister and the BJP President have given to the nation and the youth. Chandrababu Naidu further accused the BJP of bribing voters with Rs 10,000 for each vote and of bringing back tainted leader Janardhan Reddy to the forefront. "Prime Minister told he will be honest, will bring back black money from Swiss Bank and abroad. But, BJP bribed upto Rs10,000 for each vote in the Karnataka elections. BJP brought back Janardhan Reddy who looted the mineral wealth in the country to the forefront and did politics, gave them seats," Naidu added. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister accused the BJP of "misusing the institution of Governor" in Karnataka. JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy will now take oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on May 23 after he was invited by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala to form the government in the state. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yeddyurappa stepped down ahead of the floor test in the state assembly on Saturday. (With inputs from ANI)

Victory of democracy: Chandrababu Naidu on BJP's Karnataka setback

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yeddyurappa-resigns-as-karnataka-cm-ahead-of-floor-test-bjp-fails-to-prove-majority-138218">Yeddyurappa resigns as Karnataka CM before trust vote, BJP fails to prove majority</a></p>

<p>Two days after taking the oath Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned from his post on Saturday, ahead of the floor test in the Assembly.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252">Saudi Arabia detains seven activists ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252">lifting</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-ahead-of-lifting-of-ban-on-woman-driving-7-womens-rights-activists-detained-138252"> of driving ban</a></p>

<p>Weeks ahead of Saudi Arabia is to lift the ban from women driving, seven women's rights activists were arrested on Saturday by the authorities.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/royal-wedding-live-updates-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-to-wed-at-windsor-castle-today-138144">As it happened: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in a star-studded ceremony</a></p>

<p>From Oprah Winfrey to Priyanka Chopra to Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy, the royal wedding saw Hollywood royalty rub shoulders with British aristocracy.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-stone-weapon-raised-by-misguided-youths-destabilises-kashmir-pm-modi-138229">Every stone, weapon raised by misguided youths destabilises Kashmir: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to those Kashmiri youth who have joined violence to return to their homes and live a life of dignity and peace.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wary-as-eu-presents-measures-to-save-nuclear-deal-138187">Iran wary as EU presents measures to save </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wary-as-eu-presents-measures-to-save-nuclear-deal-138187">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wary-as-eu-presents-measures-to-save-nuclear-deal-138187"> deal</a></p>

<p>Iran said Saturday it would wait to see whether Europe produces tangible results in overcoming US sanctions before deciding whether to stay in the nuclear deal, as a top EU official visited Tehran to present plans to maintain trade ties.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Yeddyurappa resigns as Karnataka CM before trust vote, BJP fails to prove majority Two days after taking the oath Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned from his post on Saturday, ahead of the floor test in the Assembly. Saudi Arabia detains seven activists ahead of lifting of driving ban Weeks ahead of Saudi Arabia is to lift the ban from women driving, seven women's rights activists were arrested on Saturday by the authorities. As it happened: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in a star-studded ceremony From Oprah Winfrey to Priyanka Chopra to Prince Harry's ex Chelsy Davy, the royal wedding saw Hollywood royalty rub shoulders with British aristocracy. Every stone, weapon raised by misguided youths destabilises Kashmir: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to those Kashmiri youth who have joined violence to return to their homes and live a life of dignity and peace. Iran wary as EU presents measures to save nuclear deal Iran said Saturday it would wait to see whether Europe produces tangible results in overcoming US sanctions before deciding whether to stay in the nuclear deal, as a top EU official visited Tehran to present plans to maintain trade ties.

<p>Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP of dividing people and making them fight among themselves, alleging that the situation in the country was deteriorating and the Dalits and tribals were being attacked.</p>

<p>He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on various issues, including the alleged rape of a girl in Unnao by a BJP MLA.</p>

<p>"The atmosphere in the country is deteriorating. Dalits, Adivasis (tribals), women and youth are being attacked. Wherever the BJP is in power, it is dividing people and making them fight among themselves," he alleged.</p>

<p>The Congress president was answering questions posed by his party's booth-level workers in Bilaspur.</p>

<p>"A BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh raped a woman, but the prime minister does not even utter a word. When a PM does not give direction, a country becomes direction-less.</p>

<p>"When the PM does not say anything in the Unnao case, in the Rohit Vemula case and when the Dalits are attacked, then they (accused) feel what they were doing is right. A PM gives direction to the country, while a CM does so in case of a state," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>He said if the Congress was voted to power in Chhattisgarh, then those who commit crimes against women and Dalits would be strictly punished and jailed.</p>

<p>"If anyone breaks the law of the land, stern action will be taken against them," he said.</p>

<p>Gandhi's two-day tour of Chhattisgarh, where Assembly elections are due later this year, started yesterday.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Chhattisgarh's Durg. <a href="https://t.co/dCixZ1xOp0">pic.twitter.com/dCixZ1xOp0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997434387653451776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress president was answering questions posed by his party's booth-level workers in Bilaspur.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the BJP of dividing people and making them fight among themselves, alleging that the situation in the country was deteriorating and the Dalits and tribals were being attacked. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on various issues, including the alleged rape of a girl in Unnao by a BJP MLA. "The atmosphere in the country is deteriorating. Dalits, Adivasis (tribals), women and youth are being attacked. Wherever the BJP is in power, it is dividing people and making them fight among themselves," he alleged. The Congress president was answering questions posed by his party's booth-level workers in Bilaspur. "A BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh raped a woman, but the prime minister does not even utter a word. When a PM does not give direction, a country becomes direction-less. "When the PM does not say anything in the Unnao case, in the Rohit Vemula case and when the Dalits are attacked, then they (accused) feel what they were doing is right. A PM gives direction to the country, while a CM does so in case of a state," Gandhi said. He said if the Congress was voted to power in Chhattisgarh, then those who commit crimes against women and Dalits would be strictly punished and jailed. "If anyone breaks the law of the land, stern action will be taken against them," he said. Gandhi's two-day tour of Chhattisgarh, where Assembly elections are due later this year, started yesterday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Chhattisgarh's Durg. pic.twitter.com/dCixZ1xOp0 — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018 ×

'Divisive' BJP making people fight among themselves: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew the main accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam for long, but remained silent when they stole "farmers' money" and fled the country.</p>

<p>He accused the NDA government of ignoring farmers while waiving the loans of "15 richest people" in the country.</p>

<p>Gandhi, who was addressing a rally of farmers and tribal people at Sitapur in Chhattisgarh, promised a farm loan waiver across the country if the Congress returned to power in 2019.</p>

<p>"The UPA government ran MNREGA scheme at a cost of Rs 35,000 core. The same amount was stolen by (jeweller and PNB scam accused) Nirav Modi from the farmers of the country. The entire money of MNREGA was stolen by a single man, but our prime minister did not utter a single word," he said.</p>

<p>"The PM had known Nirav Modi and (the scam co-accused) Mehul Choksi. It was years-old relation," Gandhi alleged.</p>

<p>Farmers wanted loan waiver because the BJP government was giving them neither the minimum support price nor bonus, he said, adding that even the crop insurance scheme was not working.</p>

<p>"The Centre waived the loans of industrialists, but is not ready to take any step for farmers," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>When the Congress government is voted to power in 2019, it will waive loans of farmers in the entire country within 10 days of coming to power, he asserted.</p>

<p>Food processing plants will be set up and farmers will be ensured good returns on their produce, the Congress president said.</p>

<p>"When prime minister Modi was campaigning in 2014, he had promised to provide jobs to two crore youths every year, to deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide handsome returns to farmers on their produce. But nothing has happened. Forget Rs 15 lakh, not even Rs 15 have been deposited in any account," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>"When the UPA was in power, minimum support price was increased by 15 per cent every year. But during the NDA regime it wasn't hiked by even five per cent," he said.</p>

<p>"Unemployment is rising. Farmers are committing suicide. Dalits and tribals are being attacked and facing repression. When nobody is benefiting from this government, who is getting the benefit?" he asked.</p>

<p>Gandhi said he had personally met Modi and asked him to waive crop loans, but the prime minister did not give any reply.</p>

<p>"For whom this BJP and RSS machinery is working? I will give you an example -- farmers in the entire country wanted to get their loans waived, but the government ignored them and Rs 2.5 lakh crore worth of loans of the 15 richest people were waived," Gandhi alleged.</p>

<p>Referring to the press conference held by senior-most Supreme Court judges on issues related to the apex court earlier this year, Gandhi said, "The BJP-led NDA government has snatched the rights of judges. Where will people get justice when Supreme Court judges themselves are asking for justice from people?"</p>

<p>"Judges said they were under pressure from the prime minister and (BJP chief) Amit Shah. The prime minister was silent on the issue," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>The Congress would form government in Chhattisgarh by defeating the ruling BJP in the coming elections, he said.</p>

<p>While demonetisation led to job losses, small traders had to bear the brunt of "Gabbar Singh Tax", he said, referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).</p>

<p>Farmers, youths, tribals and small traders in the state will benefit from the Congress government's policies, he said.</p>

<p>Speaking at Kotmi in Bilaspur district later in the evening, Gandhi took a jibe at the prime minister's 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme.</p>

<p>"You listen to the prime minister's speech. He speaks Man ki Baat. We (the Congress) do not want to tell you our 'Mann ki Baat', but want to listen to yours. We want to work on the strength of your 'Mann ki Baat," the Congress president told the gathering.</p>

<p>"If we are in politics, it is for you. We are fighting for you because you have built this country. Farmers have built this country. Adivasis, Dalits and women have made sacrifices, but when this country got money, it is being snatched from you and given to 10-15 richest people," he said.</p>

<p>The Congress president, who arrived on a two-day tour of Chhattisgarh today, addressed three public meetings during the day.&nbsp<br />
<br />
&nbsp</p>


Gandhi, who was addressing a rally of farmers and tribal people at Sitapur in Chhattisgarh, promised a farm loan waiver across the country if the Congress returned to power in 2019.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew the main accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam for long, but remained silent when they stole "farmers' money" and fled the country. He accused the NDA government of ignoring farmers while waiving the loans of "15 richest people" in the country. Gandhi, who was addressing a rally of farmers and tribal people at Sitapur in Chhattisgarh, promised a farm loan waiver across the country if the Congress returned to power in 2019. "The UPA government ran MNREGA scheme at a cost of Rs 35,000 core. The same amount was stolen by (jeweller and PNB scam accused) Nirav Modi from the farmers of the country. The entire money of MNREGA was stolen by a single man, but our prime minister did not utter a single word," he said. "The PM had known Nirav Modi and (the scam co-accused) Mehul Choksi. It was years-old relation," Gandhi alleged. Farmers wanted loan waiver because the BJP government was giving them neither the minimum support price nor bonus, he said, adding that even the crop insurance scheme was not working. "The Centre waived the loans of industrialists, but is not ready to take any step for farmers," Gandhi said. When the Congress government is voted to power in 2019, it will waive loans of farmers in the entire country within 10 days of coming to power, he asserted. Food processing plants will be set up and farmers will be ensured good returns on their produce, the Congress president said. "When prime minister Modi was campaigning in 2014, he had promised to provide jobs to two crore youths every year, to deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of people and provide handsome returns to farmers on their produce. But nothing has happened. Forget Rs 15 lakh, not even Rs 15 have been deposited in any account," Gandhi said. "When the UPA was in power, minimum support price was increased by 15 per cent every year. But during the NDA regime it wasn't hiked by even five per cent," he said. "Unemployment is rising. Farmers are committing suicide. Dalits and tribals are being attacked and facing repression. When nobody is benefiting from this government, who is getting the benefit?" he asked. Gandhi said he had personally met Modi and asked him to waive crop loans, but the prime minister did not give any reply. "For whom this BJP and RSS machinery is working? I will give you an example -- farmers in the entire country wanted to get their loans waived, but the government ignored them and Rs 2.5 lakh crore worth of loans of the 15 richest people were waived," Gandhi alleged. Referring to the press conference held by senior-most Supreme Court judges on issues related to the apex court earlier this year, Gandhi said, "The BJP-led NDA government has snatched the rights of judges. Where will people get justice when Supreme Court judges themselves are asking for justice from people?" "Judges said they were under pressure from the prime minister and (BJP chief) Amit Shah. The prime minister was silent on the issue," Gandhi said. The Congress would form government in Chhattisgarh by defeating the ruling BJP in the coming elections, he said. While demonetisation led to job losses, small traders had to bear the brunt of "Gabbar Singh Tax", he said, referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Farmers, youths, tribals and small traders in the state will benefit from the Congress government's policies, he said. Speaking at Kotmi in Bilaspur district later in the evening, Gandhi took a jibe at the prime minister's 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme. "You listen to the prime minister's speech. He speaks Man ki Baat. We (the Congress) do not want to tell you our 'Mann ki Baat', but want to listen to yours. We want to work on the strength of your 'Mann ki Baat," the Congress president told the gathering. "If we are in politics, it is for you. We are fighting for you because you have built this country. Farmers have built this country. Adivasis, Dalits and women have made sacrifices, but when this country got money, it is being snatched from you and given to 10-15 richest people," he said. The Congress president, who arrived on a two-day tour of Chhattisgarh today, addressed three public meetings during the day.

PM kept mum as Nirav Modi stole farmers' money: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Following the capsize of a boat in the Godavari river on Tuesday, a joint-effort by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Service and Police officials is underway to recover the boat and bodies of the deceased.</p>

<p>According to an official statement, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), working under the supervision of the Sub-Collector of East Godavari district's Rampachodavaram, all rescue teams were on the spot and working on the operation.</p>

<p>The statement also mentioned that so far, at least 20 families had contacted Government officials with reports of missing cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is noteworthy that 17 people had been rescued so far, while others are still missing.</p>

<p>According to police, the boat sailed from Devipatnam to reach Kondamodalu at 3.30 pm on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anguished by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the safety of those missing.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/996433097615962112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>When the boat was 10 minutes away from the banks, heavy rain and high-velocity winds started during which the small vessel lost its balance and capsized.</p>


According to police, the boat sailed from Devipatnam to reach Kondamodalu at 3.30 pm on Tuesday

Following the capsize of a boat in the Godavari river on Tuesday, a joint-effort by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Service and Police officials is underway to recover the boat and bodies of the deceased. According to an official statement, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), working under the supervision of the Sub-Collector of East Godavari district's Rampachodavaram, all rescue teams were on the spot and working on the operation. The statement also mentioned that so far, at least 20 families had contacted Government officials with reports of missing cases. It is noteworthy that 17 people had been rescued so far, while others are still missing. According to police, the boat sailed from Devipatnam to reach Kondamodalu at 3.30 pm on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident on Twitter. Anguished by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the safety of those missing. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2018 × When the boat was 10 minutes away from the banks, heavy rain and high-velocity winds started during which the small vessel lost its balance and capsized.

Joint rescue operation conducted after a boat capsizes in Andhra's Devipatnam

<p>As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday.</p>

<p>On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly.</p>

<p>The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations.</p>

<p>Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state."</p>

<p>"As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day.</p>

<p>BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory."</p>

<p>The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats.</p>

<p>H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.</p>


On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly

As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday. On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly. The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations. Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday. Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state." "As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more." However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day. BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory." The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority. Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated. The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats. H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.

Karnataka elections: D-Day for Congress, BJP as Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa eye top spot

<p>Terming as very serious&nbspthe attempts by Pakistani forces to push armed terrorists across the border ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Border Security Force (BSF) K K Sharma said on Tuesday efforts were on to locate the infiltrators.</p>

<p>Five infiltrators sneaked into Hiranagar sector probably through a tunnel on Sunday night and efforts are on to detect and neutralise them, Sharma said.</p>

<p>Referring to the killing of a BSF jawan in firing from across the border, Sharma said the sacrifice would not go in vain and assured "appropriate action" against Pakistan.</p>

<p>&nbsp"Pakistan is our hostile neighbour and tries to push terrorists and violates ceasefire regularly. BSF does no initiate (ceasefire violations) from this side but whenever Pakistan initiates, we give them a befitting response,"Sharma told reporters at the BSF headquarters in&nbsp</p>

<p>Referring to the latest incidents along the international border, Sharma said a group of five infiltrators may have sneaked in, while another attempt was scuttled.&nbsp</p>

<p>There is a possibility that a group of five (terrorists) managed to sneak into this side through a tunnel on Sunday night. We have not so far detected any tunnel but are looking for it. The anti-tunneling exercise is going on,? he said.&nbsp</p>

<p>He said the presence of a group, comprised of five members, was confirmed through HSTI imagining. I am sure they will be detected and neutralized, the BSF chief added.</p>

<p>He said this (infiltration attempts and Pakistani firing) was a "very serious incident" because it had happened ahead of the scheduled visit of Prime Minister to the state on May 19.&nbsp"The BSF always gives a befitting reply to Pakistan. This time it is not going to be any exception. The martyrdom of our jawan will not go in vain and we will take appropriate action,"&nbsphe said.&nbsp</p>

<p>Asked about intelligence reports suggesting presence of terrorists at launching pads across the border, he said there is no second thought that a lot of terrorists were present at the launching pads and Pakistan is attempting to push them into this side.&nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp&nbspOn a smart fencing project, he said it was nearing completion. I am hopeful that it will be in place either by this month end or in the first or second week of next month and it will be inaugurated by the Union Home minister, Sharma said.</p>

<p>"We have planned to roll out the project to make the Pakistan border safer and secure and completely covered by the technology,"&nbsphe said.&nbsp</p>

<p>Technology is a big advantage as humans cannot see beyond 100 meters or listen beyond 50 meters, he said.</p>

<p>After the induction of smart fencing, we can pick up enemy movement three kilometres away, he said.</p>

<p>After the completion of cultivation (season), sniping and cross-border firing is a usual thing and the latest incidents are the part of this phenomenon," the BSF chief said.</p>


Five infiltrators sneaked into Hiranagar sector probably through a tunnel on Sunday night and efforts are on to detect and neutralise them, Director General of Border Security Force (BSF) said.

Terming as very serious&nbspthe attempts by Pakistani forces to push armed terrorists across the border ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Border Security Force (BSF) K K Sharma said on Tuesday efforts were on to locate the infiltrators. Five infiltrators sneaked into Hiranagar sector probably through a tunnel on Sunday night and efforts are on to detect and neutralise them, Sharma said. Referring to the killing of a BSF jawan in firing from across the border, Sharma said the sacrifice would not go in vain and assured "appropriate action" against Pakistan. "Pakistan is our hostile neighbour and tries to push terrorists and violates ceasefire regularly. BSF does no initiate (ceasefire violations) from this side but whenever Pakistan initiates, we give them a befitting response,"Sharma told reporters at the BSF headquarters in Referring to the latest incidents along the international border, Sharma said a group of five infiltrators may have sneaked in, while another attempt was scuttled. There is a possibility that a group of five (terrorists) managed to sneak into this side through a tunnel on Sunday night. We have not so far detected any tunnel but are looking for it. The anti-tunneling exercise is going on,? he said. He said the presence of a group, comprised of five members, was confirmed through HSTI imagining. I am sure they will be detected and neutralized, the BSF chief added. He said this (infiltration attempts and Pakistani firing) was a "very serious incident" because it had happened ahead of the scheduled visit of Prime Minister to the state on May 19. "The BSF always gives a befitting reply to Pakistan. This time it is not going to be any exception. The martyrdom of our jawan will not go in vain and we will take appropriate action,"&nbsphe said. Asked about intelligence reports suggesting presence of terrorists at launching pads across the border, he said there is no second thought that a lot of terrorists were present at the launching pads and Pakistan is attempting to push them into this side. &nbspOn a smart fencing project, he said it was nearing completion. I am hopeful that it will be in place either by this month end or in the first or second week of next month and it will be inaugurated by the Union Home minister, Sharma said. "We have planned to roll out the project to make the Pakistan border safer and secure and completely covered by the technology,"&nbsphe said. Technology is a big advantage as humans cannot see beyond 100 meters or listen beyond 50 meters, he said. After the induction of smart fencing, we can pick up enemy movement three kilometres away, he said. After the completion of cultivation (season), sniping and cross-border firing is a usual thing and the latest incidents are the part of this phenomenon," the BSF chief said.

'Pak attempt to push armed infiltrators into JK ahead of PM visit very serious': Director General of BSF

<p>Six hours into counting and the results are self-evident. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leads-in-most-constituencies-modi-campaigned-rahul-effect-fades-for-congress-136926">Prime Minister Modi's campaign form</a> in the last leg of elections has delivered Karnataka to the BJP, it was what saved the party in Gujarat - a political equivalent of slog-over pinch hitting that Dhoni, Kohli and some of the other best finishers in cricket would envy and want to emulate.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Track Live Results of Karnataka Assembly Elections</a></p>

<p>Like it or lump it, when you want a 'neta' to deliver and lead the party on the campaign trail, there is no one better than the indefatigable PM who has delivered state after state for the Bharatiya Janata Party.</p>

<p>A beaming Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did the rounds of TV studios and said on air: "Democracy and accountability go hand-in-hand and the Congress president should look at his own party. The country has accepted Narendra Modi's leadership. It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the party, they have to see why the people didn't vote for them."</p>

<p>Modi had on the campaign trail quipped that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-election-results-what-didnt-work-for-congress-136929">the Congress</a> will be reduced to 'PPP' party - alluding to the fact that <a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-dream-of-a-congress-free-nation-inching-towards-reality--136946">all the party has</a> are the states of Puducherry, Punjab and Parivaar (then Gandhi family). Perhaps the M from Mizoram did not fit the pun - but it is a fact that after its loss in Karnataka, the Congress has its governments in just the three states of Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram - tracts of land on which just under three per cent of India's population dwell.</p>

<p>Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' (Modi wave) visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh. No 'visible' BJP wave led to 300+ seats there. Of course you sometimes need the right political prism to see a wave and many on the other side of the divide, naysayers and even fence sitters of my ilk, can sometimes miss what stares them in plain sight.</p>

<p>Faced with the chief minister in Siddaramaiah who wasn't a pushover, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-bjp-celebrate-victory-in-karnataka-136956">the BJP</a> pinned its hopes largely on the central government's track record and Prime Minister Modi's charisma to get them out of a tough spot. On Saturday, exit polls were divided and sensible pollsters said it was too close to call. The BJP top-brass seemed quietly confident, the Congress claimed victory is what now seems like braggadocio. Dismissing the exit polls as 'entertainment', BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had even announced that he would take oath on May 17.</p>

<p>What the Congress missed was also the fact that a popular chief minister may not combat anti-incumbency - the performance of the MLAs matters. And while these results may not have a direct fallout in the PM Modi's 2019 bid for a second-term in office, the prime minister is clearly a captain who leads from the front and comes up with the goods when the going gets tough - a trait that augurs well for the BJP as it will look to buck anti-incumbency and retain Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh later this year.</p>


Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh.

Six hours into counting and the results are self-evident. Prime Minister Modi's campaign form in the last leg of elections has delivered Karnataka to the BJP, it was what saved the party in Gujarat - a political equivalent of slog-over pinch hitting that Dhoni, Kohli and some of the other best finishers in cricket would envy and want to emulate. Track Live Results of Karnataka Assembly Elections Like it or lump it, when you want a 'neta' to deliver and lead the party on the campaign trail, there is no one better than the indefatigable PM who has delivered state after state for the Bharatiya Janata Party. A beaming Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad did the rounds of TV studios and said on air: "Democracy and accountability go hand-in-hand and the Congress president should look at his own party. The country has accepted Narendra Modi's leadership. It is not the BJP's job to strengthen the party, they have to see why the people didn't vote for them." Modi had on the campaign trail quipped that the Congress will be reduced to 'PPP' party - alluding to the fact that all the party has are the states of Puducherry, Punjab and Parivaar (then Gandhi family). Perhaps the M from Mizoram did not fit the pun - but it is a fact that after its loss in Karnataka, the Congress has its governments in just the three states of Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram - tracts of land on which just under three per cent of India's population dwell. Wave after wave of pollsters said there was no 'Modi ki lehar' (Modi wave) visible in the state but everyone forgot Uttar Pradesh. No 'visible' BJP wave led to 300+ seats there. Of course you sometimes need the right political prism to see a wave and many on the other side of the divide, naysayers and even fence sitters of my ilk, can sometimes miss what stares them in plain sight. Faced with the chief minister in Siddaramaiah who wasn't a pushover, the BJP pinned its hopes largely on the central government's track record and Prime Minister Modi's charisma to get them out of a tough spot. On Saturday, exit polls were divided and sensible pollsters said it was too close to call. The BJP top-brass seemed quietly confident, the Congress claimed victory is what now seems like braggadocio. Dismissing the exit polls as 'entertainment', BJP's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa had even announced that he would take oath on May 17. What the Congress missed was also the fact that a popular chief minister may not combat anti-incumbency - the performance of the MLAs matters. And while these results may not have a direct fallout in the PM Modi's 2019 bid for a second-term in office, the prime minister is clearly a captain who leads from the front and comes up with the goods when the going gets tough - a trait that augurs well for the BJP as it will look to buck anti-incumbency and retain Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh later this year.

Karnataka election results show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'magic' works

<p>After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend.<br />
<br />
We are coming back. 2/2</p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484103611908098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times,&nbsp; Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past.</p>

<p>Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days<br />
<br />
Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet<br />
<br />
Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2</p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/995484100957007872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt.</p>

<p>Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty.<br />
<br />
What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani?<br />
<br />
Thanks Satish Acharya <a href="https://t.co/E6jZhtmZoz">pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz</a></p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/994115096614846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections.</p>

<p>In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media.</p>

<p>When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress.</p>

<p>The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party.</p>

<p>"Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today.</p>

<p>Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack.</p>

<p>"While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Modi ಅವರೇ,<br />
<br />
Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today.<br />
<br />
Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’.<br />
<br />
While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party.<br />
<br />
Am I right, Sir?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NijaHeliModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NijaHeliModi</a></p>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/992733277063593990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it.</p>

<p>The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls.</p>

<p>While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah,&nbsp; who was a social media novice until mid-2016,&nbsp; emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government?</p>

<p>We will have the answer tomorrow.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter.

After battling months of dust, noise and the heat of the gruelling campaign in the run-up to the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can now chill. Maybe he can relish a cup of coffee sitting in the comfort of his home. Or go for a morning stroll, or even catch up on sleep. So, Dear party workers, supporters & well wishers, don’t worry about exit polls. Relax & enjoy your weekend. We are coming back. 2/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × In one of the bitterly fought elections in the recent times, Karnataka elections saw political mud-slinging that we have seldom witnessed in the past. Both BJP and Congress unleashed all the ammunition available at their disposal from their arsenal on the political battleground called Karnataka in one of the hard-fought, bitter elections in the recent past. Both the parties left no stone unturned in their quest to inflict maximum injury on their opponents in order to come to power in the southern state. Exit opinion polls are entertainment for the next 2 days Relying on poll of polls is like a person who can’t swim crossing a river on foot relying on a statistician who told him the average depth of the river is 4 feet Please note average of 6+4+2 is 4. At 6 feet you drown! 1/2 — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 13, 2018 × The elections also saw both parties unleashing social media to portray the other as inept, unprincipled, and corrupt. Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular) cobbled together considerable resources to bolster their social media reach ahead of Karnataka elections. Prime Minister confuses loyalty (dogs are considered loyal to their masters) with patriotism because he doesn’t understand loyalty. What lessons in loyalty can we learn from a man who couldn’t be loyal to his staunchest supporter & mentor Shri LK Advani? Thanks Satish Acharya pic.twitter.com/E6jZhtmZoz — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 9, 2018 × However, the BJP may have had an edge over social media when it comes to electoral battle, but the Congress is not far behind. Realising the potential of the social media, though a tad late, Congress seems is out to exploit its potential to the hilt as we have seen it from the Karnataka and Gujarat Assembly elections. In the run-up to the elections, both Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and the BJP's chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa have frequently exchanged barbs on Twitter, with both putting up posts in Kannada as well to expand their reach on social media. When Narendra Modi taunted the Congress with PPP remark (After May 15 (when poll results will be declared), Indian National Congress will be reduced to ‘PPP Congress' - P for Punjab, P for Puducherry, and P for Parivar (family)), Siddaramaiah's Twitter handle lost little time to return the compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attack on the Congress. The Congress leader took to Twitter and called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party. "Dear Modiji, Heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack. "While your party is a 'Prison', 'Price Rise' & 'Pakoda' party. Am I right, Sir? #NijaHeliModi," he added. Dear Modi ಅವರೇ, Heard you spun a new abbreviation ‘PPP’ today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy - ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People’. While your party is a ‘Prison’, ‘Price Rise’ & ‘Pakoda’ party. Am I right, Sir?#NijaHeliModi — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 5, 2018 × The Chief Minister has 1.6 lakh followers on Twitter, nearly half of what his rival and former chief minister Mr Yeddyurappa has. However, Congress has not only upped its game, it has doubled it. The 72.36 per cent turnout in Saturday’s elections is new record for the State, surpassing the 71.90 per cent polling 40 years ago in 1978. The 2013 Assembly polls recorded a turnout of 71.45. However, the high turn out has not resulted in a clear majority to any one party as per exit polls. While one exit poll projected a clear majority to Congress, a couple of them said that the BJP will cross the half-way mark. However, most of the exit polls have projected a hung assembly. Siddaramaiah, who was a social media novice until mid-2016, emerged as the Congress’ best answer to the BJP’s social media prowess. Whether it's witty one-liners or scathing attack, the Congress CM from Karnataka matched the BJP stride for stride but can he outmuscle and outmanoeuvre BJP in the electoral battleground to get a comfortable majority to form the government? We will have the answer tomorrow. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Siddaramaiah has won the Twitter battle but can he defy exit polls?

<p>Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has written to President Ram Nath Koving asking him to caution the Prime Minister against using threatening language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI reported that Manmohan had said Prime Minister Modi should not use "unwarranted, threatening and intimidating language" against leaders of the Congress party or any other party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI added Manmohan as saying in his letter that such language does not behove the position of the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former PM & senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh writes to President of India asking him to caution the PM from using unwarranted , threatening & intimidating language against the leaders of the Congress Party or any other party of person as it does not behove position of the PM <a href="https://t.co/4FHM5MPeB1">pic.twitter.com/4FHM5MPeB1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995945745684430848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Such language does not behove the position of the prime minister, former prime minister Manmohan Singh wrote in his letter to President Kovind

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has written to President Ram Nath Koving asking him to caution the Prime Minister against using threatening language. ANI reported that Manmohan had said Prime Minister Modi should not use "unwarranted, threatening and intimidating language" against leaders of the Congress party or any other party. ANI added Manmohan as saying in his letter that such language does not behove the position of the prime minister. Former PM & senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh writes to President of India asking him to caution the PM from using unwarranted , threatening & intimidating language against the leaders of the Congress Party or any other party of person as it does not behove position of the PM pic.twitter.com/4FHM5MPeB1 — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 ×

Caution PM against using unwarranted, threatening language, Manmohan writes to President

<p>Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all.</p>

<p>Addressing a gathering at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, the Union minister said during the Modi government`s regime, their endeavour has been to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity to all and that has also made India an attractive investment spot, especially in the energy sector.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today India is the number 3 absolute energy consumer, our energy appetite is very high. Our per capita energy consumption is very modest which will increase in the coming years. So we request stakeholders to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan <a href="https://t.co/LcuQmmd7sE">pic.twitter.com/LcuQmmd7sE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995604057678012416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Under the leadership of PM Modi, India in the last four years has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Our government`s endeavour to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity provides a plethora of investment opportunities in India," he said according to news agency PTI while addressing over 250 Indian professionals, business leaders and community representatives working in the UAE.</p>

<p>Further talking about the achievement of the Modi government, Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to the UAE, said, "It has been 70 years of Independence, still there was no electricity in 18,000 villages in last two years. But in last two months, the electricity has reached to almost every village."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India is a new and emerging market. Downstream Investment Forum is a very important forum and UAE is a reliable partner of India. I appeal all the stakeholders in this energy business to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan <a href="https://t.co/Dp9tdFyJlt">pic.twitter.com/Dp9tdFyJlt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995604047846457344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he added.</p>

<p>He further highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in the Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development sectors in India and also extended an invitation to the business community in the UAE for greater collaborations and increased investments in India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Nasser Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai, UAE. <a href="https://t.co/jxfujdrtyz">pic.twitter.com/jxfujdrtyz</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995674210306375683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Yesterday, Pradhan and UAE Minister of State and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of 2 million barrels of ADNOC crude for Mangalore Cavern on Saturday.</p>

<p>During the day, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with HE&nbspDr&nbspJaber. Minister Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador Navdeep Suri, senior officials and CEOs for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.</p>

<p>Pradhan is visiting UAE to follow up on the February 2018 UAE visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>During the visit of the Prime Minister, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) signed an agreement with the ADNOC of UAE under which the latter will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India`s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facility at Mangalore at its own cost.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India is our strategic partner. We are honoured & glad about Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's participation. Proud of all the Indian companies that are looking for investments: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi <a href="https://t.co/FjiluC2jfA">pic.twitter.com/FjiluC2jfA</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995609957381754880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>(With PTI inputs)</p>


"In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he said.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Addressing a gathering at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, the Union minister said during the Modi government`s regime, their endeavour has been to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity to all and that has also made India an attractive investment spot, especially in the energy sector. Today India is the number 3 absolute energy consumer, our energy appetite is very high. Our per capita energy consumption is very modest which will increase in the coming years. So we request stakeholders to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/LcuQmmd7sE — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × "Under the leadership of PM Modi, India in the last four years has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Our government`s endeavour to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity provides a plethora of investment opportunities in India," he said according to news agency PTI while addressing over 250 Indian professionals, business leaders and community representatives working in the UAE. Further talking about the achievement of the Modi government, Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to the UAE, said, "It has been 70 years of Independence, still there was no electricity in 18,000 villages in last two years. But in last two months, the electricity has reached to almost every village." India is a new and emerging market. Downstream Investment Forum is a very important forum and UAE is a reliable partner of India. I appeal all the stakeholders in this energy business to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/Dp9tdFyJlt — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × "In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he added. He further highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in the Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development sectors in India and also extended an invitation to the business community in the UAE for greater collaborations and increased investments in India. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Nasser Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai, UAE. pic.twitter.com/jxfujdrtyz — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × Yesterday, Pradhan and UAE Minister of State and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of 2 million barrels of ADNOC crude for Mangalore Cavern on Saturday. During the day, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with HE&nbspDr&nbspJaber. Minister Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador Navdeep Suri, senior officials and CEOs for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. Pradhan is visiting UAE to follow up on the February 2018 UAE visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit of the Prime Minister, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) signed an agreement with the ADNOC of UAE under which the latter will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India`s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facility at Mangalore at its own cost. India is our strategic partner. We are honoured & glad about Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's participation. Proud of all the Indian companies that are looking for investments: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi pic.twitter.com/FjiluC2jfA — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × (With PTI inputs)

Modi government providing energy justice to all: Dharmendra Pradhan

<p>A day after former Nawaz Sharif admitted his country's role in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Imran Khan slammed the former Pakistan prime minister for speaking "PM Narendra Modi's language" to protect his wealth stashed in his son's companies.</p>

<p>"Nawaz Sharif is the modern-day Mir Jafar, who collaborated with the British to enslave his nation for personal gains. Nawaz speaking Modi's language against Pakistan State simply to protect his ill-gotten Rs 300 billion stashed in his son's companies abroad,'' Khan tweeted.</p>

<p>(A commander in Siraj- ud -Daulah's army, Mir Jafar colluded with the East India Company leading to the defeat of Siraj- ud -Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Following the battle, he became the first Najafi Nawab of Bengal with the support of British East India Company.)</p>

<p>Khan was referring to Sharif's recent interview to a Pakistani media, ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai.</p>

<p>Blaming the Militant organisation in Pakistan, he asked: "should we allow them to cross-border and kill 150 people in Mumbai?".</p>

<p>He further questioned that why the trials in the case are not being completed?</p>

<p>He said,"Militant organisation are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross-border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Why can't we complete trial?"</p>

<p>He added further,"We have isolated ourselves. Despite giving sacrifices, our narrative is not being accepted. Afghanistan's narrative is being accepted, but ours is not. We must look into it".</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nawaz Sharif is the modern-day Mir Jafar, who collaborated with the British to enslave his nation for personal gains. Nawaz speaking Modi's language against Pak State simply to protect his ill-gotten Rs 300b stashed in his sons companies abroad.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/995562962365616128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>


Khan was referring to Sharif's recent interview to a Pakistani media, ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai.

A day after former Nawaz Sharif admitted his country's role in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Imran Khan slammed the former Pakistan prime minister for speaking "PM Narendra Modi's language" to protect his wealth stashed in his son's companies. "Nawaz Sharif is the modern-day Mir Jafar, who collaborated with the British to enslave his nation for personal gains. Nawaz speaking Modi's language against Pakistan State simply to protect his ill-gotten Rs 300 billion stashed in his son's companies abroad,'' Khan tweeted. (A commander in Siraj- ud -Daulah's army, Mir Jafar colluded with the East India Company leading to the defeat of Siraj- ud -Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Following the battle, he became the first Najafi Nawab of Bengal with the support of British East India Company.) Khan was referring to Sharif's recent interview to a Pakistani media, ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai. Blaming the Militant organisation in Pakistan, he asked: "should we allow them to cross-border and kill 150 people in Mumbai?". He further questioned that why the trials in the case are not being completed? He said,"Militant organisation are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross-border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Why can't we complete trial?" He added further,"We have isolated ourselves. Despite giving sacrifices, our narrative is not being accepted. Afghanistan's narrative is being accepted, but ours is not. We must look into it". Nawaz Sharif is the modern-day Mir Jafar, who collaborated with the British to enslave his nation for personal gains. Nawaz speaking Modi's language against Pak State simply to protect his ill-gotten Rs 300b stashed in his sons companies abroad. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 13, 2018 ×

Imran Khan slams Nawaz Sharif, says he speaks PM Narendra Modi's language

<p>Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday announced to host the 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit.</p>

<p>During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nepali Prime Minister said Nepal will hold the BIMSTEC summit while expressing commitment towards building the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal initiative.</p>

<p>As informed by Foreign Minister Vijay Gokhale in a press conference, both the Prime Ministers talked of bilateral economic ties and building strong bilateral relations in future.</p>

<p>The BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal.</p>

<p>They further held discussions on other bilateral initiatives jointly undertaken by both countries.</p>

<p>Further, the two leaders agreed to "bridge the commitment implementation gaps" between two countries.</p>

<p>He extended his gratitude toward Nepal`s government for their hospitality.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi was on a two-day visit to Nepal and will now depart for India.<br />
&nbsp</p>


During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nepali Prime Minister said Nepal will hold the BIMSTEC summit while expressing commitment towards building the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal initiative

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday announced to host the 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nepali Prime Minister said Nepal will hold the BIMSTEC summit while expressing commitment towards building the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal initiative. As informed by Foreign Minister Vijay Gokhale in a press conference, both the Prime Ministers talked of bilateral economic ties and building strong bilateral relations in future. The BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. They further held discussions on other bilateral initiatives jointly undertaken by both countries. Further, the two leaders agreed to "bridge the commitment implementation gaps" between two countries. He extended his gratitude toward Nepal`s government for their hospitality. Prime Minister Modi was on a two-day visit to Nepal and will now depart for India.

Nepal to hold BIMSTEC 2018: PM KP Sharma Oli

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/without-nepal-indias-history-is-incomplete-pm-modi-at-janakpur-136068">two-day trip to Nepal</a>, a visit that aims at resetting and strengthening India-Nepal ties. PM Modi is expected to push for development projects between both the nations while discussing a range of regional and bilateral issues with his Nepalese counterpart.</p>

<p>India's relationship with Nepal assumes great importance, the same is evident from the fact that this is PM Modi's third visit to the Himalayan nation in the last four years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India seeks to launch a series of development projects with the neighbouring country in a bid to strengthen ties and boost cooperation in the wake of China making inroads into Nepal on the political and economic front.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारत और नेपाल के बीच व्यापार भी रिश्तों की एक अहम कड़ी है। नेपाल बिजली उत्पादन के क्षेत्र में तेज़ी से विकास कर रहा है। आज भारत से लगभग 450 मेगावाट बिजली नेपाल को सप्लाई होती है। इसके लिए हमने नई ट्रांसमिशन लाइंस बिछाई हैं: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994851296892129280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier today, PM Modi and Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli launched the construction work of what will translate into the biggest hydroelectric project in Nepal.</p>

<p>New Delhi seeks to rebuild trust in the Himalayan republic by investing in the single biggest foreign investment project in the cash-strapped country. The 900 MW hydro-power project is expected to cost $1.04 billion and is being built by state-run Indian firm Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited.</p>

<p>"Nepal prominently features in India's neighbour first policy. We assure that we will continue to stand with Nepal," Modi stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारत दशकों से नेपाल का एक स्थाई विकास साझेदार है। नेपाल हमारी 'Neighbourhood First' policy में सबसे पहले आता है: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994847124549447680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>India, strategically, carves out a plan to get in&nbsp;good books of Nepal while silently competing with China -- a country which, on the other hand, is pouring aid and investment into Nepali hospitals, roads and hydroelectric plants.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">ये समय हमें मिलकर शांति, शिक्षा,सुरक्षा, समृद्धि, और संस्कारों की पंचवटी की रक्षा करने का है। हमारा ये मानना है कि नेपाल के विकास में ही क्षेत्रीय विकास का सूत्र है: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994846502030921728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The power plant will provide employment, economic and business opportunities to Nepal," Modi told reporters.</p>

<p>According to a Reuters report, the project moves fast just about when a Chinese proposal to build a 750 MW power plant in west Nepal faces a roadblock.</p>

<p>PM Modi faces heat over bringing ties with Nepal back to normal with a patchwork of ambitious projects aimed at winning Nepal's trust and faith.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ties between India and Nepal are special. <a href="https://t.co/CtWDo6zPxe">pic.twitter.com/CtWDo6zPxe</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994965911571345408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"India-Nepal ties are historic. We are similar in many ways our strength, desires, aspirations are all same. Without Nepal India's faith, history is incomplete," Modi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India, strategically, carves out a plan to get in good books of Nepal while silently competing with China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day trip to Nepal, a visit that aims at resetting and strengthening India-Nepal ties. PM Modi is expected to push for development projects between both the nations while discussing a range of regional and bilateral issues with his Nepalese counterpart. India's relationship with Nepal assumes great importance, the same is evident from the fact that this is PM Modi's third visit to the Himalayan nation in the last four years. India seeks to launch a series of development projects with the neighbouring country in a bid to strengthen ties and boost cooperation in the wake of China making inroads into Nepal on the political and economic front. भारत और नेपाल के बीच व्यापार भी रिश्तों की एक अहम कड़ी है। नेपाल बिजली उत्पादन के क्षेत्र में तेज़ी से विकास कर रहा है। आज भारत से लगभग 450 मेगावाट बिजली नेपाल को सप्लाई होती है। इसके लिए हमने नई ट्रांसमिशन लाइंस बिछाई हैं: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × Earlier today, PM Modi and Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli launched the construction work of what will translate into the biggest hydroelectric project in Nepal. New Delhi seeks to rebuild trust in the Himalayan republic by investing in the single biggest foreign investment project in the cash-strapped country. The 900 MW hydro-power project is expected to cost $1.04 billion and is being built by state-run Indian firm Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited. "Nepal prominently features in India's neighbour first policy. We assure that we will continue to stand with Nepal," Modi stated. भारत दशकों से नेपाल का एक स्थाई विकास साझेदार है। नेपाल हमारी 'Neighbourhood First' policy में सबसे पहले आता है: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × India, strategically, carves out a plan to get in good books of Nepal while silently competing with China -- a country which, on the other hand, is pouring aid and investment into Nepali hospitals, roads and hydroelectric plants. ये समय हमें मिलकर शांति, शिक्षा,सुरक्षा, समृद्धि, और संस्कारों की पंचवटी की रक्षा करने का है। हमारा ये मानना है कि नेपाल के विकास में ही क्षेत्रीय विकास का सूत्र है: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × "The power plant will provide employment, economic and business opportunities to Nepal," Modi told reporters. According to a Reuters report, the project moves fast just about when a Chinese proposal to build a 750 MW power plant in west Nepal faces a roadblock. PM Modi faces heat over bringing ties with Nepal back to normal with a patchwork of ambitious projects aimed at winning Nepal's trust and faith. Ties between India and Nepal are special. pic.twitter.com/CtWDo6zPxe — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × "India-Nepal ties are historic. We are similar in many ways our strength, desires, aspirations are all same. Without Nepal India's faith, history is incomplete," Modi noted. (With inputs from Reuters)

Why India is betting big time on Nepal

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Nepal on a two-day state visit during which he will hold talks with the country's top leadership to build mutual trust.</p>

<p>Nepal has been a nation in crisis since last 10 years it has suffered political crisis, earthquake and impact of demonetisation. But the last three years have been particularly difficult.</p>

<p>In 2015, many of the country's historic sites were levelled after an earthquake struck Nepal. It was the worst earthquake in Nepal since 1934 in which 9000 people died. Hundreds of thousands of Nepalese were made homeless with entire villages flattened. Centuries-old buildings were destroyed including many UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley, like the Durbar Square in Kathmandu, the Patan Durbar Square, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Changu Narayan Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa and the Swayambhunath Stupa.</p>

<p>Under the 'neigbhourhood first' policy, when the earthquake struck in 2015, India launched Operation Maitri and help reached Nepal within 15 minutes. India swiftly dispatched the teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in special aircraft with rescue and relief materials to Nepal. India's assistance, which reached Nepal within six hours of the earthquake, included 16 NDRF teams, 39 Air Force aircraft sorties with 571 tons of relief material.</p>

<p>And Nepal acknowledged India's help. "We are thankful for India's generous support," Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said.</p>

<p>Nepal was on path to recovery but a year later, India announced its decision to scrap the existing currency under demonetisation and the Himalayan kingdom's redevelopment plans were in doldrums.</p>

<p>"The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals," Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli told the country's Parliament in April. According to news agency Reuters, Nepal had about Rs 950 crore worth of old Indian bank notes.</p>

<p>India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the supplier of the bulk of consumer goods. Indian currency is widely used by businesses and individuals who keep their savings at homes in Indian bank notes. In Durbar Square, where life was limping back to normal, suddenly everything came to a standstill.</p>

<p>Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to Rs 4,500 worth of scrapped Indian bank notes in a meeting in March last year.</p>

<p>"But nothing has been communicated to us formally so far," NRB Deputy Governor Chinta Mani Shivakoti told Reuters.</p>

<p>Oli raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India last month, and has been assured that the Indian government will look into the issue. Oli is expected to bring the issue with PM Modi during his current visit.</p>


In 2015, many of the country's historic sites were levelled after an earthquake struck Nepal. It was the worst earthquake in Nepal since 1934 in which 9000 people died.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Nepal on a two-day state visit during which he will hold talks with the country's top leadership to build mutual trust. Nepal has been a nation in crisis since last 10 years it has suffered political crisis, earthquake and impact of demonetisation. But the last three years have been particularly difficult. In 2015, many of the country's historic sites were levelled after an earthquake struck Nepal. It was the worst earthquake in Nepal since 1934 in which 9000 people died. Hundreds of thousands of Nepalese were made homeless with entire villages flattened. Centuries-old buildings were destroyed including many UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley, like the Durbar Square in Kathmandu, the Patan Durbar Square, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Changu Narayan Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa and the Swayambhunath Stupa. Under the 'neigbhourhood first' policy, when the earthquake struck in 2015, India launched Operation Maitri and help reached Nepal within 15 minutes. India swiftly dispatched the teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in special aircraft with rescue and relief materials to Nepal. India's assistance, which reached Nepal within six hours of the earthquake, included 16 NDRF teams, 39 Air Force aircraft sorties with 571 tons of relief material. And Nepal acknowledged India's help. "We are thankful for India's generous support," Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said. Nepal was on path to recovery but a year later, India announced its decision to scrap the existing currency under demonetisation and the Himalayan kingdom's redevelopment plans were in doldrums. "The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals," Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli told the country's Parliament in April. According to news agency Reuters, Nepal had about Rs 950 crore worth of old Indian bank notes. India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the supplier of the bulk of consumer goods. Indian currency is widely used by businesses and individuals who keep their savings at homes in Indian bank notes. In Durbar Square, where life was limping back to normal, suddenly everything came to a standstill. Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to Rs 4,500 worth of scrapped Indian bank notes in a meeting in March last year. "But nothing has been communicated to us formally so far," NRB Deputy Governor Chinta Mani Shivakoti told Reuters. Oli raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India last month, and has been assured that the Indian government will look into the issue. Oli is expected to bring the issue with PM Modi during his current visit.

From one crisis to another, tracing Nepal's journey in last 3 years

<p>Dissident BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday disapproved of the aggressive tone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches during the Karnataka assembly elections campaign, which concluded today, and sought to offer some 'advice'.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, Sinha who has often contradicted his party's official stand -- tagged Modi and said becoming the prime minister does not make anyone the wisest.</p>

<p>Sir. Today, the election campaign will come to an end. Regardless of Dhan Shakti (power of wealth)...Ultimately Jan Shakti (power of the people) prevails, the actor-turned-politician tweeted in his trademark style.</p>

<p>In Sinha's tweets, his disenchantments over not being invited as a star campaigner for the BJP in the state elections were amply clear.&nbsp</p>

<p>Even though I am uninvited, like in other states, from Bihar to UP to Gujarat as a star campaigner, for reasons best known to all of us, I shall humbly suggest as an old friend, well-wisher and supporter of the party...Let's not cross limits. Let's not get personal. Issues should be conveyed in most beautiful way, keeping decorum. Maryada and Garima of honourable PM must be kept intact,' tweeted the Patna Sahib MP, tagging both Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah.</p>

<p>Why do we come with odd and ridiculous definitions.. Like PPP for INC (Pondicherry, Punjab and Pariwar)?, he tweeted, strongly disapproving the barbs hurled by the prime minister at the Congress during his election rallies.</p>

<p>During an election rally on May 5, Prime Minister Modi had mounted a scathing attack on the Congress over corruption, and asserted it will remain "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls.</p>

<p>The state goes to polls on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 15.</p>

<p>Results will be announced on 15th. Anything can happen. Being PM does not make anyone the wisest in the country ?. For being PM requires no qualification ?.. Only majority...While for becoming Shankaracharya one requires great wisdom, experience and statesmanship," Sinha tweeted.&nbsp<br />
?What happens if your definition changes after results and your PPP becomes of the People by the People and for the People, or for that matter turns into Popular People's Party?, he said, again tagging Modi.<br />
?Let the people of Karnataka decide and let the best persons win," he signed off.&nbsp</p>


In a series of tweets, Sinha who has often contradicted his party's official stand -- tagged Modi and said becoming the prime minister does not make anyone the wisest.

Dissident BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday disapproved of the aggressive tone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches during the Karnataka assembly elections campaign, which concluded today, and sought to offer some 'advice'. In a series of tweets, Sinha who has often contradicted his party's official stand -- tagged Modi and said becoming the prime minister does not make anyone the wisest. Sir. Today, the election campaign will come to an end. Regardless of Dhan Shakti (power of wealth)...Ultimately Jan Shakti (power of the people) prevails, the actor-turned-politician tweeted in his trademark style. In Sinha's tweets, his disenchantments over not being invited as a star campaigner for the BJP in the state elections were amply clear. Even though I am uninvited, like in other states, from Bihar to UP to Gujarat as a star campaigner, for reasons best known to all of us, I shall humbly suggest as an old friend, well-wisher and supporter of the party...Let's not cross limits. Let's not get personal. Issues should be conveyed in most beautiful way, keeping decorum. Maryada and Garima of honourable PM must be kept intact,' tweeted the Patna Sahib MP, tagging both Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah. Why do we come with odd and ridiculous definitions.. Like PPP for INC (Pondicherry, Punjab and Pariwar)?, he tweeted, strongly disapproving the barbs hurled by the prime minister at the Congress during his election rallies. During an election rally on May 5, Prime Minister Modi had mounted a scathing attack on the Congress over corruption, and asserted it will remain "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls. The state goes to polls on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 15. Results will be announced on 15th. Anything can happen. Being PM does not make anyone the wisest in the country ?. For being PM requires no qualification ?.. Only majority...While for becoming Shankaracharya one requires great wisdom, experience and statesmanship," Sinha tweeted. ?What happens if your definition changes after results and your PPP becomes of the People by the People and for the People, or for that matter turns into Popular People's Party?, he said, again tagging Modi. ?Let the people of Karnataka decide and let the best persons win," he signed off.

Karnataka polls: Shatrughan Sinha not happy with aggressive tone of PM's speeches

<p>PM Modi arrived at Janakpur, Nepal earlier today on a two-day visit. He travelled to Janaki temple to offer prayers and addressed the country from Janakpur a short while ago.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He&nbsp;stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur&nbsp;for long.</p>

<p>Clad in traditional Mathili kurta gifted by Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, PM Modi shared the many similarities shared by India and Nepal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was my long due wish to visit the land of Goddess Sita & offer my prayers. Today, I am extremely happy & grateful that I got this opportunity: PM Narendra Modi during the civic reception in Janakpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> <a href="https://t.co/pOZcnA8OYa">pic.twitter.com/pOZcnA8OYa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994843498347139077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"India and Nepal have helped each other in times of need. Nepal prominently features in India's neighbour first policy. We assure that we will continue to stand with Nepal," Modi stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">इतिहास साक्षी रहा है, जब-जब एक-दूसरे पर संकट आए, भारत और नेपाल दोनों मिलकर खड़े हुए हैं। हमने हर मुश्किल घड़ी में एक दूसरे का साथ दिया है: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994846952566198273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister said that India will make efforts to forge better connectivity with Nepal and boost cooperation in the field of science and technology.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारत और नेपाल के बीच व्यापार भी रिश्तों की एक अहम कड़ी है। नेपाल बिजली उत्पादन के क्षेत्र में तेज़ी से विकास कर रहा है। आज भारत से लगभग 450 मेगावाट बिजली नेपाल को सप्लाई होती है। इसके लिए हमने नई ट्रांसमिशन लाइंस बिछाई हैं: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994851296892129280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We will give Nepal greater access to Indian ports," the Prime Minister said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">The Indo-Nepal relationship dates back to Treta Yug. King Janak & King Dashratha not only united Janakpur & Ayodhya but also united India & Nepal: PM Narendra Modi during the civic reception in Janakpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> <a href="https://t.co/49Xkbp4Vh6">pic.twitter.com/49Xkbp4Vh6</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994844526312349696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The Ramayan circuit will boost cultural ties between both the countries," PM Modi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India-Nepal ties are historic. We are similar in many ways; our strength, desires, aspirations are all same. Without Nepal India's faith,&nbsp;history is incomplete," Modi noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People of India & Nepal are bound by mutual respect & admiration for each other. Nepal has been a tourism spot for decades for spiritualism. India's faith is incomplete without Nepal: PM Narendra Modi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a>'s Janakpur <a href="https://t.co/UaGaKbR3Ax">pic.twitter.com/UaGaKbR3Ax</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994846713172123649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister alluded to a couplet from <em>Ramayana</em> stating that the friendship between both the countries is documented in the holy scripture.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> - भारत और नेपाल की मित्रता कैसी रही है, इसको रामचरितमानस की इन चौपाइयों के माध्यम से समझा जा सकता है:<br />
<br />
जे न मित्र दुख होहिं दुखारी।<br />
तिन्हहि बिलोकत पातक भारी॥<br />
<br />
निज दुख गिरि सम रज करि जाना।<br />
मित्रक दुख रज मेरु समाना॥</p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994846662681120768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He shared that Indo-Nepalese friendship is very special and the ties date back to <em>Tretayuga</em>, vedic times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the land of mother <em>Janki</em>&nbsp;without which Ayodhya is incomplete," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>This is Indian prime minister's third visit to the Himalayan kingdom since he came to power in 2014.</p>

<p>PM Modi and Nepalese PM Oli <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/modi-nepal-pm-oli-flag-off-janakpur-ayodhya-bus-service-136052">flagged off the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service</a> earlier today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">आज ही प्रधानमंत्री ओली जी के साथ मिल कर मैंने जनकपुर से अयोध्या की बस सेवा का उद्घाटन किया है। पिछले महीने प्रधानमंत्री ओली और मैंने बीरगंज में पहली Integrated Check Post का उद्घाटन किया: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/994850121023197185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two countries seek to reset India-Nepal ties. PM Modi will aim at pushing for development projects between both the nations.</p>


PM Modi stated that Indo-Nepalese friendship is very special and the ties date back to Tretayuga, vedic times

PM Modi arrived at Janakpur, Nepal earlier today on a two-day visit. He travelled to Janaki temple to offer prayers and addressed the country from Janakpur a short while ago. The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long. Clad in traditional Mathili kurta gifted by Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, PM Modi shared the many similarities shared by India and Nepal. It was my long due wish to visit the land of Goddess Sita & offer my prayers. Today, I am extremely happy & grateful that I got this opportunity: PM Narendra Modi during the civic reception in Janakpur. #Nepal pic.twitter.com/pOZcnA8OYa — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2018 × "India and Nepal have helped each other in times of need. Nepal prominently features in India's neighbour first policy. We assure that we will continue to stand with Nepal," Modi stated. इतिहास साक्षी रहा है, जब-जब एक-दूसरे पर संकट आए, भारत और नेपाल दोनों मिलकर खड़े हुए हैं। हमने हर मुश्किल घड़ी में एक दूसरे का साथ दिया है: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × The Prime Minister said that India will make efforts to forge better connectivity with Nepal and boost cooperation in the field of science and technology. भारत और नेपाल के बीच व्यापार भी रिश्तों की एक अहम कड़ी है। नेपाल बिजली उत्पादन के क्षेत्र में तेज़ी से विकास कर रहा है। आज भारत से लगभग 450 मेगावाट बिजली नेपाल को सप्लाई होती है। इसके लिए हमने नई ट्रांसमिशन लाइंस बिछाई हैं: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × "We will give Nepal greater access to Indian ports," the Prime Minister said. The Indo-Nepal relationship dates back to Treta Yug. King Janak & King Dashratha not only united Janakpur & Ayodhya but also united India & Nepal: PM Narendra Modi during the civic reception in Janakpur. #Nepal pic.twitter.com/49Xkbp4Vh6 — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2018 × "The Ramayan circuit will boost cultural ties between both the countries," PM Modi noted. "India-Nepal ties are historic. We are similar in many ways; our strength, desires, aspirations are all same. Without Nepal India's faith, history is incomplete," Modi noted. People of India & Nepal are bound by mutual respect & admiration for each other. Nepal has been a tourism spot for decades for spiritualism. India's faith is incomplete without Nepal: PM Narendra Modi in #Nepal's Janakpur pic.twitter.com/UaGaKbR3Ax — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2018 × The Prime Minister alluded to a couplet from Ramayana stating that the friendship between both the countries is documented in the holy scripture. PM @narendramodi - भारत और नेपाल की मित्रता कैसी रही है, इसको रामचरितमानस की इन चौपाइयों के माध्यम से समझा जा सकता है: जे न मित्र दुख होहिं दुखारी। तिन्हहि बिलोकत पातक भारी॥ निज दुख गिरि सम रज करि जाना। मित्रक दुख रज मेरु समाना॥ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × He shared that Indo-Nepalese friendship is very special and the ties date back to Tretayuga, vedic times. "This is the land of mother Janki without which Ayodhya is incomplete," said PM Modi. This is Indian prime minister's third visit to the Himalayan kingdom since he came to power in 2014. PM Modi and Nepalese PM Oli flagged off the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service earlier today. आज ही प्रधानमंत्री ओली जी के साथ मिल कर मैंने जनकपुर से अयोध्या की बस सेवा का उद्घाटन किया है। पिछले महीने प्रधानमंत्री ओली और मैंने बीरगंज में पहली Integrated Check Post का उद्घाटन किया: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 11, 2018 × The two countries seek to reset India-Nepal ties. PM Modi will aim at pushing for development projects between both the nations.

Without Nepal, India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday was given a guard of honour on the first day of his two-day visit to Nepal. PM Modi was felicitated at the Tundikhel Army Parade Ground in Kathmandu.&nbsp</p>

<p>Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was also present on the occasion.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi accorded guard of honour at Tundikhel Army Parade Ground in Kathmandu. Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli also present <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> <a href="https://t.co/pnWnoOwvJY">pic.twitter.com/pnWnoOwvJY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994906448420257794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and his Nepalese counterpart flagged off the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service.</p>

<p>"I am happy that Nepal PM came all the way from Kathmandu," PM Modi said with prime minister Oli at his side.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was my long due wish to visit the land of Goddess Sita & offer my prayers. Today, I am extremely happy & grateful that I got this opportunity: PM Narendra Modi during the civic reception in Janakpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> <a href="https://t.co/pOZcnA8OYa">pic.twitter.com/pOZcnA8OYa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994843498347139077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/without-nepal-indias-history-is-incomplete-pm-modi-at-janakpur-136068">addressed the people of Nepal</a>&nbspand expressed happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long.</p>

<p>"India and Nepal have helped each other in times of need. Nepal prominently features in India's neighbour first policy. We assure that we will continue to stand with Nepal," Modi stated.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Prime Minister said that India will make efforts to forge better connectivity with Nepal and boost cooperation in the field of science and technology. Both the leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neighbours-have-always-been-our-top-priority-says-nepal-pm-oli-as-he--modi-issue-joint-statement-136189">issued a joint statement</a>.</p>

<p>"Relations between neighbours are different from others. Neighbours have always been our top priority," said Oli.&nbsp</p>

<p>"We have agreed to address all matters by September 19, our Constitution Day," he added. &nbsp</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Kathmandu earlier today.</p>


Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was present on the occasion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday was given a guard of honour on the first day of his two-day visit to Nepal. PM Modi was felicitated at the Tundikhel Army Parade Ground in Kathmandu. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was also present on the occasion. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi accorded guard of honour at Tundikhel Army Parade Ground in Kathmandu. Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli also present #Nepal pic.twitter.com/pnWnoOwvJY — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2018 × Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and his Nepalese counterpart flagged off the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service. "I am happy that Nepal PM came all the way from Kathmandu," PM Modi said with prime minister Oli at his side. It was my long due wish to visit the land of Goddess Sita & offer my prayers. Today, I am extremely happy & grateful that I got this opportunity: PM Narendra Modi during the civic reception in Janakpur. #Nepal pic.twitter.com/pOZcnA8OYa — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2018 × PM Modi also addressed the people of Nepal&nbspand expressed happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long. "India and Nepal have helped each other in times of need. Nepal prominently features in India's neighbour first policy. We assure that we will continue to stand with Nepal," Modi stated. The Prime Minister said that India will make efforts to forge better connectivity with Nepal and boost cooperation in the field of science and technology. Both the leaders issued a joint statement. "Relations between neighbours are different from others. Neighbours have always been our top priority," said Oli. "We have agreed to address all matters by September 19, our Constitution Day," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Kathmandu earlier today.

Watch: PM Narendra Modi gets guard of honour in Nepal  

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to commence his two-day State visit to Nepal on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After landing in Nepal, Prime Minister Modi`s will visit country`s historical and ancient city of Janakpur.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi will also visit Janaki Mandir which will be followed by a civic reception hosted by the mayor of Janakpur at Barhabigha ground.</p>

<p>During his visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Nepali counterpart K.P. Oli will jointly inaugurate the hydro-electric project Arun III.</p>

<p>On the eve of his two-day visit to Nepal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would remain a steadfast partner of the Himalayan nation in its quest for growth and development.<br />
The prime minister exuded confidence that his visit will further cement the people-centric partnership with Nepal on the basis of mutual benefit, goodwill and understanding.</p>

<p>Describing his two-day trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said the Himalayan nation has entered a new era and India would continue to support it.</p>

<p>"As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of the government of Nepal to implement its vision of samriddha Nepal, sukhi Nepali' (prosperous Nepal, happy Nepal)," Modi said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Oli and I will have the opportunity to take forward our recent wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi on issues of mutual interest, and to advance our cooperative partnership across diverse sectors," Modi said.</p>

<p>He said his visit "reflects the high priority, India, and personally I, attach to our age-old, close and friendly ties with Nepal".</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet with President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi will also visit Muktinath temple in Mustang District and will depart for India on Saturday evening.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


During his visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Nepali counterpart K.P. Oli will jointly inaugurate the hydro-electric project Arun III.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to commence his two-day State visit to Nepal on Friday. After landing in Nepal, Prime Minister Modi`s will visit country`s historical and ancient city of Janakpur. Prime Minister Modi will also visit Janaki Mandir which will be followed by a civic reception hosted by the mayor of Janakpur at Barhabigha ground. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Nepali counterpart K.P. Oli will jointly inaugurate the hydro-electric project Arun III. On the eve of his two-day visit to Nepal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would remain a steadfast partner of the Himalayan nation in its quest for growth and development. The prime minister exuded confidence that his visit will further cement the people-centric partnership with Nepal on the basis of mutual benefit, goodwill and understanding. Describing his two-day trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said the Himalayan nation has entered a new era and India would continue to support it. "As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of the government of Nepal to implement its vision of samriddha Nepal, sukhi Nepali' (prosperous Nepal, happy Nepal)," Modi said in a statement. "Prime Minister Oli and I will have the opportunity to take forward our recent wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi on issues of mutual interest, and to advance our cooperative partnership across diverse sectors," Modi said. He said his visit "reflects the high priority, India, and personally I, attach to our age-old, close and friendly ties with Nepal". Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet with President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun. Prime Minister Modi will also visit Muktinath temple in Mustang District and will depart for India on Saturday evening.

PM Modi leaves for Nepal, says trip reflects country's 'neighbourhood first' policy

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PM Modi to visit Indonesia on May 29 to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties

Watch: How Hrithik Roshan responds to Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's fitness challenge

India to build sugar stockpile to cut surplus supplies in market

News brief: Big stories of the day

Victory of democracy: Chandrababu Naidu on BJP's Karnataka setback

News brief: Big stories of the day

'Divisive' BJP making people fight among themselves: Rahul Gandhi

PM kept mum as Nirav Modi stole farmers' money: Rahul Gandhi

Joint rescue operation conducted after a boat capsizes in Andhra's Devipatnam

Karnataka elections: D-Day for Congress, BJP as Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa eye top spot

'Pak attempt to push armed infiltrators into JK ahead of PM visit very serious': Director General of BSF

Karnataka election results show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'magic' works

Opinion: Siddaramaiah has won the Twitter battle but can he defy exit polls?

Caution PM against using unwarranted, threatening language, Manmohan writes to President

Modi government providing energy justice to all: Dharmendra Pradhan

Imran Khan slams Nawaz Sharif, says he speaks PM Narendra Modi's language

Nepal to hold BIMSTEC 2018: PM KP Sharma Oli

Why India is betting big time on Nepal