<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first high-powered electric locomotive on Tuesday in Bihar's Madhepura. This locomotive has put India on the elite list of countries which have 12,000 hp and above capacity electric locomotives.</p>

<p><strong>Here are key things to know:</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>The first electric locomotive of India is developed under a joint venture signed in 2015 of the railways with France’s Alstom company.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>This would be the first major foreign direct investment project in the rail sector.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The total cost of the project - which includes making of the locomotive - is around Rs 1,300 crore, which includes setting up of the factory and two maintenance depots. The Railways ministry is required to contribute a maximum of Rs 100 crore as an equity participation of 26 per cent. The estimated cost of each locomotive is Rs 25 crore.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>With 12,000 horsepower, this is India’s most powerful locomotive helping India enter the elite list of countries including Russia, China, Sweden, Germany who have the same horsepower capacity electric locomotive.<br />
	&nbsp;</li><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tA8xgr8Yllo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
	<li>Till now, India’s most powerful locomotive was of 6,000 horsepower.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The locomotive will have a maximum speed of 110 km per hour and will help in decongesting routes by improving speed. Three locos will be pressed into service to transport coal and iron.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A team of 35 engineers worked to assemble the locomotive at Madhepura facility.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The loco factory was launched in 2007 by former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>After the electrification of almost all railways routes, the Indian Railways is planning to produce 800 more locomotives in the next 10 years.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Except for the first five locomotives, remaining 795 will be manufactured in the country under the Make in India initiative.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The factory will produce 100 locos every year till the target of 800 is completed.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Four more such locomotives are expected to be rolled out in 2018-19.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The first electric locomotive of India is developed under a joint venture signed in 2015 of the railways with France’s Alstom company

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first high-powered electric locomotive on Tuesday in Bihar's Madhepura. This locomotive has put India on the elite list of countries which have 12,000 hp and above capacity electric locomotives. Here are key things to know: The first electric locomotive of India is developed under a joint venture signed in 2015 of the railways with France’s Alstom company. This would be the first major foreign direct investment project in the rail sector. The total cost of the project - which includes making of the locomotive - is around Rs 1,300 crore, which includes setting up of the factory and two maintenance depots. The Railways ministry is required to contribute a maximum of Rs 100 crore as an equity participation of 26 per cent. The estimated cost of each locomotive is Rs 25 crore. With 12,000 horsepower, this is India’s most powerful locomotive helping India enter the elite list of countries including Russia, China, Sweden, Germany who have the same horsepower capacity electric locomotive. Till now, India’s most powerful locomotive was of 6,000 horsepower. The locomotive will have a maximum speed of 110 km per hour and will help in decongesting routes by improving speed. Three locos will be pressed into service to transport coal and iron. A team of 35 engineers worked to assemble the locomotive at Madhepura facility. The loco factory was launched in 2007 by former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. After the electrification of almost all railways routes, the Indian Railways is planning to produce 800 more locomotives in the next 10 years. Except for the first five locomotives, remaining 795 will be manufactured in the country under the Make in India initiative. The factory will produce 100 locos every year till the target of 800 is completed. Four more such locomotives are expected to be rolled out in 2018-19.

All you need to know about 12,000 horsepower locomotive launched by PM Modi today

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off a new bi-weekly&nbsptrain Humsafar Express. The train connects Katihar, Bihar to New Delhi. PM Modi was at the commemoration of the '<em>Satyagraha </em><em>se</em><em> Swachhagraha'&nbsp</em>campaign.&nbsp</p>

<p>The fully-airconditioned Humsafar Express is equipped with all the latest facilities like mobile charging points, reading lights, among others. The train was first launched in the year 2016 to operate between Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and Anand Vihar, Delhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">चंपारण सत्याग्रह के सौ वर्ष के अवसर पर मुझे एक नई ट्रेन का शुभारंभ करने का भी अवसर मिला है। ये ट्रेन कटिहार से पुरानी दिल्ली तक चला करेगी। इसका नाम विशेष रूप से चंपारण हमसफर एक्सप्रेस रखा है। आधुनिक सुविधाओं से लैस ये ट्रेन, दिल्ली आने-जाने में आपके लिए बहुत मददगार साबित होगी: PM</p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/983610234965917701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Humsafar Express comes studded with other facilities like baby nappy changing pads, LED display screens, a heating chamber, among other facilities.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The hon'ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> flagged off a new bi-weekly train called Champaran Humsafar Express, at the commemoration of the Satyagraha se Swachhagraha campaign. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChaloChamparan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChaloChamparan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8B_%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#चलो_चंपारण</a> <a href="https://t.co/C5bYfn6Jxz">pic.twitter.com/C5bYfn6Jxz</a></p>
— Swachh Bharat (@swachhbharat) <a href="https://twitter.com/swachhbharat/status/983593572892008450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The train was launched commemorating the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's <em>Champaran Satyagarh</em>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> gifts the people of Bihar Champaran Hamsafar Express. This modern AC train for common man will connect Katihar and Delhi with only 15 stops on the way. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChaloChamparan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChaloChamparan</a> <a href="https://t.co/zBuI5tGRrE">pic.twitter.com/zBuI5tGRrE</a></p>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/983595383493406720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Besides this, the Prime Minister also launched the electrification work of Motihari-Muzaffarpur rail line and inaugurated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-12000-horsepower-locomotive-launched-by-pm-modi-today-129536">India's first high-powered electric locomotive</a>.&nbsp</p>


Besides this, the Prime Minister also launched the electrification work of Motihari-Muzaffarpur rail line and inaugurated India's first high-powered electric locomotive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off a new bi-weekly&nbsptrain Humsafar Express. The train connects Katihar, Bihar to New Delhi. PM Modi was at the commemoration of the 'Satyagraha se Swachhagraha' campaign. The fully-airconditioned Humsafar Express is equipped with all the latest facilities like mobile charging points, reading lights, among others. The train was first launched in the year 2016 to operate between Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and Anand Vihar, Delhi. चंपारण सत्याग्रह के सौ वर्ष के अवसर पर मुझे एक नई ट्रेन का शुभारंभ करने का भी अवसर मिला है। ये ट्रेन कटिहार से पुरानी दिल्ली तक चला करेगी। इसका नाम विशेष रूप से चंपारण हमसफर एक्सप्रेस रखा है। आधुनिक सुविधाओं से लैस ये ट्रेन, दिल्ली आने-जाने में आपके लिए बहुत मददगार साबित होगी: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2018 × The Humsafar Express comes studded with other facilities like baby nappy changing pads, LED display screens, a heating chamber, among other facilities. The hon'ble PM @narendramodi flagged off a new bi-weekly train called Champaran Humsafar Express, at the commemoration of the Satyagraha se Swachhagraha campaign. #ChaloChamparan #चलो_चंपारण pic.twitter.com/C5bYfn6Jxz — Swachh Bharat (@swachhbharat) April 10, 2018 × The train was launched commemorating the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagarh. PM @narendramodi gifts the people of Bihar Champaran Hamsafar Express. This modern AC train for common man will connect Katihar and Delhi with only 15 stops on the way. #ChaloChamparan pic.twitter.com/zBuI5tGRrE — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 10, 2018 × Besides this, the Prime Minister also launched the electrification work of Motihari-Muzaffarpur rail line and inaugurated India's first high-powered electric locomotive.

Prime Minister Modi flags off New Katihar-Delhi Humsafar Express

<p>2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines. This pattern was broken during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominent theme was <em>Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas</em> (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and PM Modi's viral slogan <em>Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga</em> (will not engage in corruption myself, nor allow others). It also witnessed split in Dalit vote in North India leading to BJP sweeping all the reserved seats in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>This trend continued well into the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections leading to a tsunami in BJP's favour. Despite such good showing, the backward caste realignment has found a firm footing in the opposition's politics. There is one main factor for its re-emergence.<br />
&nbsp<br />
First and foremost reason is the internal contradiction within Hinduism. At the level of practice, the limit of tolerance fails both socially and culturally at the door of a Dalit family. This contradiction was surmounted only because of Narendra Modi's massive appeal in 2014 but subsequent cultural positions of upper caste and sanskritised OBC reopened the schism.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Upper caste and OBC led political Hindutva met its match with backward caste mobilisation in Bihar. Though the point in case is that in absence of <em>gathbandhan </em>(tie-up) between OBC and backward castes, BJP swept UP and did exceptionally well in reserved constituencies as well.<br />
&nbsp<br />
It is this realisation that Congress in past two years has altered it politics from <em>Congress</em> <em>Ka Haath Aam Aadmi Ki Saath</em> (Congress' hand is with the common man) to strong backward caste, Dalit oriented politics. It peppers its Dalit campaign with strong Hindu symbols to counter the 'foreign' character of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The regional parties too have come together out of an existential crisis.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Apart from minorities, Dalits too were at the receiving end of the cow protection campaign. It created schism within the concept of the larger Hindu family. Multiple cases across North India were reported where Dalits became target of the lynch mobs because there work involved cattle skinning and trading which stood opposed to the upper caste and OBC led moral eco-system of the new Hindutva brigade.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Lastly, it is the only issue the BJP government has been politically defensive about. Whether it was Rohit Vemula controversy, or violence against Dalit community in Gujarat or anti-reservation agitation - it reinforces old identity politics which BJP has been trying to subsume under the rubric of cultural nationalism. The attempt of BJP has been to consume caste identities under one monolithic identity of a Hindu but inadvertently, old identities persist as caste remains integral to practiced Hinduism which manifests itself in forms of marriage, death, rituals and feasting. It for this reason that BJP has paid special focus on contribution of BR Ambedkar and common dining with Dalit communities. But original ideology has its limitation. It is for this reason that post-Tripura victory saw desecration of statues of Ambedkar.<br />
&nbsp<br />
The same consolidation seem to be working in Karnataka which has not allowed BJP campaign to take off.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Uttar Pradesh was an example in case where undivided Hindu vote created a BJP tsunami. Phoolpur and Gorakhpur results on the other hand show that backward caste alignment amongst OBCs and Dalits have the potential to create a counter narrative. What is debatable is as to which identity politics is better - India divided on backward-forward politics, or between one majority and various minorities? The whole idea is debatable but what it does is that it takes Indian politics back to Mandal vs Kamandal polarisation.<br />
&nbsp<br />
The only difference is that it took couple of years for BSP and SP to sink differences to defeat BJP. The political compulsion and strength of BJP was the reason behind it. The result is there for everyone to see. Only thing is whether history will repeat itself. Such political configuration have defeated Congress and BJP in past but none could complete a term which includes alliance between then Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. So, whoever wins Lok Sabha elections on 2019, old identity politics is back in the game.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines.

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines. This pattern was broken during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominent theme was Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and PM Modi's viral slogan Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga (will not engage in corruption myself, nor allow others). It also witnessed split in Dalit vote in North India leading to BJP sweeping all the reserved seats in Uttar Pradesh. This trend continued well into the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections leading to a tsunami in BJP's favour. Despite such good showing, the backward caste realignment has found a firm footing in the opposition's politics. There is one main factor for its re-emergence. First and foremost reason is the internal contradiction within Hinduism. At the level of practice, the limit of tolerance fails both socially and culturally at the door of a Dalit family. This contradiction was surmounted only because of Narendra Modi's massive appeal in 2014 but subsequent cultural positions of upper caste and sanskritised OBC reopened the schism. Upper caste and OBC led political Hindutva met its match with backward caste mobilisation in Bihar. Though the point in case is that in absence of gathbandhan (tie-up) between OBC and backward castes, BJP swept UP and did exceptionally well in reserved constituencies as well. It is this realisation that Congress in past two years has altered it politics from Congress Ka Haath Aam Aadmi Ki Saath (Congress' hand is with the common man) to strong backward caste, Dalit oriented politics. It peppers its Dalit campaign with strong Hindu symbols to counter the 'foreign' character of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The regional parties too have come together out of an existential crisis. Apart from minorities, Dalits too were at the receiving end of the cow protection campaign. It created schism within the concept of the larger Hindu family. Multiple cases across North India were reported where Dalits became target of the lynch mobs because there work involved cattle skinning and trading which stood opposed to the upper caste and OBC led moral eco-system of the new Hindutva brigade. Lastly, it is the only issue the BJP government has been politically defensive about. Whether it was Rohit Vemula controversy, or violence against Dalit community in Gujarat or anti-reservation agitation - it reinforces old identity politics which BJP has been trying to subsume under the rubric of cultural nationalism. The attempt of BJP has been to consume caste identities under one monolithic identity of a Hindu but inadvertently, old identities persist as caste remains integral to practiced Hinduism which manifests itself in forms of marriage, death, rituals and feasting. It for this reason that BJP has paid special focus on contribution of BR Ambedkar and common dining with Dalit communities. But original ideology has its limitation. It is for this reason that post-Tripura victory saw desecration of statues of Ambedkar. The same consolidation seem to be working in Karnataka which has not allowed BJP campaign to take off. Uttar Pradesh was an example in case where undivided Hindu vote created a BJP tsunami. Phoolpur and Gorakhpur results on the other hand show that backward caste alignment amongst OBCs and Dalits have the potential to create a counter narrative. What is debatable is as to which identity politics is better - India divided on backward-forward politics, or between one majority and various minorities? The whole idea is debatable but what it does is that it takes Indian politics back to Mandal vs Kamandal polarisation. The only difference is that it took couple of years for BSP and SP to sink differences to defeat BJP. The political compulsion and strength of BJP was the reason behind it. The result is there for everyone to see. Only thing is whether history will repeat itself. Such political configuration have defeated Congress and BJP in past but none could complete a term which includes alliance between then Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. So, whoever wins Lok Sabha elections on 2019, old identity politics is back in the game. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Mandal vs Kamandal version 2.0 likely in 2019 polls

<p>Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday as began the second day of his three-day state visit in India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli receives ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ETOVfqOiSK">pic.twitter.com/ETOVfqOiSK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/982463015722389504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>President Ram Nath Kovind and KP Oli will also hold a meeting to discuss the range of bilateral issues of India and Nepal during the day.</p>

<p>After the reception, KP Oli spoke to media and said "friendship is most important & there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts from friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship".</p>

<p>KP Oli will also make a visit to Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi.</p>

<p>After holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to discuss foreign policy, Oli will also hold a discussion with delegation-level officers of India and Hyderabad House.</p>

<p>Some development projects are also expected to be inaugurated today at the house.</p>

<p>Following the meet and inauguration, Oli is also expected to meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in the evening.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Nepal Prime Minister arrived in Inda. He was received by Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla.</p>

<p>Oli also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a delegation level talks on Friday evening.</p>


Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday as began the second day of his three-day state visit in India

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday as began the second day of his three-day state visit in India. Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli receives ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/ETOVfqOiSK — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018 × President Ram Nath Kovind and KP Oli will also hold a meeting to discuss the range of bilateral issues of India and Nepal during the day. After the reception, KP Oli spoke to media and said "friendship is most important & there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts from friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship". KP Oli will also make a visit to Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi. After holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to discuss foreign policy, Oli will also hold a discussion with delegation-level officers of India and Hyderabad House. Some development projects are also expected to be inaugurated today at the house. Following the meet and inauguration, Oli is also expected to meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in the evening. Nepal Prime Minister arrived in Inda. He was received by Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla. Oli also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a delegation level talks on Friday evening.

Nepal PM Oli meets President Kovind, will discuss India-Nepal issues

<p>Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. Oli was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli arrives in India on a three day state visit, received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla <a href="https://t.co/o22c32P2RJ">pic.twitter.com/o22c32P2RJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/982126422218063872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Oli will&nbsp;hold a delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday where the two leaders will jointly lay the foundation of the Arun III Hydroelectric Project developed by India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The $1.5 billion 900 mw energy project by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam is expected to be completed within five years.</p>

<p>During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M&nbsp;Venkaiah Naidu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit.</p>

<p>He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community.</p>

<p>Issues like cooperation in power and energy sector, cross-border connectivity, construction of transmission line, compensation to the Nepali citizens damaged caused by Kosi and Ganadak River inundation and flood control and energy banking will also be discussed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oli will be accompanied by his wife, Radhika Shakya and a delegation of over three dozen members including Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Prasad Yadav, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth and Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Rimal.</p>

<p>He will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Oli is slated to hold delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday where the two leaders will jointly lay the foundation of the Arun III Hydroelectric Project developed by India.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. Oli was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla. Delhi: Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli arrives in India on a three day state visit, received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Finance SP Shukla pic.twitter.com/o22c32P2RJ — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × Oli will hold a delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday where the two leaders will jointly lay the foundation of the Arun III Hydroelectric Project developed by India. The $1.5 billion 900 mw energy project by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam is expected to be completed within five years. During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister. Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit. He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community. Issues like cooperation in power and energy sector, cross-border connectivity, construction of transmission line, compensation to the Nepali citizens damaged caused by Kosi and Ganadak River inundation and flood control and energy banking will also be discussed. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oli will be accompanied by his wife, Radhika Shakya and a delegation of over three dozen members including Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Prasad Yadav, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth and Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Rimal. He will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli arrives in India on three-day state visit

<p>Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will press India to exchange millions of dollars held in Nepal in banned high-value Indian bank notes during a visit this week to improve ties with its large southern neighbour.</p>

<p>Nepal and India have yet to agree on how to exchange old Indian bank notes estimated to be worth $146 million held by individuals and informal sectors after India’s shock announcement in 2016 to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills.</p>

<p>India said the move was aimed at flushing out unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. But it also caught countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, where the Indian currency is widely used, off-guard.</p>

<p>“The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals. I will raise this in my meetings with Indian leaders and request them to resolve the issue,” Oli told Nepali parliament late on Tuesday.</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.</p>

<p>Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other officials during the visit starting on Friday.</p>

<p>Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials say the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to 4,500 rupees 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>A senior Indian government official, with direct knowledge of the RBI's views, said the central bank was unable to exchange the old currency notes in Nepal or any other country because there was no such provision made in the rules that the government issued at the time of demonetisation.</p>

<p>"Only the federal government can take a decision in this regard now," the official said.</p>

<p>Indian citizens were given nearly two months to exchange their old notes for new ones.</p>


Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be visiting India this week

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will press India to exchange millions of dollars held in Nepal in banned high-value Indian bank notes during a visit this week to improve ties with its large southern neighbour. Nepal and India have yet to agree on how to exchange old Indian bank notes estimated to be worth $146 million held by individuals and informal sectors after India’s shock announcement in 2016 to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills. India said the move was aimed at flushing out unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. But it also caught countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, where the Indian currency is widely used, off-guard. “The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals. I will raise this in my meetings with Indian leaders and request them to resolve the issue,” Oli told Nepali parliament late on Tuesday. 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. Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other officials during the visit starting on Friday. Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials say the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to 4,500 rupees 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. A senior Indian government official, with direct knowledge of the RBI's views, said the central bank was unable to exchange the old currency notes in Nepal or any other country because there was no such provision made in the rules that the government issued at the time of demonetisation. "Only the federal government can take a decision in this regard now," the official said. Indian citizens were given nearly two months to exchange their old notes for new ones.

Nepal has $146 million in demonetised notes, wants India to change them

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley.</p>

<p>"Kashmiri Pandits should visit Kashmir, their younger generations should see where their roots really lie. We will make all arrangements. Whatever has happened in the past is unfortunate but now we will have to move forward," the Chief Minister said at an interactive session with the Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi.</p>

<p>Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a leaf out of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's book and initiate a dialogue with Pakistan.</p>

<p>"I urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to Pakistan just like Vajpayee ji did. Neither are we nor is Pakistan in a condition to fight a war, both countries know now that if there will be a war, nothing will be spared. Both the nations will just lose everything," Mufti added.</p>

<p>At the same event, a man from the crowd stood up and questioned Mufti on relief for the Kashmiri Pandits.</p>

<p>The Kashmiri Pandits began to leave the Valley in greater numbers in the 1990s during the eruption of militancy, following persecution and threats by radical Islamists and militants.</p>

<p>In 2010, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 808 Pandit families were still living in the Valley and that the financial and other incentives put in place to encourage others to return there had been unsuccessful.</p>

<p>According to a Jammu and Kashmir Government report, 219 members of the community had been killed in the region between 1989 and 2004 but none thereafter.</p>

<p>However, in July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.&nbsp</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley. "Kashmiri Pandits should visit Kashmir, their younger generations should see where their roots really lie. We will make all arrangements. Whatever has happened in the past is unfortunate but now we will have to move forward," the Chief Minister said at an interactive session with the Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi. Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a leaf out of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's book and initiate a dialogue with Pakistan. "I urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to Pakistan just like Vajpayee ji did. Neither are we nor is Pakistan in a condition to fight a war, both countries know now that if there will be a war, nothing will be spared. Both the nations will just lose everything," Mufti added. At the same event, a man from the crowd stood up and questioned Mufti on relief for the Kashmiri Pandits. The Kashmiri Pandits began to leave the Valley in greater numbers in the 1990s during the eruption of militancy, following persecution and threats by radical Islamists and militants. In 2010, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 808 Pandit families were still living in the Valley and that the financial and other incentives put in place to encourage others to return there had been unsuccessful. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Government report, 219 members of the community had been killed in the region between 1989 and 2004 but none thereafter. However, in July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.

Mehbooba Mufti appeals to Kashmiri Pandits to visit Valley

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday kept up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the CBSE leaks, saying he would now write a sequel to his book "Exam Warriors" to teach students stress relief after their lives were "destroyed" due to paper leaks.</p>

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<p>Mocking the prime minister on Twitter, Gandhi attached a photograph of Modi playing with children.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams.<br />
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Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students & parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers. <a href="https://t.co/YmSiY0w46b">pic.twitter.com/YmSiY0w46b</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/979622361099104257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams.</p>

<p>"Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students and parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers," he tweeted.</p>

<p>The prime minister had also talked about fighting exam stress in his "Mann ki Baat" programme ahead of the board exams.</p>

<p>The Congress has been attacking the prime minister on the CBSE announcing a retest of the Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers after reports that they were leaked.</p>

<p>It has demanded the sacking of HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and CBSE chairperson Anita Karwal and a judicial probe by a high court judge.</p>

<p>In another tweet on the occasion of Good Friday, Gandhi hoped peace and love fills everyone's hearts and homes.</p>

<p>"On this Good Friday, let us forgive those who have hurt us make peace with those with whom we are at war let peace and love fill our hearts and our homes," he said.</p>

<p>Yesterday, Gandhi had targeted Modi over the series of leaks, including CBSE board papers, to say that the "chowkidar" was weak.</p>


Mocking the prime minister Modi on Twitter, Gandhi attached a photograph of Modi playing with children

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday kept up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the CBSE leaks, saying he would now write a sequel to his book "Exam Warriors" to teach students stress relief after their lives were "destroyed" due to paper leaks. × Mocking the prime minister on Twitter, Gandhi attached a photograph of Modi playing with children. PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams. Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students & parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers. pic.twitter.com/YmSiY0w46b — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 30, 2018 × "PM wrote Exam Warriors, a book to teach students stress relief during exams. "Next up: Exam Warriors 2, a book to teach students and parents stress relief, once their lives are destroyed due to leaked exam papers," he tweeted. The prime minister had also talked about fighting exam stress in his "Mann ki Baat" programme ahead of the board exams. The Congress has been attacking the prime minister on the CBSE announcing a retest of the Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers after reports that they were leaked. It has demanded the sacking of HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and CBSE chairperson Anita Karwal and a judicial probe by a high court judge. In another tweet on the occasion of Good Friday, Gandhi hoped peace and love fills everyone's hearts and homes. "On this Good Friday, let us forgive those who have hurt us make peace with those with whom we are at war let peace and love fill our hearts and our homes," he said. Yesterday, Gandhi had targeted Modi over the series of leaks, including CBSE board papers, to say that the "chowkidar" was weak.

Next up from PM, book on stress relief after lives destroyed by paper leaks: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will come to India for the three-day visit in April.</p>

<p>The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8.</p>

<p>According to reports, the visit was long-awaited visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj both have invited him in February.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will come to India for the three-day visit in April.  The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8.  According to reports, the visit was long-awaited visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj both have invited him in February.  Also read: China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy  According to reports ahead of Nepal PM's visit, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali will also visit the national capital to prepare for the visit.  Also read: Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari  News reports say that during this visit Oli is likely to invite Modi to Kathmandu for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit.">China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy</a></p>

<p>According to reports ahead of Nepal PM's visit, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali will also visit the national capital to prepare for the visit.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-govt-needs-to-focus-on-development-says-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-127183">Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari</a></p>

<p>News reports say that during this visit Oli is likely to invite Modi to Kathmandu for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit.</p>


The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will come to India for the three-day visit in April. The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8. According to reports, the visit was long-awaited visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj both have invited him in February. Also read: China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy According to reports ahead of Nepal PM's visit, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali will also visit the national capital to prepare for the visit. Also read: Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari News reports say that during this visit Oli is likely to invite Modi to Kathmandu for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma oli to visit India next month

<p>In the annals of India's political history, twice it has happened that all non-ruling parties came under one umbrella for the sole objective of dethroning the ruling dispensation and usurp the power. Both the times the ruling party was Congress. It was in the decade of seventy against Indira Gandhi and during the late eighties against Rajiv Gandhi.</p>

<p>The coincidence is that during both occasions, coalescing of parties was preceded by a very strong hegemonic run of Congress. Indira became a very strong and undisputed leader in seventies, particularly after India's thumping victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and liberation of Bangladesh. Congress under Rajiv Gandhi won more than 80 per cent seats in the 1984 general elections (highest ever) and swept state polls as well across the nation, barring just a handful number of states.</p>

<p>In 1977, all non-Congress parties coalesced behind Jai Prakash Narayan (JP) and Indira lost. Twelve years later, it was VP Singh who became the symbol of the anti-establishment crusade. In 1989, VP Singh could even bring BJP and Left parties on the same platform as both supported VP Singh's government post-1989 general elections.</p>

<p>The current situation is somewhat reminiscent of 1975-77 and 1987-89, in a sense that ruling party is enjoying the unparalleled power and unending electoral run. Opposition parties are wondering that how will they survive in days to come.</p>

<p>Mamata Banerjee is toiling hard. A few days back, she was in Delhi to meet all the opposition leaders. She even met BJP rebels like Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie. She is trying hard to create a mega anti-Modi alliance and in the process, she believes that she will become the epitome of anti-establishment crusaders like JP and VP Singh and her political career would be elevated to an upper level.</p>

<p>But make no mistake. Mamata's efforts are only only saddled with her own personal political ambitions but also with her personal disliking for Narendra Modi and BJP. Her endeavour is bound to be nothing but a damp squib in the days to come because barring the only similarity from the past the one party (BJP) is in strong command, the situation is entirely different than 1977 and 1989.</p>

<p>First of all, let's see that what happened in 1977 and 1989 after the ruling party was toppled. Janta government under Morarji Desai in 1977 and VP Singh's government in 1989 were disasters, right from the word go. The root cause was common. All those leaders who were vouching for unity before coming to power, turned in to the different lot once they were in power. Ego clashes started and everybody started pursuing his own interests and agenda. None of those governments survived beyond a period of two years.</p>

<p>But in the first place, can Mamata and united opposition pull it off this time like JP or VP Singh did? The answer would a resounding and firm 'NO'. In 1977 and 1989, Indira and Rajiv themselves gave loose points to opposition, on which JP and VP Singh built the massive narrative. But now Modi is sitting firmly with tight control on the overall proceedings. He is giving any loose balls to the opposition.</p>

<p>Moreover, JP and VP Singh were mass leaders, vastly experienced with proven probity in public life and had that natural knack for connecting with voters. Currently, there is only one politician in that class and it is Narendra Modi himself. So Modi can only be rattled if there is someone as big in stature among opposition leaders as Modi is, which actually not the case.</p>

<p>The third thing is media's stand. I remember that how media, particularly Indian Express group of Ramnath Goenka, played a massive role in building an anti-Congress atmosphere. On the contrary, in an extremely unparalleled situation, despite being in power for 46 months, Modi has the support of a larger section of media and rightly so. This fact will play a pivotal role in days to come.</p>

<p>Ultimately everything boils down to the narrative. Unless united opposition has a story to sell among voters, they can't achieve anything.</p>

<p>So what united opposition is trying to achieve is far from achievable in the first place. However if they can do it, it would only be counter-productive for the nation, as history suggests us.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The current situation is somewhat reminiscent of 1975-77 and 1987-89, in a sense that ruling party is enjoying the unparalleled power and unending electoral run.

In the annals of India's political history, twice it has happened that all non-ruling parties came under one umbrella for the sole objective of dethroning the ruling dispensation and usurp the power. Both the times the ruling party was Congress. It was in the decade of seventy against Indira Gandhi and during the late eighties against Rajiv Gandhi. The coincidence is that during both occasions, coalescing of parties was preceded by a very strong hegemonic run of Congress. Indira became a very strong and undisputed leader in seventies, particularly after India's thumping victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and liberation of Bangladesh. Congress under Rajiv Gandhi won more than 80 per cent seats in the 1984 general elections (highest ever) and swept state polls as well across the nation, barring just a handful number of states. In 1977, all non-Congress parties coalesced behind Jai Prakash Narayan (JP) and Indira lost. Twelve years later, it was VP Singh who became the symbol of the anti-establishment crusade. In 1989, VP Singh could even bring BJP and Left parties on the same platform as both supported VP Singh's government post-1989 general elections. The current situation is somewhat reminiscent of 1975-77 and 1987-89, in a sense that ruling party is enjoying the unparalleled power and unending electoral run. Opposition parties are wondering that how will they survive in days to come. Mamata Banerjee is toiling hard. A few days back, she was in Delhi to meet all the opposition leaders. She even met BJP rebels like Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie. She is trying hard to create a mega anti-Modi alliance and in the process, she believes that she will become the epitome of anti-establishment crusaders like JP and VP Singh and her political career would be elevated to an upper level. But make no mistake. Mamata's efforts are only only saddled with her own personal political ambitions but also with her personal disliking for Narendra Modi and BJP. Her endeavour is bound to be nothing but a damp squib in the days to come because barring the only similarity from the past the one party (BJP) is in strong command, the situation is entirely different than 1977 and 1989. First of all, let's see that what happened in 1977 and 1989 after the ruling party was toppled. Janta government under Morarji Desai in 1977 and VP Singh's government in 1989 were disasters, right from the word go. The root cause was common. All those leaders who were vouching for unity before coming to power, turned in to the different lot once they were in power. Ego clashes started and everybody started pursuing his own interests and agenda. None of those governments survived beyond a period of two years. But in the first place, can Mamata and united opposition pull it off this time like JP or VP Singh did? The answer would a resounding and firm 'NO'. In 1977 and 1989, Indira and Rajiv themselves gave loose points to opposition, on which JP and VP Singh built the massive narrative. But now Modi is sitting firmly with tight control on the overall proceedings. He is giving any loose balls to the opposition. Moreover, JP and VP Singh were mass leaders, vastly experienced with proven probity in public life and had that natural knack for connecting with voters. Currently, there is only one politician in that class and it is Narendra Modi himself. So Modi can only be rattled if there is someone as big in stature among opposition leaders as Modi is, which actually not the case. The third thing is media's stand. I remember that how media, particularly Indian Express group of Ramnath Goenka, played a massive role in building an anti-Congress atmosphere. On the contrary, in an extremely unparalleled situation, despite being in power for 46 months, Modi has the support of a larger section of media and rightly so. This fact will play a pivotal role in days to come. Ultimately everything boils down to the narrative. Unless united opposition has a story to sell among voters, they can't achieve anything. So what united opposition is trying to achieve is far from achievable in the first place. However if they can do it, it would only be counter-productive for the nation, as history suggests us. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Mamata's bid is not only unwarranted but also futile

<p>Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination.</p>

<p>Israel's national airline has filed a suit against Israel government, the Civil Aviation Authority, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the transportation minister, Yisrael Katz and Air India.</p>

<p>According to reports, the El Al has asked the court to either give a similar permit to them or prevent Air India from taking the shorter route.</p>

<p>El Al says it is the victim of unfair competition. News agency Reuters reported El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin saying, ''the State of Israel does not understand the extent of the damage caused by the government."</p>

<p>"Today it is India, tomorrow it will be Thailand and all the east. It is impossible to assess the damage caused by this decision for the company's 6,000 employees," he added.</p>

<p>Air India started using the new direct route from March 22 to Tel Aviv while crossing the Saudi Arabian airspace after Saudi Arabia granted permission in January.</p>

<p>The new route reduces the travel duration to two hours. Saudi Arabia had banned any commercial bound flight to cross its airspace but the Indian government brokered the "peace flight" amid tensions in the Middle East.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has so far not allowed Israeli carriers to use its airspace as the Saudi does not have any official diplomatic relations with Israel.</p>

<p>Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab nations which have relations with Isreal.</p>

<p>Israel's national carrier El Al currently operates from Mumbai takes a detour over the Red Sea to avoid flying over Saudi Arabia and Iran.</p>

<p>The new air link between Tel Aviv and New Delhi was announced in July last year by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, but it was not until January that the pair suggested it might use Saudi airspace.</p>

<p>Transport Minister Yisrael Katz described Air India's overflight of Saudi Arabia as "historic".</p>


Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination

Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination. Israel's national airline has filed a suit against Israel government, the Civil Aviation Authority, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the transportation minister, Yisrael Katz and Air India. According to reports, the El Al has asked the court to either give a similar permit to them or prevent Air India from taking the shorter route. El Al says it is the victim of unfair competition. News agency Reuters reported El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin saying, ''the State of Israel does not understand the extent of the damage caused by the government." "Today it is India, tomorrow it will be Thailand and all the east. It is impossible to assess the damage caused by this decision for the company's 6,000 employees," he added. Air India started using the new direct route from March 22 to Tel Aviv while crossing the Saudi Arabian airspace after Saudi Arabia granted permission in January. The new route reduces the travel duration to two hours. Saudi Arabia had banned any commercial bound flight to cross its airspace but the Indian government brokered the "peace flight" amid tensions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has so far not allowed Israeli carriers to use its airspace as the Saudi does not have any official diplomatic relations with Israel. Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab nations which have relations with Isreal. Israel's national carrier El Al currently operates from Mumbai takes a detour over the Red Sea to avoid flying over Saudi Arabia and Iran. The new air link between Tel Aviv and New Delhi was announced in July last year by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, but it was not until January that the pair suggested it might use Saudi airspace. Transport Minister Yisrael Katz described Air India's overflight of Saudi Arabia as "historic".

Israel's El Al appeals against Air India flights over Saudi Arabia

<p>Records pertaining to the Prime Minister's chartered flights for visits abroad cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act due to security concerns as per instructions from the PMO, the national carrier has said in response to an application filed by an activist under the transparency law.</p>

<p>In his RTI application dated February 2, 2018, Commodore (Retd) Lokesh Batra had sought to know from Air India the dates of invoices raised for chartered flights provided by it for foreign visits of the Prime Minister since November 2016, and the dates of forwarding each of these bills to the Civil Aviation Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.</p>

<p>According to Batra, he got a response from the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) who said he cannot furnish information sought by him, and also sent him an e-mail communication from the PMO to Air India on the issue.</p>

<p>In that email, sent to an Air India official on December 26, 2016, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had said, "Records pertaining to PM's flight have certain information which may have security implications and are, hence, exempted from disclosure under clause (g) of Section 8(1) of the RTI Act, 2005."</p>

<p>"As such, the Air India is advised not to disclose information relating to PM's flight to such RTI queries," it said. It was not clear what had prompted the PMO's email in 2016.</p>

<p>Section 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act exempts from disclosure information that would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes.</p>

<p>Batra had mentioned in his RTI application, "It is observed that still there are considerable delays in settling the chartered flight bills and invoices of Air India in respect of foreign tours of the PM. On the other hand, Air India is being bailed out with huge taxpayers' money.</p>

<p>After receiving the response of Air India, citing the PMO's instructions, Batra wrote to Air India saying that there is no provision in the Act to deny information without giving reasons as per section 7(1) of the Act or without quoting the CIC or court orders for denial of Information.</p>

<p>Air India has responded to his letter saying, "We never deny any information which is available as per our records of accounts Dept. As per provision in the Act we are not supposed to supply any copy of our document or as per section 7(1) of the Act, which is informed by PMO."</p>

<p>Batra has also written to the PMO calling the instruction to Air India a "serious lapse".</p>


An RTI application dated February 2, 2018 had sought to know from Air India the dates of invoices raised for chartered flights provided by it for foreign visits of the Prime Minister

Records pertaining to the Prime Minister's chartered flights for visits abroad cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act due to security concerns as per instructions from the PMO, the national carrier has said in response to an application filed by an activist under the transparency law. In his RTI application dated February 2, 2018, Commodore (Retd) Lokesh Batra had sought to know from Air India the dates of invoices raised for chartered flights provided by it for foreign visits of the Prime Minister since November 2016, and the dates of forwarding each of these bills to the Civil Aviation Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry. According to Batra, he got a response from the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) who said he cannot furnish information sought by him, and also sent him an e-mail communication from the PMO to Air India on the issue. In that email, sent to an Air India official on December 26, 2016, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had said, "Records pertaining to PM's flight have certain information which may have security implications and are, hence, exempted from disclosure under clause (g) of Section 8(1) of the RTI Act, 2005." "As such, the Air India is advised not to disclose information relating to PM's flight to such RTI queries," it said. It was not clear what had prompted the PMO's email in 2016. Section 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act exempts from disclosure information that would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes. Batra had mentioned in his RTI application, "It is observed that still there are considerable delays in settling the chartered flight bills and invoices of Air India in respect of foreign tours of the PM. On the other hand, Air India is being bailed out with huge taxpayers' money. After receiving the response of Air India, citing the PMO's instructions, Batra wrote to Air India saying that there is no provision in the Act to deny information without giving reasons as per section 7(1) of the Act or without quoting the CIC or court orders for denial of Information. Air India has responded to his letter saying, "We never deny any information which is available as per our records of accounts Dept. As per provision in the Act we are not supposed to supply any copy of our document or as per section 7(1) of the Act, which is informed by PMO." Batra has also written to the PMO calling the instruction to Air India a "serious lapse".

PM's flight records cannot be disclosed under RTI due to security reasons: Air India

In the 42nd edition of Mann Ki Baat, Modi asked for suggestions for Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary

Full text of PM Modi's Mann ki Baat address

<p>PM Modi on Sunday talked about the importance of preventive healthcare in his monthly programme &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39;.</p>

<p><strong>Here are the highlights of his speech:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><em><strong>PM Modi wishes the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami.</strong></em></p>

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<h5>We must aim at achieving a &#39;fit India&#39;.</h5>
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<h5>PM Modi urges the citizens of the nation to keep water outside their homes during the summer season for animals and birds.</h5>
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<h5>All farmers should connect with Doordarshan&#39;s channel exclusively for farmers.</h5>
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<h5>When I heard the story of Kanpur based Dr Ajit Mohan Choudhary, of how he visits the underprivileged on footpaths and offers free medicines to them, it gives one an opportunity to feel the sense of brotherhood that prevails in the country.</h5>
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<p><em><strong>PM Modi praises a woman from Uttar Pradesh who built 125 toilets after overcoming steep challenges.</strong></em></p>

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<h5>Great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Chaudhary Charan Singh and Chaudhary Devi Lal always gave importance to agriculture and farmers.</h5>
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<h5>Keeping in mind the welfare of farmers, a big decision has been taken in this year&#39;s budget to ensure fair price for their produce.</h5>
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<h5>The entire world today views India as a hub for investment, innovation and development.A clean India and a healthy India are complementary to each other.</h5>
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<h5>Less than a hundred days are now left for the International Yoga Day on June 21. Let us spread awareness about Yoga.</h5>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


"This time, people have written to me about exams, the upcoming vacations, water conservation among other issues," said PM Modi.

PM Modi on Sunday talked about the importance of preventive healthcare in his monthly programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. Here are the highlights of his speech: PM Modi wishes the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami. We must aim at achieving a 'fit India'. × PM Modi urges the citizens of the nation to keep water outside their homes during the summer season for animals and birds. × All farmers should connect with Doordarshan's channel exclusively for farmers. × When I heard the story of Kanpur based Dr Ajit Mohan Choudhary, of how he visits the underprivileged on footpaths and offers free medicines to them, it gives one an opportunity to feel the sense of brotherhood that prevails in the country. × PM Modi praises a woman from Uttar Pradesh who built 125 toilets after overcoming steep challenges. Great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Chaudhary Charan Singh and Chaudhary Devi Lal always gave importance to agriculture and farmers. × Keeping in mind the welfare of farmers, a big decision has been taken in this year's budget to ensure fair price for their produce. × The entire world today views India as a hub for investment, innovation and development.A clean India and a healthy India are complementary to each other. × Less than a hundred days are now left for the International Yoga Day on June 21. Let us spread awareness about Yoga. ×

We must aim at achieving a 'fit India': PM Modi on 'Mann Ki Baat'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation in his monthly radio show &#39;Mann ki Baat&#39; today. This is the 42nd edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is live streaming of his speech:</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" id="frmwion" scrolling="no" src="http://wionews.dittotv.com/?header=no" width="100%"></iframe></p>


This is the 42nd edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation in his monthly radio show 'Mann ki Baat' today. This is the 42nd edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme. Here is live streaming of his speech:

PM Narendra Modi addresses nation on 'Mann ki Baat', listen live

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accusing the BJP leader of passing on&nbsp;the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also attacked the mainstream media for burying the &#39;&#39;critical story&#39;&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India&#39;s Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies.<br />
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Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you&#39;re doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.<a href="https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH">https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH</a></p>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/977778259810226177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul Gandhi tweeted, &#39;&#39;Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India&#39;s Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you&#39;re doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.&#39;&#39;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gandhi scion&#39;s latest salvo at PM comes amid allegations of Narendra Modi app, the personal mobile application of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, sharing private information of users to a third-party US company Clever Tap without their consent, French security researcher Elliot Alderson has claimed. Alderson shared a series of tweets claiming that when users create profile on Narendra Modi Android app, their device information, as well as personal data, is sent to a third-party domain called in.wzrkt.com., which apparently belongs to the US company.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When you create a profile in the official <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Android?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Android</a> app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier &hellip;) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, &hellip;) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called <a href="https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO">https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Vey3OP6hcf">pic.twitter.com/Vey3OP6hcf</a></p>
&mdash; Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) <a href="https://twitter.com/fs0c131y/status/977267255309463554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


'Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies,' Rahul tweeted Sunday

Congress president Rahul Gandhi stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accusing the BJP leader of passing on the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies. He also attacked the mainstream media for burying the ''critical story''. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi tweeted, ''Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.'' The Gandhi scion's latest salvo at PM comes amid allegations of Narendra Modi app, the personal mobile application of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, sharing private information of users to a third-party US company Clever Tap without their consent, French security researcher Elliot Alderson has claimed. Alderson shared a series of tweets claiming that when users create profile on Narendra Modi Android app, their device information, as well as personal data, is sent to a third-party domain called in.wzrkt.com., which apparently belongs to the US company. When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier …) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, …) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO. pic.twitter.com/Vey3OP6hcf — Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018 ×

User details on NaMo app given to American companies: French security researcher

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the opposition of spreading lies against his government due to its increasing &quot;frustration&quot; over electoral losses, and asked BJP MPs to use technology effectively to take the truth to the masses.</p>

<p>At the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, Modi and party chief Amit Shah asked their MPs to observe Social Justice Day on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar&#39;s birth anniversary, Swachh Bharat Divas and other events between April 14 and May 5, party leaders Prakash Javadekar and Anil Baluni told reporters in Delhi.</p>

<p>&quot;Modi told the MPs that the party is in power so that we can take the country to new heights, and asked them to work on the ground,&quot; Javadekar said.</p>

<p>The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration.</p>

<p>Shah in his speech blamed the opposition for the impasse in Parliament and asked the MPs to hold pressers in the next three days in their parliamentary constituencies to highlight the matter, Baluni said.</p>

<p>With the party gearing up for Lok Sabha polls next year, Shah asked MPs to work to strengthen booth-level organisation in their constituencies, asserting that the organisation&#39;s work at the booth level, along with BJP&#39;s ideology and Modi&#39;s leadership, has been a key reason for its success.</p>

<p>Baluni said that the party will celebrate the period between April 14 and May 5 as &quot;Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan&quot;, and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gave a presentation on it.</p>

<p>April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar, will be celebrated as Social Justice Day.</p>

<p>It will be followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas on April 18, Ujjawala Diwas on April 20, Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24 and Swasth Bharat Diwas on April 30.</p>

<p>Kisan Kalyan Diwas will be observed on May 2 and Aajevika Kuashal Diwas on May 5.</p>

<p>Baluni said that Jitendra Singh gave a presentation to the MPs on developing the 115 most backward districts in the country.</p>

<p>Singh said that the prime minister will visit the best performing district.</p>

<p>This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at its new headquarters at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg here.</p>


The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the opposition of spreading lies against his government due to its increasing "frustration" over electoral losses, and asked BJP MPs to use technology effectively to take the truth to the masses. At the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, Modi and party chief Amit Shah asked their MPs to observe Social Justice Day on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Swachh Bharat Divas and other events between April 14 and May 5, party leaders Prakash Javadekar and Anil Baluni told reporters in Delhi. "Modi told the MPs that the party is in power so that we can take the country to new heights, and asked them to work on the ground," Javadekar said. The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration. Shah in his speech blamed the opposition for the impasse in Parliament and asked the MPs to hold pressers in the next three days in their parliamentary constituencies to highlight the matter, Baluni said. With the party gearing up for Lok Sabha polls next year, Shah asked MPs to work to strengthen booth-level organisation in their constituencies, asserting that the organisation's work at the booth level, along with BJP's ideology and Modi's leadership, has been a key reason for its success. Baluni said that the party will celebrate the period between April 14 and May 5 as "Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan", and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gave a presentation on it. April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar, will be celebrated as Social Justice Day. It will be followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas on April 18, Ujjawala Diwas on April 20, Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24 and Swasth Bharat Diwas on April 30. Kisan Kalyan Diwas will be observed on May 2 and Aajevika Kuashal Diwas on May 5. Baluni said that Jitendra Singh gave a presentation to the MPs on developing the 115 most backward districts in the country. Singh said that the prime minister will visit the best performing district. This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at its new headquarters at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg here.

Frustrated Opposition spreading lies against government: Modi

<p>German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Varanasi on Wednesday as part of his&nbsp;India trip.</p>

<p>In Varanasi German president&nbsp;visited Dashshwamedh ghat and participated in Ganga Aarti.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Varanasi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Varanasi</a>: President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits Dashashwamedh Ghat during Ganga Aarti. <a href="https://t.co/LORgsgLvXG">pic.twitter.com/LORgsgLvXG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/976817770204626946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>During the day German president&#39;s wife&nbsp;Elke B&uuml;denbender also made a visit to Taj Mahal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agra</a>: German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier&#39;s wife Elke B&uuml;denbender, visits Taj Mahal <a href="https://t.co/vzK15iak3L">pic.twitter.com/vzK15iak3L</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/976808833237639168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning and is visiting India for four-days.</p>

<p>He is accompanied by his wife Elke &nbsp;B&uuml;denbender, delegation of media, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and indologists.</p>

<p>During this visit, Frank-Walter is also scheduled to visit Chennai.</p>

<p>The visit is considered significant after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was re-elected to the German Parliament for a record fourth term on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Germany in May.</p>


In Varanasi German president visited Dashshwamedh ghat and participated in Ganga Aarti

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Varanasi on Wednesday as part of his India trip. In Varanasi German president visited Dashshwamedh ghat and participated in Ganga Aarti. #Varanasi: President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits Dashashwamedh Ghat during Ganga Aarti. pic.twitter.com/LORgsgLvXG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2018 × During the day German president's wife Elke Büdenbender also made a visit to Taj Mahal. #Agra: German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier's wife Elke Büdenbender, visits Taj Mahal pic.twitter.com/vzK15iak3L — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2018 × Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning and is visiting India for four-days. He is accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, delegation of media, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and indologists. During this visit, Frank-Walter is also scheduled to visit Chennai. The visit is considered significant after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was re-elected to the German Parliament for a record fourth term on Wednesday. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Germany in May.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits Varanasi

<p>German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in New Delhi on Thursday on a four-day visit to India.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, informed on Twitter that Minister of State (MoS) Drinking Water and Sanitation SS&nbsp;Ahluwalia received the German President, who was accompanied by his wife Elke B&uuml;denbender.</p>

<p>&quot;Herzlich willkommen! Warm welcome to President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Mrs Elke B&uuml;denbender to India. Minister of State, Drinking Water and Sanitation, SS&nbsp;Ahluwalia received the honoured guests,&quot; Kumar tweeted.</p>

<p>Steinmeier will also visit Varanasi and Chennai.</p>

<p>He is being accompanied by a delegation of media and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and indologists.</p>

<p>The visit is considered significant after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was re-elected to the German Parliament for a record fourth term on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Germany in May.</p>


Frank-Walter Steinmeier will also visit Varanasi and Chennai

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in New Delhi on Thursday on a four-day visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, informed on Twitter that Minister of State (MoS) Drinking Water and Sanitation SS Ahluwalia received the German President, who was accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender. "Herzlich willkommen! Warm welcome to President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Mrs Elke Büdenbender to India. Minister of State, Drinking Water and Sanitation, SS Ahluwalia received the honoured guests," Kumar tweeted. Steinmeier will also visit Varanasi and Chennai. He is being accompanied by a delegation of media and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and indologists. The visit is considered significant after German Chancellor Angela Merkel was re-elected to the German Parliament for a record fourth term on Wednesday. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Germany in May.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrives in India

<p>The official spokesperson of Bhartiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra addressed the allegations of BJP colluding with a data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica during the 2014 elections on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Sambit Patra said &quot;BJP has nothing to hide. Let me say that as far as 2014 BJP campaign is concerned 1,000 websites &amp; 10,000 individuals had sought credit for the same and we have seen the named company has downed its website after the allegations that it was carrying the name of BJP&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP has nothing to hide. Let me say that as far as 2014 BJP campaign is concerned 1,000 websites &amp; 10,000 individuals had sought credit for the same&amp;we have seen the named company has downed its website after allegation that it was carrying the name of BJP: Sambit Patra, BJP <a href="https://t.co/vqU5HYdQv9">pic.twitter.com/vqU5HYdQv9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976437284877885441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Amid the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook data breach row, BJP and Congress have accused each other of using services of Cambridge Analytica to illegally mining private data of Facebook users.</p>

<p>Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Congress Party in a press conference, of having ties with data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica whiles alleging that Congress is planning to use the firm&#39;s services for the next Lok Sabha elections and to boost Rahul Gandhi&#39;s profile.</p>

<p>He further asked Rahul Gandhi to explain the company&#39;s role in his social media outreach.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress has denied all allegations.</p>

<p>Refusing accusations, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, &quot;Indian National Congress or the Congress President has never used or never hired the services of a company called Cambridge Analytica,&quot;.</p>

<p>Cambridge Analytica has been accused of harvesting private information from more than 50 million Facebook users in developing techniques to support President Donald Trump&#39;s 2016 election campaign, the New York Times and London&#39;s Observer reported on Saturday (March 18).</p>

<p>The reports have mentioned that the firm has worked for Indian clients as well.</p>


The official spokesperson of Bhartiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra addressed the allegations of BJP colluding with a data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica during the 2014 elections on Wednesday

The official spokesperson of Bhartiya Janata Party, Sambit Patra addressed the allegations of BJP colluding with a data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica during the 2014 elections on Wednesday. Sambit Patra said "BJP has nothing to hide. Let me say that as far as 2014 BJP campaign is concerned 1,000 websites & 10,000 individuals had sought credit for the same and we have seen the named company has downed its website after the allegations that it was carrying the name of BJP". BJP has nothing to hide. Let me say that as far as 2014 BJP campaign is concerned 1,000 websites & 10,000 individuals had sought credit for the same&we have seen the named company has downed its website after allegation that it was carrying the name of BJP: Sambit Patra, BJP pic.twitter.com/vqU5HYdQv9 — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2018 × Amid the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook data breach row, BJP and Congress have accused each other of using services of Cambridge Analytica to illegally mining private data of Facebook users. Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Congress Party in a press conference, of having ties with data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica whiles alleging that Congress is planning to use the firm's services for the next Lok Sabha elections and to boost Rahul Gandhi's profile. He further asked Rahul Gandhi to explain the company's role in his social media outreach. Meanwhile, Congress has denied all allegations. Refusing accusations, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, "Indian National Congress or the Congress President has never used or never hired the services of a company called Cambridge Analytica,". Cambridge Analytica has been accused of harvesting private information from more than 50 million Facebook users in developing techniques to support President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign, the New York Times and London's Observer reported on Saturday (March 18). The reports have mentioned that the firm has worked for Indian clients as well.

Cambridge Analytica-Facebook row: BJP has nothing to hide says Sambit Patra

<p>The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as proceedings began, chants of &quot;we want justice&quot; echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stormy scenes had been expected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra &quot;special status&quot; row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSRCP&#39;s YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/ucxSyaE7Lq">pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975992667623567360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">confirmed as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">dead</a>, before that house too was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;</p>


The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began. As soon as proceedings began, chants of "we want justice" echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning. PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties. Stormy scenes had been expected. The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra "special status" row. They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments. More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow: YSRCP's YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been confirmed as dead, before that house too was adjourned for the day.

No-confidence motion: Both houses of Parliament adjourned till Wednesday

<p>The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. <a href="https://t.co/bdT3dbBWA8">pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975622822293893120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down,&nbsp;it was adjourned after a continuous uproar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TDP&#39;s MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house.&nbsp; Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet &mdash; Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary &mdash; to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote &mdash; a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held &mdash; last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The parties asking for the vote seem to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-no-trust-vote-debate-but-not-trying-to-make-government-fall-tdp-mp-36314" target="_blank">understand</a> that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It&#39;s responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/LbdfpLAQAd">pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975587133309313024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year &mdash; which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress&#39;s Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow &#39;no confidence motion in the council of ministers&#39;. <a href="https://t.co/6fsIhkk10H">pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975639641847140352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying to push the motion over the 'special status' issue for Andhra Pradesh

The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning. No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down, it was adjourned after a continuous uproar. The TDP's MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house. Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house. The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday. The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status. Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet — Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary — to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly. The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote — a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held — last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote. Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government. That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote. The parties asking for the vote seem to understand that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning: We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It's responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year — which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress's Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now. More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again. YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow 'no confidence motion in the council of ministers'. pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 ×

No-confidence motion not taken up, both houses of Parliament adjourned till Tuesday

<p>The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings.</p>

<p>Y V Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress has written to the Lok Sabha secretariat to put his notice for the motion in the revised list of business today. The TDP has also moved a notice for a no-confidence motion.</p>

<p>When their notices were not taken up last week, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had argued that they could not be due to the House being not in order, with members of several parties raising slogans in the Well.</p>

<p>With the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the AIADMK, which have often cooperated with the government on its legislative business, protesting over a host of issues, it remains uncertain if order is restored today.</p>

<p>While the first two weeks of the last phase of the Budget Session have been a virtual washout, the government has managed to get some key bills and the budget passed amid a din through a voice vote without a debate.</p>

<p>The YSR Congress was the first to give a notice last week for a no-trust motion after the Centre made it clear that it would not grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>Not to be outdone by its main rival in the state, the TDP, a longtime BJP ally, then decided to break its ties over the issue and brought a no-confidence motion of its own.</p>

<p>Both parties have been lobbying with opposition parties for support to their respective notices. A no-confidence motion notice has to be supported by at least 50 MPs to be taken up in the House.</p>

<p>The government has expressed confidence that the notices, even if they are admitted, will be defeated given its strength in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>The current strength of the Lok Sabha is 539 and the ruling BJP has 274 members, more than the majority mark of 270, and enjoys the support of several allies.</p>

<p>With the 16-member TDP quitting the BJP-led NDA, the ruling alliance strength has reduced.&nbsp;</p>


Both parties had asked for the vote last week over the issue of 'special status' for Andhra

The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings. Y V Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress has written to the Lok Sabha secretariat to put his notice for the motion in the revised list of business today. The TDP has also moved a notice for a no-confidence motion. When their notices were not taken up last week, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had argued that they could not be due to the House being not in order, with members of several parties raising slogans in the Well. With the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the AIADMK, which have often cooperated with the government on its legislative business, protesting over a host of issues, it remains uncertain if order is restored today. While the first two weeks of the last phase of the Budget Session have been a virtual washout, the government has managed to get some key bills and the budget passed amid a din through a voice vote without a debate. The YSR Congress was the first to give a notice last week for a no-trust motion after the Centre made it clear that it would not grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. Not to be outdone by its main rival in the state, the TDP, a longtime BJP ally, then decided to break its ties over the issue and brought a no-confidence motion of its own. Both parties have been lobbying with opposition parties for support to their respective notices. A no-confidence motion notice has to be supported by at least 50 MPs to be taken up in the House. The government has expressed confidence that the notices, even if they are admitted, will be defeated given its strength in the Lok Sabha. The current strength of the Lok Sabha is 539 and the ruling BJP has 274 members, more than the majority mark of 270, and enjoys the support of several allies. With the 16-member TDP quitting the BJP-led NDA, the ruling alliance strength has reduced.

YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for no-trust vote against government today

<p>The gloves were off when Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed the Congress Plenary at the end of the Session. Throughout his speech, he kept on attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS.</p>

<p>He likened BJP to Kauravas and Congress as Pandavas. Rahul Gandhi accused BJP as a party &#39;&#39;drunk on power&#39;&#39;. Launching a blistering attack on BJP president Amit Shah, he&nbsp;said that BJP has made a person charged with murder as president of its party. He said,&rdquo; When Gandhi was spending time in jail, Savarkar was busy writing mercy petitions.&rdquo; Savarkar is a BJP icon and Port Blair airport is named after Savarkar.</p>

<p>He also attacked RSS on a number of issues associated them. &ldquo;Ambedkar went thirsty because RSS supports such ideas. His sister had to cut her own hair because RSS supports such ideas,&rdquo; said Rahul Gandhi. His attack on RSS came from the position of lynching which took place last years against people in the name of cow protection where Dalits were at the receiving end. Rahul Gandhi basically tried to challenge the popular narrative around which BJP&rsquo;s campaign of cultural nationalism has functioned throughout 2016-17. In his speech, he tried to create an opposing binary between Dalit politics and RSS worldview.</p>

<p>His speech also addressed projects and promises associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even challenged PM&rsquo;s foreign policy initiatives in South Asia.</p>

<p>&ldquo;China is in Doklam, in our shops (as all fancy products are made by them) in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. China is everywhere,&rdquo; said Rahul Gandhi. He mentioned that as of now there exists US Vision and a China vision but he hopes there comes a time when there can be an Indian vision.</p>

<p>He even accused the government of maintaining silence on important issues. &ldquo; Government protects crony capitalism in the country,&rdquo; he said.</p>

<p>He also addressed internal issues plaguing Congress Party. He admitted that his party could not stand up to people&rsquo;s expectation in the last tenure of UPA which led to its complete wash out in the Lok Sabha elections. He requested party members to not to fight before Lok Sabha elections and reassured the senior leadership that they would be carried along in decision making.</p>

<p>He said that first he would break the wall between workers and leaders and then between youth and political parties. He has been harping on this theme since the beginning of his career. His experiment to do so failed in Youth Congress where he ended up introducing elections for the posts. The elections turned so expensive that poor candidates were unable to participate.</p>

<p>He also clarified his temple run in Gujarat and said that he had been visiting temple even before though the fact is that Congress monetized his temple run in Gujarat as an electoral strategy.</p>


Throughout his speech, Rahul Gandhi kept attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS

The gloves were off when Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed the Congress Plenary at the end of the Session. Throughout his speech, he kept on attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS. He likened BJP to Kauravas and Congress as Pandavas. Rahul Gandhi accused BJP as a party ''drunk on power''. Launching a blistering attack on BJP president Amit Shah, he said that BJP has made a person charged with murder as president of its party. He said,” When Gandhi was spending time in jail, Savarkar was busy writing mercy petitions.” Savarkar is a BJP icon and Port Blair airport is named after Savarkar. He also attacked RSS on a number of issues associated them. “Ambedkar went thirsty because RSS supports such ideas. His sister had to cut her own hair because RSS supports such ideas,” said Rahul Gandhi. His attack on RSS came from the position of lynching which took place last years against people in the name of cow protection where Dalits were at the receiving end. Rahul Gandhi basically tried to challenge the popular narrative around which BJP’s campaign of cultural nationalism has functioned throughout 2016-17. In his speech, he tried to create an opposing binary between Dalit politics and RSS worldview. His speech also addressed projects and promises associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even challenged PM’s foreign policy initiatives in South Asia. “China is in Doklam, in our shops (as all fancy products are made by them) in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. China is everywhere,” said Rahul Gandhi. He mentioned that as of now there exists US Vision and a China vision but he hopes there comes a time when there can be an Indian vision. He even accused the government of maintaining silence on important issues. “ Government protects crony capitalism in the country,” he said. He also addressed internal issues plaguing Congress Party. He admitted that his party could not stand up to people’s expectation in the last tenure of UPA which led to its complete wash out in the Lok Sabha elections. He requested party members to not to fight before Lok Sabha elections and reassured the senior leadership that they would be carried along in decision making. He said that first he would break the wall between workers and leaders and then between youth and political parties. He has been harping on this theme since the beginning of his career. His experiment to do so failed in Youth Congress where he ended up introducing elections for the posts. The elections turned so expensive that poor candidates were unable to participate. He also clarified his temple run in Gujarat and said that he had been visiting temple even before though the fact is that Congress monetized his temple run in Gujarat as an electoral strategy.

At Congress plenary Rahul takes gloves off, launches trenchant attack on BJP

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the annual &#39;Krishi Unnati Mela&#39; at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in the national capital on Saturday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi addresses the annual &#39;Krishi Unnati Mela&#39; at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/J7xPZqWt4H">https://t.co/J7xPZqWt4H</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974906229901336576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While addressing farmers&#39; Modi said, &#39;&#39;through the medium of this event I have got the opportunity to simultaneously interact with the two most important parts of new India, that is the farmers who provide food and the scientists who come up with the latest technology.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Through the medium of this event I have got the opportunity to simultaneously interact with the 2 most important parts of new India, that is the farmers who provide food and the scientists who come up with the latest technology: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KrishiUnnatiMela2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KrishiUnnatiMela2018</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/1UwWo7bdr6">pic.twitter.com/1UwWo7bdr6</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974909779683500032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In this budget we announced GOBAR-Dhan Yojana which stands for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources, it will help in managing bio-waste being produced in villages, in a big way: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KrishiUnnatiMela2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KrishiUnnatiMela2018</a> in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/qmz2TeCcHy">pic.twitter.com/qmz2TeCcHy</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974917405070766080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi will also unveil a portal on organic farming after which he will lay the foundation stone of 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras.</p>

<p>He will also&nbsp;confer&nbsp;Krishi Karman&#39; and &#39;Deen Dayal Upadhya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan&#39; awards</p>

<p>The main objective of the&nbsp;fair is to create awareness about the latest technological developments in agriculture among farmers, and is based on a theme of doubling farmers&#39;&nbsp;income by 2022.</p>

<p>Theme pavilions on doubling farmers income, live demonstrations on micro-irrigation, wastewater utilisation, animal husbandry and fisheries are among the major attractions of the fair.</p>

<p>Pavilions on seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides will also be set up at the fair.</p>

<p>(With inputs from ANI)</p>


The main objective of the fair is to create awareness about the latest technological developments in agriculture among farmers and is based on a theme of 'doubling farmers' income by 2022'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the annual 'Krishi Unnati Mela' at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in the national capital on Saturday. #WATCH: PM Modi addresses the annual 'Krishi Unnati Mela' at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi. https://t.co/J7xPZqWt4H — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × While addressing farmers' Modi said, ''through the medium of this event I have got the opportunity to simultaneously interact with the two most important parts of new India, that is the farmers who provide food and the scientists who come up with the latest technology." Through the medium of this event I have got the opportunity to simultaneously interact with the 2 most important parts of new India, that is the farmers who provide food and the scientists who come up with the latest technology: PM Modi at #KrishiUnnatiMela2018 in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/1UwWo7bdr6 — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × In this budget we announced GOBAR-Dhan Yojana which stands for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources, it will help in managing bio-waste being produced in villages, in a big way: PM Modi at #KrishiUnnatiMela2018 in Delhi pic.twitter.com/qmz2TeCcHy — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × Modi will also unveil a portal on organic farming after which he will lay the foundation stone of 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He will also confer Krishi Karman' and 'Deen Dayal Upadhya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan' awards The main objective of the fair is to create awareness about the latest technological developments in agriculture among farmers, and is based on a theme of doubling farmers' income by 2022. Theme pavilions on doubling farmers income, live demonstrations on micro-irrigation, wastewater utilisation, animal husbandry and fisheries are among the major attractions of the fair. Pavilions on seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides will also be set up at the fair. (With inputs from ANI)

Watch: Narendra Modi addresses annual 'Krishi Unnati Mela'

<p>A 70-year-old man was thrashed and beheaded by a mob in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Friday.</p>

<p>Initially,&nbsp;the reason for beheading the man, Ramchandra Yadav, was reportedly because he renamed the town square after Prime Minister Modi as &#39;Narendra Modi chowk&#39;.</p>

<p>But on Saturday news agency ANI quoted Satya Veer Singh, SSP of Darbhanga saying that &quot;it was due to an old land dispute and has no connection with the naming of chowk.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They named their private land as Narendra Modi Chowk. Batons were used to injure the deceased&#39;s son,&quot; Veer Singh added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The SSP further clarified that there is no ongoing tension in the village.</p>

<p>Ramchandra Yadav was attacked by a mob of 40-50 people who&nbsp;allegedly thrashed Yadav with hockey sticks and swords.</p>

<p>Media has quoted Yadav&#39;s son as saying that his father went to explain the situation but he was beheaded with a sword and when his elder brother intervened he was also assaulted.</p>

<p>The elder brother is admitted to a local hospital for his treatment.</p>

<p>Police have registered a complaint and arrested people who were named.</p>

<p>Further probe relating to whether the incident was linked to being a Modi supporter or it was an old dispute is underway.</p>


Initially, the reason for beheading the man, Ramchandra Yadav, was reportedly because he renamed town square after Prime Minister Modi as 'Narendra Modi chowk'

A 70-year-old man was thrashed and beheaded by a mob in Darbhanga district of Bihar on Friday. Initially, the reason for beheading the man, Ramchandra Yadav, was reportedly because he renamed the town square after Prime Minister Modi as 'Narendra Modi chowk'. But on Saturday news agency ANI quoted Satya Veer Singh, SSP of Darbhanga saying that "it was due to an old land dispute and has no connection with the naming of chowk." "They named their private land as Narendra Modi Chowk. Batons were used to injure the deceased's son," Veer Singh added. The SSP further clarified that there is no ongoing tension in the village. Ramchandra Yadav was attacked by a mob of 40-50 people who allegedly thrashed Yadav with hockey sticks and swords. Media has quoted Yadav's son as saying that his father went to explain the situation but he was beheaded with a sword and when his elder brother intervened he was also assaulted. The elder brother is admitted to a local hospital for his treatment. Police have registered a complaint and arrested people who were named. Further probe relating to whether the incident was linked to being a Modi supporter or it was an old dispute is underway.

Bihar: 70-year-old man thrashed and beheaded

<p>In an apparent attack on opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said confusion is being spread about the budget decision to fix MSP for crops, at least 1.5 times the production cost, and assured farmers that all major costs incurred will be included while declaring the support price.</p>

<p>The Centre is already working with state governments to ensure that farmers get the benefit of the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP), he said.</p>

<p>Addressing a three-day Krishi Unnati Mela 2018 here, Modi also appealed to farmers not to burn crop residues so as to curb pollution.</p>

<p>Besides, he asked farmers to grow more oilseeds to reduce dependence on import of cooking oil as also to cut urea consumption by at least half by 2022.</p>

<p>In the Union Budget 2018-19, the government took a decision to ensure right prices to farmers for their produce, he said.</p>

<p>It has decided that for all notified crops, MSP will be at least one and a half times the cost, Modi said.</p>

<p>Many people are &quot;spreading confusion and creating atmosphere of despair&quot; regarding the government&#39;s MSP decision, he said while sharing the detail of components to be considered while determining the cost of production for fixing the support price.</p>

<p>&quot;The cost of production will include elements such as hired labour, expenses on their own or rented machinery as well as livestock, cost of seeds and fertilisers, expenses on irrigation, revenue being given to state government, interest on working capital, and rent of leased land among others,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>It will also include labour put by farmers and their family, he said. &quot;This is an important decision related to income of hardworking farmers.&quot;</p>

<p>Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the government will consider A2+FL which includes paid out costs on inputs and imputed value of family labour. However, a section of farmers&#39; organisations have been demanding the comprehensive cost (C2) that also includes imputed rent and interest on owned land and capital, over and above A2+FL.</p>

<p>After the Prime Minister&#39;s speech today, when contacted, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand said, &quot;What the PM talked about was A2+FL. He shared the components of the cost. It is a comprehensive subject and not many people know about it. The PM tried to explain in detail.&quot;</p>

<p>Stating that the government is working to strengthen agri-marketing in a big way, Modi said the efforts are being made to link rural mandis to APMC wholesale markets to global market to enhance farmers income.</p>

<p>In the recent Budget, Grameen Retail Agriculture Markets have been envisaged. 22,000 rural haats will be upgraded with necessary infrastructure, and integrated with APMC and the e-NAM platform, he said.</p>

<p>Farmers can market their produce in a better way through Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), which has been exempted from income tax, on the lines of cooperative societies, in the Budget, he added.</p>

<p>Modi, who also launched e-marketing portal for organic products, said this platform is a new chapter in agri-marketing reform. This will be a huge benefit to farmers.</p>

<p>To reduce input costs, the government has taken various steps like soil health card and neem coating of urea besides completing pending irrigation projects with an outlay of Rs 80,000 crore.</p>

<p>Stating that the farm sector is facing challenges affecting farmers income, he said, the government is working with a holistic approach to deal with these challenges and is committed to double farmers income by 2022 and making their lives easier.</p>

<p>He pitched for beekeeping, solar farming, organic farming, bamboo cultivation and biowaste management to supplement income and also appealed farmers to stop crop burning by adopting farm machineries.</p>

<p>For the farmers&#39; welfare, Modi said that the centre has framed many model acts and urged the states to implement them.</p>

<p>&quot;Government is making all out efforts to ensure that farmers get latest seeds, required electricity, do not face any problem in market access and get right prices for their produce,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>He inaugurated the Jaivik Kheti (organic farming) portal and laid the foundation stone of 25 KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) taking the total centres to 700 in India. He also conferred the Krishi Karman Award and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puruskar.</p>

<p>More than 800 stalls have been set up by the central and state governments and various other organisations in this fair.</p>

<p>The fair is showcasing ways to enhance farmers&#39; income through theme pavilions like micro irrigation, neem-coated urea, soil check/health card, reducing input costs through less use of fertiliser, effectiveness of crop insurance scheme and new dimensions of income generation such as animal husbandry, bee keeping and poultry farming.&nbsp;</p>


In the Union Budget 2018-19, the government took a decision to ensure right prices to farmers for their produce, he said.

In an apparent attack on opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said confusion is being spread about the budget decision to fix MSP for crops, at least 1.5 times the production cost, and assured farmers that all major costs incurred will be included while declaring the support price. The Centre is already working with state governments to ensure that farmers get the benefit of the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP), he said. Addressing a three-day Krishi Unnati Mela 2018 here, Modi also appealed to farmers not to burn crop residues so as to curb pollution. Besides, he asked farmers to grow more oilseeds to reduce dependence on import of cooking oil as also to cut urea consumption by at least half by 2022. In the Union Budget 2018-19, the government took a decision to ensure right prices to farmers for their produce, he said. It has decided that for all notified crops, MSP will be at least one and a half times the cost, Modi said. Many people are "spreading confusion and creating atmosphere of despair" regarding the government's MSP decision, he said while sharing the detail of components to be considered while determining the cost of production for fixing the support price. "The cost of production will include elements such as hired labour, expenses on their own or rented machinery as well as livestock, cost of seeds and fertilisers, expenses on irrigation, revenue being given to state government, interest on working capital, and rent of leased land among others," he said. It will also include labour put by farmers and their family, he said. "This is an important decision related to income of hardworking farmers." Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the government will consider A2+FL which includes paid out costs on inputs and imputed value of family labour. However, a section of farmers' organisations have been demanding the comprehensive cost (C2) that also includes imputed rent and interest on owned land and capital, over and above A2+FL. After the Prime Minister's speech today, when contacted, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand said, "What the PM talked about was A2+FL. He shared the components of the cost. It is a comprehensive subject and not many people know about it. The PM tried to explain in detail." Stating that the government is working to strengthen agri-marketing in a big way, Modi said the efforts are being made to link rural mandis to APMC wholesale markets to global market to enhance farmers income. In the recent Budget, Grameen Retail Agriculture Markets have been envisaged. 22,000 rural haats will be upgraded with necessary infrastructure, and integrated with APMC and the e-NAM platform, he said. Farmers can market their produce in a better way through Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), which has been exempted from income tax, on the lines of cooperative societies, in the Budget, he added. Modi, who also launched e-marketing portal for organic products, said this platform is a new chapter in agri-marketing reform. This will be a huge benefit to farmers. To reduce input costs, the government has taken various steps like soil health card and neem coating of urea besides completing pending irrigation projects with an outlay of Rs 80,000 crore. Stating that the farm sector is facing challenges affecting farmers income, he said, the government is working with a holistic approach to deal with these challenges and is committed to double farmers income by 2022 and making their lives easier. He pitched for beekeeping, solar farming, organic farming, bamboo cultivation and biowaste management to supplement income and also appealed farmers to stop crop burning by adopting farm machineries. For the farmers' welfare, Modi said that the centre has framed many model acts and urged the states to implement them. "Government is making all out efforts to ensure that farmers get latest seeds, required electricity, do not face any problem in market access and get right prices for their produce," Modi said. He inaugurated the Jaivik Kheti (organic farming) portal and laid the foundation stone of 25 KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) taking the total centres to 700 in India. He also conferred the Krishi Karman Award and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puruskar. More than 800 stalls have been set up by the central and state governments and various other organisations in this fair. The fair is showcasing ways to enhance farmers' income through theme pavilions like micro irrigation, neem-coated urea, soil check/health card, reducing input costs through less use of fertiliser, effectiveness of crop insurance scheme and new dimensions of income generation such as animal husbandry, bee keeping and poultry farming.

Confusion being spread about support price to farmers: PM

<p>Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi today launched an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that his pre-poll promises of combating corruption and ensuring inclusive development were &quot;only dramebazi&#39; and a trick to grab power.</p>

<p>Gandhi, in her address at the 84th Congress Plenary Session, gave a clarion call to the partymen to be ready for any kind of sacrifice to strengthen the party and to make the county free from discrimination, vendetta politics and arrogance.<br />
She called upon them to forcefully fight against the challenges posed by the present dispensation and asked them to mount a struggle to free the country from the fear of power.</p>

<p>&quot;The slogans of &#39;sab ka saath, sab ka vikas&#39; and &#39;na khaoonga, na khaane doonga&#39; are only and only dramebazi (drama) and a trick to grab power,&quot; she said, referring to Modi&#39;s promises of inclusive development and corruption-free governance.</p>

<p>She said that the Congress was fighting the tyrannical Modi government and the people have begun to realise that the promises made by the BJP in 2014 were hollow.</p>

<p>&quot;Under the leadership of former PM Manmohan Singh, the economy of this country flourished. Our government formed policies which lifted millions of people from poverty. And today, the Modi government is weakening these policies,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Gandhi said the present dispensation was using all means to be in power. But the Congress has and will never bow before the power of arrogance of this government which has launched vendetta against its opponents, she said.</p>

<p>The Congress parliamentary party chief said the party was exposing the frauds of the Modi government with proof.</p>

<p>The party, she said, was making efforts to win back the trust of the people and would work with like-minded parties to oust the BJP.</p>

<p>&quot;Those who want to throw the very identity of the Congress party out of the country do not know how much people love them.</p>

<p>&quot;There is only one priority today and that is how to make Congress party stronger. Congress is not just a party, but an idea several years ahead of its time,&quot; Gandhi said.</p>

<p>She also urged the partymen to extend all support to the new party chief and her son Rahul Gandhi who had taken over the reigns in &quot;such difficult times&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


The party, Sonia said, was making efforts to win back the trust of the people and would work with like-minded parties to oust the BJP.

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi today launched an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that his pre-poll promises of combating corruption and ensuring inclusive development were "only dramebazi' and a trick to grab power. Gandhi, in her address at the 84th Congress Plenary Session, gave a clarion call to the partymen to be ready for any kind of sacrifice to strengthen the party and to make the county free from discrimination, vendetta politics and arrogance. She called upon them to forcefully fight against the challenges posed by the present dispensation and asked them to mount a struggle to free the country from the fear of power. "The slogans of 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' and 'na khaoonga, na khaane doonga' are only and only dramebazi (drama) and a trick to grab power," she said, referring to Modi's promises of inclusive development and corruption-free governance. She said that the Congress was fighting the tyrannical Modi government and the people have begun to realise that the promises made by the BJP in 2014 were hollow. "Under the leadership of former PM Manmohan Singh, the economy of this country flourished. Our government formed policies which lifted millions of people from poverty. And today, the Modi government is weakening these policies," she said. Gandhi said the present dispensation was using all means to be in power. But the Congress has and will never bow before the power of arrogance of this government which has launched vendetta against its opponents, she said. The Congress parliamentary party chief said the party was exposing the frauds of the Modi government with proof. The party, she said, was making efforts to win back the trust of the people and would work with like-minded parties to oust the BJP. "Those who want to throw the very identity of the Congress party out of the country do not know how much people love them. "There is only one priority today and that is how to make Congress party stronger. Congress is not just a party, but an idea several years ahead of its time," Gandhi said. She also urged the partymen to extend all support to the new party chief and her son Rahul Gandhi who had taken over the reigns in "such difficult times".

Modi's slogans on corruption, development all 'dramebaazi' to grab power: Sonia Gandhi

<p>Expressing hope that the &#39;rashtravadi&#39; (nationalist) and Hindutva forces will stay together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exuded confidence that Shiv Sena won&#39;t support the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">no-confidence motion</a> against the NDA government..</p>

<p>The statement came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha today, following TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu&#39;s announcement that his party was exiting the National Democratic Alliance.</p>

<p>&quot;There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. The seniors in our party (BJP&#39;s central leadership) will do that. However, I am confident that the &#39;rashtravadi&#39; and Hindutva forces will stay together,&quot; Fadnavis told reporters.</p>

<p>&quot;The Sena will remain with us.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Some Sena leaders met me this morning. They had come to seek (the BJP&#39;s) support in the Mumbai municipal corporation bypoll. We are supporting them,&quot; Fadnavis said.</p>

<p>However, he denied that he met the Sena leadership over the no-trust motion.</p>

<p>On the recent farmers&#39; long march here, Fadnavis said the manner in which the issue was highlighted made it seem that farmers were protesting over the disbursement of loan waiver amount.</p>

<p>&quot;There were barely a few farmers in the protest. Most of the participants were adivasis, against whom injustice has been meted out over the years,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>


'There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. However, I am confident that the 'rashtravadi' and Hindutva forces will stay together,' the Maharashtra Chief Minister said

Expressing hope that the 'rashtravadi' (nationalist) and Hindutva forces will stay together, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exuded confidence that Shiv Sena won't support the no-confidence motion against the NDA government.. The statement came after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha today, following TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu's announcement that his party was exiting the National Democratic Alliance. "There have been no talks with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as yet. The seniors in our party (BJP's central leadership) will do that. However, I am confident that the 'rashtravadi' and Hindutva forces will stay together," Fadnavis told reporters. "The Sena will remain with us." "Some Sena leaders met me this morning. They had come to seek (the BJP's) support in the Mumbai municipal corporation bypoll. We are supporting them," Fadnavis said. However, he denied that he met the Sena leadership over the no-trust motion. On the recent farmers' long march here, Fadnavis said the manner in which the issue was highlighted made it seem that farmers were protesting over the disbursement of loan waiver amount. "There were barely a few farmers in the protest. Most of the participants were adivasis, against whom injustice has been meted out over the years," he said.

Confident that Shiv Sena won't support TDP's no-trust motion: Fadnavis

<p>Prime Minister Narendra paid homage to Stephen Hawking on Friday while delivering inaugural address at&nbsp;105 the session of Indian Science Congress organised at Manipur University in Imphal, Manipur.</p>

<p>He said that &quot;Hawking was a friend of India and will be remembered as one of world&#39;s greatest motivators.&quot;</p>

<p>During the address, he also spoke about various scientific achievements of India that he said should be communicated to society as it will inculcate scientific&nbsp;temper among youth.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;&quot;we have to throw open our institutions &amp; laboratories to our children. I call upon scientists to develop a mechanism for interaction with school-children.&quot;</p>

<p>Modi also said, &quot;We are committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix above 40% by 2030. India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&amp;D for clean energy.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The time is ripe to redefine &lsquo;R&amp;D&rsquo; as &lsquo;Research&rsquo; for the &lsquo;Development&rsquo; of the nation. Science is after all, but a means to a far greater end; of making a difference in the lives of others, of furthering human progress and welfare.&quot;</p>

<p>He also added, &quot;Our Government has already given the go-ahead to establish 3rd LIGO detector in the country. It will expand our knowledge in basic sciences in the areas of lasers, light waves &amp; computing. I am told that our scientists are tirelessly working towards making this a reality.&quot;</p>

<p>Modi further said &quot;we have set a target of 100 GW of installed solar power by 2022. Efficiency of solar modules currently available in the market is around 17%-18%. Can our scientists take a challenge to come up with a more efficient solar module, which can be produced in India at the same cost.&quot;</p>

<p>He also spoke about the &#39;Prime Minister&#39;s Research Fellows&#39; scheme.</p>

<p>&quot;Under this, bright minds from the best Institutions in the country, like IISc,IIT,NIT, IISER &amp; IIIT will be offered direct admission in Ph.D in IIT &amp; IISc. This will help address brain-drain from our country.&quot;</p>

<p>Modi is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone of several development projects like National Sports University and 1000 Anganwadi Centres, 19 residential complexes for teachers, doctors and nurses.</p>

<p>He will also inaugurate the Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex, Rani Gaidinliu Park, and other development projects, where he is also addressing a gathering.</p>

<p>According to report 5000 delegations including&nbsp;Noble laureates, scientists, scholars and researchers from all across the country have taken part in Indian Science Congress.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


He said that 'Hawking was a friend of India and will be remembered as one of world's greatest motivators'

Prime Minister Narendra paid homage to Stephen Hawking on Friday while delivering inaugural address at 105 the session of Indian Science Congress organised at Manipur University in Imphal, Manipur. He said that "Hawking was a friend of India and will be remembered as one of world's greatest motivators." During the address, he also spoke about various scientific achievements of India that he said should be communicated to society as it will inculcate scientific temper among youth. He said, "we have to throw open our institutions & laboratories to our children. I call upon scientists to develop a mechanism for interaction with school-children." Modi also said, "We are committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix above 40% by 2030. India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&D for clean energy." "The time is ripe to redefine ‘R&D’ as ‘Research’ for the ‘Development’ of the nation. Science is after all, but a means to a far greater end; of making a difference in the lives of others, of furthering human progress and welfare." He also added, "Our Government has already given the go-ahead to establish 3rd LIGO detector in the country. It will expand our knowledge in basic sciences in the areas of lasers, light waves & computing. I am told that our scientists are tirelessly working towards making this a reality." Modi further said "we have set a target of 100 GW of installed solar power by 2022. Efficiency of solar modules currently available in the market is around 17%-18%. Can our scientists take a challenge to come up with a more efficient solar module, which can be produced in India at the same cost." He also spoke about the 'Prime Minister's Research Fellows' scheme. "Under this, bright minds from the best Institutions in the country, like IISc,IIT,NIT, IISER & IIIT will be offered direct admission in Ph.D in IIT & IISc. This will help address brain-drain from our country." Modi is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone of several development projects like National Sports University and 1000 Anganwadi Centres, 19 residential complexes for teachers, doctors and nurses. He will also inaugurate the Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex, Rani Gaidinliu Park, and other development projects, where he is also addressing a gathering. According to report 5000 delegations including Noble laureates, scientists, scholars and researchers from all across the country have taken part in Indian Science Congress.

Manipur: Narendra Modi address Indian Science Congress, pays home to Stephen Hawking

<p><br />
Continuing his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President on&nbsp;Friday fired another salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi Ji, those were some fancy power point slides. A quick word of advice:<br />
<br />
You&#39;re right about Rising India. One small issue - it&rsquo;s rising against you. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/News18RisingIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#News18RisingIndia</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/974679122394755072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-dassault-called-governments-lie-says-rahul-gandhi-36071">Targeting Modi&#39;s </a>power point presentation at an event on Friday evening, Rahul Gandhi tweeted &#39;&#39;Modi Ji, those were some fancy powerpoint slides. A quick word of advice: You&#39;re right about Rising India. One small issue - it&rsquo;s rising against you.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day in a tweet, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP government at the Cetnre of using the CBI to target key opposition leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;The BJP Govt uses the CBI to target key opposition politicians to intimidate and harass them. Now, a news report reveals how the CBI was pressured to file a case against @laluprasadrjd, ignoring the advice of its own legal team. Who will Modi ji target next?&#39;&#39; tweeted Rahul Gandhi with the&nbsp;<a data-query-source="hashtag_click" data-scribe="element:hashtag" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VendettaPolitics?src=hash" rel="tag">#VendettaPolitics</a> .</p>

<p>Gandhi also earlier in the day targeted Modi government for paying Rs 1100 crore extra per Rafale jet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing Rafale manufacturer Dassault&#39;s 2016 annual report, Gandhi said that the Narendra Modi government is purchasing per Rafale jet at the rate of Rs. 1670 crore while the Congress-led Manmohan Singh (MMS) government had finalised the deal at the rate of Rs. 570 crore per Rafale jet.</p>

<p>Gandhi said that Rafael manufacturer Dassault has busted lie of Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) by releasing prices paid per Rafale plane in its 2016 annual report.</p>

<p>&quot;Dassault called RM&#39;s lie and released prices paid per RAFALE plane in report: Qatar = 1319 Cr, MODI = 1670 Cr, MMS = 570 Cr. 1100 Cr per plane or 36,000 Cr i.e 10 % of our Defence budget, in the pocket. Meanwhile, our Army begs our Govt. for money,&quot; Gandhi tweeted.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Gandhi also earlier in the day targeted Modi government for paying Rs 1100 crore extra per Rafale jet.

Continuing his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President on Friday fired another salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi Ji, those were some fancy power point slides. A quick word of advice: You're right about Rising India. One small issue - it’s rising against you. #News18RisingIndia — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 16, 2018 × Targeting Modi's power point presentation at an event on Friday evening, Rahul Gandhi tweeted ''Modi Ji, those were some fancy powerpoint slides. A quick word of advice: You're right about Rising India. One small issue - it’s rising against you.'' Earlier in the day in a tweet, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP government at the Cetnre of using the CBI to target key opposition leaders. ''The BJP Govt uses the CBI to target key opposition politicians to intimidate and harass them. Now, a news report reveals how the CBI was pressured to file a case against @laluprasadrjd, ignoring the advice of its own legal team. Who will Modi ji target next?'' tweeted Rahul Gandhi with the #VendettaPolitics . Gandhi also earlier in the day targeted Modi government for paying Rs 1100 crore extra per Rafale jet. Citing Rafale manufacturer Dassault's 2016 annual report, Gandhi said that the Narendra Modi government is purchasing per Rafale jet at the rate of Rs. 1670 crore while the Congress-led Manmohan Singh (MMS) government had finalised the deal at the rate of Rs. 570 crore per Rafale jet. Gandhi said that Rafael manufacturer Dassault has busted lie of Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) by releasing prices paid per Rafale plane in its 2016 annual report. "Dassault called RM's lie and released prices paid per RAFALE plane in report: Qatar = 1319 Cr, MODI = 1670 Cr, MMS = 570 Cr. 1100 Cr per plane or 36,000 Cr i.e 10 % of our Defence budget, in the pocket. Meanwhile, our Army begs our Govt. for money," Gandhi tweeted.

You're right about 'rising India'. It's rising against you: Rahul mocks Modi

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