Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in poll-bound Tripura to address two rallies at Santirbazar and Agartala on the penultimate day of campaigning for the February 18 Assembly elections.

Addressing a gathering at Santirbazar in Tripura, the Prime Minister said, &quot;Communist Party does not believe in &#39;gantantra&#39; they believe in violence and &#39;gun-tantra&#39;. Left party in Tripura does not believe in democracy. What they believe in is violence.&quot;

&quot;People of Tripura have suffered for 25 years due to the misrule of Left party. I urge people of the state to remove them from power,&quot; Modi said during the rally.&nbsp;

&quot;What is the reason that Left government in Tripura is neither ensuring the minimum wages and nor implementing the recommendations of seventh pay commission,&quot; Modi asked.&nbsp;

Dismissing Congress in the election Modi told paid that Congress and Left parties are the two faces of the same coin. &quot;They are only a vote katau party. What is this that they are friends in Delhi but faking a combat in Tripura,&quot; Modi said.&nbsp;

Bringing up the alleged killings of BJP workers, Modi said, &quot;Left leaders are under a lot of pressure sensing defeat. They have only enjoyed the perks of power for 20 years, now it is time to give answers.&nbsp;

Dismissing Congress in the election Modi told paid that Congress and Left parties are the two faces of the same coin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in poll-bound Tripura to address two rallies at Santirbazar and Agartala on the penultimate day of campaigning for the February 18 Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering at Santirbazar in Tripura, the Prime Minister said, "Communist Party does not believe in 'gantantra' they believe in violence and 'gun-tantra'. Left party in Tripura does not believe in democracy. What they believe in is violence." "People of Tripura have suffered for 25 years due to the misrule of Left party. I urge people of the state to remove them from power," Modi said during the rally. "What is the reason that Left government in Tripura is neither ensuring the minimum wages and nor implementing the recommendations of seventh pay commission," Modi asked. Dismissing Congress in the election Modi told paid that Congress and Left parties are the two faces of the same coin. "They are only a vote katau party. What is this that they are friends in Delhi but faking a combat in Tripura," Modi said. Bringing up the alleged killings of BJP workers, Modi said, "Left leaders are under a lot of pressure sensing defeat. They have only enjoyed the perks of power for 20 years, now it is time to give answers.

Left govt believes in 'gun-tantra': PM Modi in Tripura

China today voiced its &quot;firm opposition&quot; to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Arunachal Pradesh which it claims as part of South Tibet and said it would lodge a diplomatic protest with India.

&quot;China&#39;s position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut,&quot; said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang in response to reports that Modi visited Arunachal Pradesh today.

&quot;The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader&#39;s visit to the disputed area,&quot; Geng was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

&quot;We will lodge stern representations with the Indian side,&quot; he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader&#39;s visit to the disputed area,&#39; a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the disputed area,' a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Geng said that China and India had reached important consensus on properly managing disputes, and the two sides were working to resolve the territorial disputes through negotiation and consultation.

&quot;The Chinese side urges the Indian side to honour its commitment and abide by the relevant consensus, and refrain from taking any action that may complicate the boundary question,&quot; Geng said.

&quot;(These three areas) located between the illegal &#39;McMahon Line&#39; and the traditional customary boundary between China and India, have always been Chinese territory,&quot; he said in the Xinhua report, adding that the &#39;McMahon Line&#39; drawn by Britain in 1914 was an attempt to incorporate the areas into Indian territory.

He urged India to cherish the hard-won momentum of improvements in bilateral relations and create enabling conditions for the boundary talks and the development of bilateral relations.

China routinely protests visits by Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh and reiterates its claims over the state.

The India-China border dispute stretches across 3,488 kms. Both sides have held 20 rounds of talks so far through their Special Representatives to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

China said it would lodge a diplomatic protest with India

China today voiced its "firm opposition" to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Arunachal Pradesh which it claims as part of South Tibet and said it would lodge a diplomatic protest with India. "China's position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang in response to reports that Modi visited Arunachal Pradesh today. "The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the disputed area," Geng was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency. "We will lodge stern representations with the Indian side," he said. The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the disputed area,' a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said × Geng said that China and India had reached important consensus on properly managing disputes, and the two sides were working to resolve the territorial disputes through negotiation and consultation. "The Chinese side urges the Indian side to honour its commitment and abide by the relevant consensus, and refrain from taking any action that may complicate the boundary question," Geng said. "(These three areas) located between the illegal 'McMahon Line' and the traditional customary boundary between China and India, have always been Chinese territory," he said in the Xinhua report, adding that the 'McMahon Line' drawn by Britain in 1914 was an attempt to incorporate the areas into Indian territory. He urged India to cherish the hard-won momentum of improvements in bilateral relations and create enabling conditions for the boundary talks and the development of bilateral relations. China routinely protests visits by Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh and reiterates its claims over the state. The India-China border dispute stretches across 3,488 kms. Both sides have held 20 rounds of talks so far through their Special Representatives to resolve the issue.

China protests Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh

Iranian President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hasan-rouhani-irans-diplomatic-sheikh-32962">Hasan Rouhani</a> begins his three-day visit to India from today. He will arrive at Hyderabad&#39;s Begumpet airport on Thursday evening and during his visit, the two countries will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-rouhani-3rd-iran-leader-to-visit-india-in-15-years-8357">Rouhani&#39;s visit</a>, his first after becoming Iran&#39;s President in 2013, is significant in many ways.

Rouhani is persona non grata in some countries such as the United States and Israel, which views a nuclear Iran as an existential threat. US President Donald Trump has already threatened to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and impose more sanctions against Tehran.

In such a scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi - who has invested a great deal of time and energy to strengthen ties with both the US and Israel - has signalled his intent to engage Iran. In doing so, Modi has showcased Indian foreign policy&#39;s dexterity, maturity and nimbleness.

The visit assumes significance in a regional context too.

Israel and Iran have been, and are, at loggerheads. Their proxy war manifested itself most recently in Syria, after Israel shot down an alleged Iranian drone that entered Israeli airspace and Syrian forces retaliated by bringing down an Israeli military aircraft.

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria enjoys the support of Iran and Russia. But, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran, coupled with its influence in Lebanon and Syria, poses an existential threat to the state of Israel.

The messaging is clear: India will independently pursue ties with most countries of consequence in the Arab world and the Persian Gulf.

In recent months, India has straddled competing narratives or interests in West Asia with finesse, be it the Israel-Palestine conundrum, or the Saudi Arabia-Iran rivalry for regional supremacy.

If Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in July last year, he also made it a point to visit Palestine on his most recent West Asia swing.

He visited the Sunni Saudi Arabia and the Shi&#39;ite Iran in 2016, and travelled to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar too. He has also hosted a number of West Asian leaders in New Delhi. Later this month, King Abdullah of Jordan is expected to visit India.

Rouhani will land at the Begumpet Airport around 4pm on Thursday where Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh will welcome him.

During his two-day visit to the city, the Iranian president will be accompanied by 21 delegates.

Rouhani will address a congregation at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad after offering Friday prayers, sources said, adding that religious scholars from different schools of thought will also participate in the session. He will also interact with the Iranians settled in Hyderabad.

Rouhani is scheduled to visit the Salar Jung Museum on Friday.

This is the second time Rouhani will be visiting Hyderabad, but it is his first visit after assuming charge as the president. He will leave for New Delhi tomorrow.

The messaging is clear: India will independently pursue ties with most countries of consequence in the Arab world and the Persian Gulf.

Iranian President Hasan Rouhani begins his three-day visit to India from today. He will arrive at Hyderabad's Begumpet airport on Thursday evening and during his visit, the two countries will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. Rouhani's visit, his first after becoming Iran's President in 2013, is significant in many ways. Rouhani is persona non grata in some countries such as the United States and Israel, which views a nuclear Iran as an existential threat. US President Donald Trump has already threatened to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and impose more sanctions against Tehran. In such a scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi - who has invested a great deal of time and energy to strengthen ties with both the US and Israel - has signalled his intent to engage Iran. In doing so, Modi has showcased Indian foreign policy's dexterity, maturity and nimbleness. The visit assumes significance in a regional context too. Israel and Iran have been, and are, at loggerheads. Their proxy war manifested itself most recently in Syria, after Israel shot down an alleged Iranian drone that entered Israeli airspace and Syrian forces retaliated by bringing down an Israeli military aircraft. President Bashar al-Assad of Syria enjoys the support of Iran and Russia. But, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran, coupled with its influence in Lebanon and Syria, poses an existential threat to the state of Israel. The messaging is clear: India will independently pursue ties with most countries of consequence in the Arab world and the Persian Gulf. In recent months, India has straddled competing narratives or interests in West Asia with finesse, be it the Israel-Palestine conundrum, or the Saudi Arabia-Iran rivalry for regional supremacy. If Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in July last year, he also made it a point to visit Palestine on his most recent West Asia swing. He visited the Sunni Saudi Arabia and the Shi'ite Iran in 2016, and travelled to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar too. He has also hosted a number of West Asian leaders in New Delhi. Later this month, King Abdullah of Jordan is expected to visit India. Rouhani will land at the Begumpet Airport around 4pm on Thursday where Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh will welcome him. During his two-day visit to the city, the Iranian president will be accompanied by 21 delegates. Rouhani will address a congregation at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad after offering Friday prayers, sources said, adding that religious scholars from different schools of thought will also participate in the session. He will also interact with the Iranians settled in Hyderabad. Rouhani is scheduled to visit the Salar Jung Museum on Friday. This is the second time Rouhani will be visiting Hyderabad, but it is his first visit after assuming charge as the president. He will leave for New Delhi tomorrow.

Why Iranian President Hasan Rouhani's visit to India is significant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address various rallies in Tripura ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

Other senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will also be campaigning for the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister Modi will address rallies in Santirbazar of South Tripura and Agartala of West Tripura districts.

He will visit Arunachal Pradesh and will inaugurate the Dorjee Khandu state convention center at a function in Itanagar.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate the state civil secretariat building to the nation and will lay the foundation stone of the academic block of the Tomo Riba institute of health and medical science.&nbsp;

Ahead of the assembly elections in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address rallies in Santirbazar of South Tripura and Agartala of West Tripura districts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address various rallies in Tripura ahead of the assembly elections in the state. Other senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will also be campaigning for the upcoming polls. Prime Minister Modi will address rallies in Santirbazar of South Tripura and Agartala of West Tripura districts. He will visit Arunachal Pradesh and will inaugurate the Dorjee Khandu state convention center at a function in Itanagar. The Prime Minister will also dedicate the state civil secretariat building to the nation and will lay the foundation stone of the academic block of the Tomo Riba institute of health and medical science.

PM Modi to visit Tripura, Arunachal

Wionews.com had reported Monday how Rahul Gandhi, as Congress President, would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-unlikely-to-continue-with-position-of-political-secretary-in-congress-32637" target="_blank">run a more centralised office</a> than his mother and predecessor Sonia Gandhi. Sources had told wionews.com that Rahul would discontinue the office of a Congress political secretary.

The sources said Rahul&#39;s office has been modelled on the &quot;hub-and-spoke&quot;&nbsp;model, under which small &quot;hubs&quot; report directly to the central hub rather than to senior functionaries, who would then report to the Congress President.

This hub and spoke model, wionews.com&nbsp;reported, would keep decision-making in Rahul&#39;s purview.

Wionews.com added that strict instructions had been issued to the people working in Rahul&#39;s office to not give interviews to the media.&nbsp;

Modi of course has not addressed a press conference in the close to four years that he has been in power, and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/world-exclusive-sudhir-chaudhary-interviews-indian-pm-narendra-modi-7884" target="_blank">has given very few interviews</a>. The prime minister prefers to talk to the people of India via his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address and social media.&nbsp;

Interestingly, when Modi first came to power, news reports had talked of how all power was being centralised in the Prime Minister&#39;s Office. Some reports went so far as to say the centralisation of power was slowing down decision-making -- since all decisions were made in the PMO -- under Modi.&nbsp;

Rahul -- who visited a large number of temples during the Gujarat elections and continues to do while campaigning in Karnataka -- has already been accused of practising a &quot;soft&quot; Hindutva. In Gujarat, for example, while he tried to cobble together a disparate group&nbsp;-- the Patels, the Dalits -- under his umbrella, he said nothing of the Muslims.&nbsp;

The Congress reply to the charge was that it did not wish to polarise the Hindu vote bank (against it) before the election.&nbsp;

Rahul finally broke his silence on his temple visits on Monday. &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-defends-temple-run-says-he-will-continue-it-32644" target="_blank">I like going to temples</a>, wherever I get a religious&nbsp;place I go there. I feel good and feel happy, and I will&nbsp;continue (to go),&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Rahul of course is allowed to visit whichever temple he might wish to (with or without a tilak; see photo above) but the embrace of places of worship and soldiers tends to be the forte of right-wing governments.&nbsp;

Even with soldiers, Rahul has begun to hit strident notes.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said Pakistan &quot;will pay&quot; for the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu -- in which five soldiers and the father of a soldier were killed -- Rahul tweeted:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
1. PDP says &ldquo;talks&rdquo; with Pakistan. 
 
2. BJP Defence Minister says &quot;Pakistan will pay the price&quot;. 
 
While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP&rsquo;s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers.
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/963365828681924608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 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>

Again on Tuesday, he took a Modi barb aimed at the Nehru-Gandhi family and tried to turn it against the prime minister himself. Modi had recently said in Parliament that nothing had been done in the country for 70 years (the majority of which had seen Congress governments in power).&nbsp;

While campaigning in Karnataka, Rahul said:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
When Modi Ji says that nothing was done in this country for last 70 years, he is disrespecting your parents, ancestors and the farmers. A country is not run by a single person: Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Bidar, Karnataka <a href="https://t.co/JBYRhtX11x">pic.twitter.com/JBYRhtX11x</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963376056374841344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 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>

The spin by Rahul was reminiscent of the prime minister&#39;s own spinning of Mani Shankar&#39;s Aiyar&#39;s comment about him.

Aiyar had called Modi a &quot;neech&quot; person. Modi took the comment to the voters of Gujarat, saying Aiyar had called him a low-caste, and that he had insulted not only him but also the people of Gujarat.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Sources say Rahul, as Congress President, will run a 'centralised' office, like Modi does. Instructions have also been given to the people working for Rahul to not talk to the media

Wionews.com had reported Monday how Rahul Gandhi, as Congress President, would run a more centralised office than his mother and predecessor Sonia Gandhi. Sources had told wionews.com that Rahul would discontinue the office of a Congress political secretary. The sources said Rahul's office has been modelled on the "hub-and-spoke" model, under which small "hubs" report directly to the central hub rather than to senior functionaries, who would then report to the Congress President. This hub and spoke model, wionews.com reported, would keep decision-making in Rahul's purview. Wionews.com added that strict instructions had been issued to the people working in Rahul's office to not give interviews to the media. Modi of course has not addressed a press conference in the close to four years that he has been in power, and has given very few interviews. The prime minister prefers to talk to the people of India via his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address and social media. Interestingly, when Modi first came to power, news reports had talked of how all power was being centralised in the Prime Minister's Office. Some reports went so far as to say the centralisation of power was slowing down decision-making -- since all decisions were made in the PMO -- under Modi. Rahul -- who visited a large number of temples during the Gujarat elections and continues to do while campaigning in Karnataka -- has already been accused of practising a "soft" Hindutva. In Gujarat, for example, while he tried to cobble together a disparate group -- the Patels, the Dalits -- under his umbrella, he said nothing of the Muslims. The Congress reply to the charge was that it did not wish to polarise the Hindu vote bank (against it) before the election. Rahul finally broke his silence on his temple visits on Monday. "I like going to temples, wherever I get a religious place I go there. I feel good and feel happy, and I will continue (to go)," he said. Rahul of course is allowed to visit whichever temple he might wish to (with or without a tilak; see photo above) but the embrace of places of worship and soldiers tends to be the forte of right-wing governments. Even with soldiers, Rahul has begun to hit strident notes. On Tuesday, after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said Pakistan "will pay" for the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu -- in which five soldiers and the father of a soldier were killed -- Rahul tweeted: 1. PDP says “talks” with Pakistan. 2. BJP Defence Minister says "Pakistan will pay the price". While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP’s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 13, 2018 × Again on Tuesday, he took a Modi barb aimed at the Nehru-Gandhi family and tried to turn it against the prime minister himself. Modi had recently said in Parliament that nothing had been done in the country for 70 years (the majority of which had seen Congress governments in power). While campaigning in Karnataka, Rahul said: When Modi Ji says that nothing was done in this country for last 70 years, he is disrespecting your parents, ancestors and the farmers. A country is not run by a single person: Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Bidar, Karnataka pic.twitter.com/JBYRhtX11x — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2018 × The spin by Rahul was reminiscent of the prime minister's own spinning of Mani Shankar's Aiyar's comment about him. Aiyar had called Modi a "neech" person. Modi took the comment to the voters of Gujarat, saying Aiyar had called him a low-caste, and that he had insulted not only him but also the people of Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi seems to be copying from Modi's playbook. Here's how

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/73-of-wealth-in-india-rests-with-richest-1-oxfam-report-30281">Richest 1% own 73% of India&#39;s wealth: Report</a>

According to an international study published by the Oxfam group, close to 73% of India&#39;s wealth was cornered by India&#39;s richest 1%.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cji-led-bench-of-supreme-court-to-hear-justice-loya-death-case-today-30275">CJI-led bench of Supreme Court to hear Justice Loya death case today</a>

The Supreme Court will today hear pleas filed by three petitioners seeking probe by a Special Investigation Tribunal (SIT) into the alleged mysterious death of CBI judge Justice BH Loya in 2014.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-davos-today-for-world-economic-forum-30284">PM Modi to leave for Davos today for World Economic Forum</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today leave for Davos, Switzerland for the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-troops-tanks-enter-syria-to-fight-kurdish-militia-30274">Turkish troops, tanks enter Syria to fight Kurdish militia</a>

Turkish troops and tanks entered Syria on Sunday to push an offensive against Kurdish militia as rockets hit border towns in apparent retaliation and the United States urged Ankara to show restraint.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-postpones-vote-on-ending-shutdown-to-noon-monday-30288">US Senate postpones vote on ending shutdown to noon Monday</a>

The US Senate adjourned late Sunday without reaching a deal on re-opening government, as the Republican leadership postponed a vote on ending the shutdown until noon on Monday.

Richest 1% own 73% of India's wealth: Report According to an international study published by the Oxfam group, close to 73% of India's wealth was cornered by India's richest 1%. CJI-led bench of Supreme Court to hear Justice Loya death case today The Supreme Court will today hear pleas filed by three petitioners seeking probe by a Special Investigation Tribunal (SIT) into the alleged mysterious death of CBI judge Justice BH Loya in 2014. PM Modi to leave for Davos today for World Economic Forum Prime Minister Narendra Modi today leave for Davos, Switzerland for the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. Turkish troops, tanks enter Syria to fight Kurdish militia Turkish troops and tanks entered Syria on Sunday to push an offensive against Kurdish militia as rockets hit border towns in apparent retaliation and the United States urged Ankara to show restraint. US Senate postpones vote on ending shutdown to noon Monday The US Senate adjourned late Sunday without reaching a deal on re-opening government, as the Republican leadership postponed a vote on ending the shutdown until noon on Monday.

WION Morning News Brief, January 22, 2018

A day before his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that he was looking forward to sharing the vision for India&#39;s future engagement with the international community at Davos.

Modi took to Twitter to drive home the point that India&#39;s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-economic-forum-preps-for-modi-mantra-with-tastes-of-india-twists-of-yoga-30218">World Economic Forum: With desi food, yoga India gears up for Modi Mantra at Davos</a>

&#39;&#39;In recent years, India&rsquo;s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres, Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;The existing and emerging challenges to the contemporary international system and global governance architecture deserve serious attention of leaders, governments, policy makers, corporates and civil societies around the world. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness,&#39;&#39; the Prime Minister said in another tweet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wefdavos-modi-to-address-opening-plenary-trump-on-final-day-29950">WEF@Davos: Modi to address opening plenary; Trump on final day</a>

stating that the theme of the forum, &ldquo;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&rdquo; is both thoughtful and apt, Modi tweeted that he was looking forward to his first visit to the World Economic Forum at Davos, at the invitation of &#39;&#39;India&rsquo;s good friend and Founder of the WEF, Prof Klaus Schwab&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India&rsquo;s future engagement with the international community. <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955062486939549698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 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>

Modi also expressed confidence that his bilateral meeting with other world leaders will be fruitful and help boost relationships.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;I am confident that these bilateral meetings would be fruitful and give a boost to our relations with these countries and further strengthen economic engagement. #IndiaMeansBusiness,&#39;&#39; he said in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In recent years, India&rsquo;s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres. <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955062305678491648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 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>

The PM stated that he was looking forward to his separate bilateral meetings with the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset and Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven.&nbsp;

Modi took to Twitter to drive home the point that India's engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional.

A day before his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that he was looking forward to sharing the vision for India's future engagement with the international community at Davos. Modi took to Twitter to drive home the point that India's engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional. Also read: World Economic Forum: With desi food, yoga India gears up for Modi Mantra at Davos ''In recent years, India’s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres, Modi tweeted. ''The existing and emerging challenges to the contemporary international system and global governance architecture deserve serious attention of leaders, governments, policy makers, corporates and civil societies around the world. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness,'' the Prime Minister said in another tweet. Also read: WEF@Davos: Modi to address opening plenary; Trump on final day stating that the theme of the forum, “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World” is both thoughtful and apt, Modi tweeted that he was looking forward to his first visit to the World Economic Forum at Davos, at the invitation of ''India’s good friend and Founder of the WEF, Prof Klaus Schwab''. At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India’s future engagement with the international community. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × Modi also expressed confidence that his bilateral meeting with other world leaders will be fruitful and help boost relationships. ''I am confident that these bilateral meetings would be fruitful and give a boost to our relations with these countries and further strengthen economic engagement. #IndiaMeansBusiness,'' he said in another tweet. In recent years, India’s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × The PM stated that he was looking forward to his separate bilateral meetings with the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset and Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven.

WEF 2018: Modi to focus on India's future engagement with international community

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hosts-ceo-roundtable-meeting-at-davos-says-india-means-business-30413">PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says &#39;India means business&#39;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-votes-to-end-us-shutdown-trump-claims-victory-30415" target="_blank">Congress votes to end US shutdown, Trump claims victory</a>

Congress put the US government back in business Monday by voting to end a three-day shutdown, as President Donald Trump claimed victory in his standoff with Democrats in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shah-rukh-khan-at-davos-receives-an-award-spoke-against-sexism-30406">We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos</a>

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attended a celebrity event before the official start of the World Economic Forum&#39;s annual event at Davos on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 52-year-old actor spoke against discrimination against women and sexism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-metoo-us-supreme-court-justice-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-30414">#MeToo: US Supreme Court Justice says she was sexually harassed</a>

The US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shocked the world by sharing her own sexual harassment story at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-is-threat-to-democracy-facebook-30427">Social media a threat to democracy: Facebook</a>

Facebook&#39;s civic engagement chief Samidh Chakrabarti recently identified social media as a &#39;potential threat&#39;. In a blog post, Chakrabarti noted that he was &quot;not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well-functioning democracy.&quot;

PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says 'India means business' Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses. Congress votes to end US shutdown, Trump claims victory Congress put the US government back in business Monday by voting to end a three-day shutdown, as President Donald Trump claimed victory in his standoff with Democrats in Washington. We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attended a celebrity event before the official start of the World Economic Forum's annual event at Davos on Tuesday. The 52-year-old actor spoke against discrimination against women and sexism. #MeToo: US Supreme Court Justice says she was sexually harassed The US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shocked the world by sharing her own sexual harassment story at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend. Social media a threat to democracy: Facebook Facebook's civic engagement chief Samidh Chakrabarti recently identified social media as a 'potential threat'. In a blog post, Chakrabarti noted that he was "not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well-functioning democracy."

WION Morning News Brief, January 23, 2018

On the day miscreants protesting the release of &#39;Padmaavat&#39;&nbsp;targeted a school&nbsp;bus in Gurugram, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express his anguish and blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for the ongoing violence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Congress president stated that violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP&#39;s use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire, he tweeted.

&#39;&#39;There will never be a cause big enough to justify violence against children. Violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP&#39;s use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire,&#39;&#39; Rahul Gandhi said in the tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There will never be a cause big enough to justify violence against children. Violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP&#39;s use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire.
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/956216093940461570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 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>

Around 20-25 students of a leading Gurugram school had a narrow escape when a frenzied mob attacked their bus.

The G D Goenka World School students were on their way home when a group of around 60 protesters attacked the bus with bamboo sticks asking the driver to stop the vehicle.

When the driver did not comply, the miscreants pelted the vehicle with stones.&nbsp;

The school bus staffer asked the kids to take cover under seats and directed the driver to not stop it, Ravinder Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police said.

&ldquo;Some of the bus windowpanes were broken and terrified kids cried for help. Fortunately, none of the children was hurt in the attack,&rdquo; Kumar said.

The attackers also torched a bus in Sohna. They also pelted stones on a fire tender and forced it back when it came to douse the fire, officials said.

Despite prohibitory orders in Gurugram, hundreds of Shree Rajput Karni Sena supporters also protested at Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway.

Around 20-25 students of a leading Gurugram school had a narrow escape when a frenzied anti-Padmaavat mob attacked their bus

On the day miscreants protesting the release of 'Padmaavat' targeted a school bus in Gurugram, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to express his anguish and blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for the ongoing violence. The Congress president stated that violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP's use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire, he tweeted. ''There will never be a cause big enough to justify violence against children. Violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP's use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire,'' Rahul Gandhi said in the tweet. There will never be a cause big enough to justify violence against children. Violence and hatred are the weapons of the weak. The BJP's use of hatred and violence is setting our entire country on fire. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 24, 2018 × Around 20-25 students of a leading Gurugram school had a narrow escape when a frenzied mob attacked their bus. The G D Goenka World School students were on their way home when a group of around 60 protesters attacked the bus with bamboo sticks asking the driver to stop the vehicle. When the driver did not comply, the miscreants pelted the vehicle with stones. The school bus staffer asked the kids to take cover under seats and directed the driver to not stop it, Ravinder Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police said. “Some of the bus windowpanes were broken and terrified kids cried for help. Fortunately, none of the children was hurt in the attack,” Kumar said. The attackers also torched a bus in Sohna. They also pelted stones on a fire tender and forced it back when it came to douse the fire, officials said. Despite prohibitory orders in Gurugram, hundreds of Shree Rajput Karni Sena supporters also protested at Kherki Daula toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway.

No 'cause big enough to justify violence against children', says Rahul after attack on Gurgaon school bus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from Davos early morning Wednesday, will hold nine bilateral meetings with leaders of Southeast Asian countries on the sidelines of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heads-of-asean-countries-to-participate-two-day-summit-in-delhi-30489"> India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit </a>with a focus on key areas of counter-terrorism, security and connectivity.

In an unprecedented event, all the ASEAN leaders will also be the chief guests at the Republic Day parade.

Modi will hold parleys with Vietnam prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, president of Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Myanmar&#39;s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow itself after their arrival here for the summit on January 25.

The prime minister will hold bilateral talks with the leaders of Thailand, Singapore and Brunei on Thursday, ahead of the summit.

Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia on Friday.

The highest-level of participation at the summit, to mark the 25 years of Indo-ASEAN ties, comes in the backdrop of increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region.

Some experts feel that the meet can be an opportunity for India to present itself as a powerful ally to these countries in the strategic areas of trade and connectivity.

There will be a leaders&#39; retreat during which the leaders will have a &quot;free and frank&quot; discussion on January 25. The theme of the retreat session is &#39;maritime cooperation and security&#39;.

Following the retreat, a plenary session will take place on the same day.

ASEAN comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

In the run-up to the summit, various programmes in different areas ranging from culture to trade have been organised by India.

According to officials, before the summit, discussions are also being held between the working groups of India and ASEAN to step up air and maritime connectivity.&nbsp;

The discussions will focus on key areas of counter-terrorism, security and connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from Davos early morning Wednesday, will hold nine bilateral meetings with leaders of Southeast Asian countries on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit with a focus on key areas of counter-terrorism, security and connectivity. In an unprecedented event, all the ASEAN leaders will also be the chief guests at the Republic Day parade. Modi will hold parleys with Vietnam prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, president of Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow itself after their arrival here for the summit on January 25. The prime minister will hold bilateral talks with the leaders of Thailand, Singapore and Brunei on Thursday, ahead of the summit. Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia on Friday. The highest-level of participation at the summit, to mark the 25 years of Indo-ASEAN ties, comes in the backdrop of increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region. Some experts feel that the meet can be an opportunity for India to present itself as a powerful ally to these countries in the strategic areas of trade and connectivity. There will be a leaders' retreat during which the leaders will have a "free and frank" discussion on January 25. The theme of the retreat session is 'maritime cooperation and security'. Following the retreat, a plenary session will take place on the same day. ASEAN comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. In the run-up to the summit, various programmes in different areas ranging from culture to trade have been organised by India. According to officials, before the summit, discussions are also being held between the working groups of India and ASEAN to step up air and maritime connectivity.

Modi back from Davos, to hold 9 bilateral meetings on sidelines of ASEAN meet

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked him to inform the global forum that why one per cent of India`s population gets 73 per cent of its wealth.

Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister.&nbsp;

&quot;Dear PM, welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India`s population gets 73% of its wealth? I`m attaching a report for your ready reference,&quot; Rahul tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear PM, 
Welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India&rsquo;s population gets 73% of its wealth? I&rsquo;m attaching a report for your ready reference. <a href="https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE">https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/955764855289536512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 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>

With his tweet, Rahul also attached a new survey by international rights group Oxfam, which mentioned that India&#39;s richest one per cent garnered as much as 73 per cent of the total wealth generated in the country in 2017.&nbsp;

The report&#39;s findings are in line with those of similar studies including the one published by renowned economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty last July.&nbsp;

Both the reports finding said the rich have disproportionately benefited from liberalisation while others have been left struggling.

PM Modi attended the WEF in Davos and gave the opening plenary speech.&nbsp;

He is the first Prime Minister to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.

Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked him to inform the global forum that why one per cent of India`s population gets 73 per cent of its wealth. Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister. "Dear PM, welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India`s population gets 73% of its wealth? I`m attaching a report for your ready reference," Rahul tweeted. Dear PM, Welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India’s population gets 73% of its wealth? I’m attaching a report for your ready reference. https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 23, 2018 × With his tweet, Rahul also attached a new survey by international rights group Oxfam, which mentioned that India's richest one per cent garnered as much as 73 per cent of the total wealth generated in the country in 2017. The report's findings are in line with those of similar studies including the one published by renowned economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty last July. Both the reports finding said the rich have disproportionately benefited from liberalisation while others have been left struggling. PM Modi attended the WEF in Davos and gave the opening plenary speech. He is the first Prime Minister to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.

Tell Davos why 1% Indians corner 73% wealth: Rahul

The sprawling lawns outside the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal monument, will host a week-long &#39;Vedic Yagya&#39; in March to blunt &quot;conspiracies&quot; hatched by the country&#39;s &quot;inimical forces&quot;, BJP MP Maheish Girri said today.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among the political bigwigs invited to the event, Girri, who is organising the seemingly extravagant affair, involving over 1,100 priests, between March 18-25, said.

A number of Delhi-based businessmen have come forward to fund the Hindu ritual, aimed at &quot;worship of the Vedas and the nation in the same breath&quot;.

The prime minister unfurls the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 every year, a tradition started by the nation&#39;s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947.

Unveiling the blueprint of the &#39;Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya&#39; in a press conference here, Girri said &quot;soil and water&quot; from Doklam, where troops of India and China were locked in a standoff, and Poonch, located near the Line of Control (LoC), will be used in raising the structures in the event.

&quot;There are external and internal forces who are attempting to harm the country&#39;s interests. We are organising the yagya (ceremonial fire) following our ancient traditions to thwart such attempts and to take a pledge to create a &#39;New India&#39;,&quot; Girri&nbsp;said.

There will be a total of 108 ceremonial fires where oblation will be offered to the God by around 1,100 priests, Girri said, adding that &#39;ghee&#39; (clarified butter) will be sourced from people across the country through &#39;rath yatras&#39;.

&quot;We appeal to each and everyone to offer at least one spoonful of &#39;ghee&#39;,&quot; he said.

A temporary Vedic village will be set up in the area, where the annual Ram Lila is held every year, for this purpose.

&quot;Noted singers Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher will perform at the event and are also coming up with a theme song. It will be attended by prominent political leaders, religious gurus, bureaucrats, Bollywood celebrities and corporate honchos,&quot; the East Delhi MP said, refusing to divulge the names of those who have confirmed their participation.

&quot;Eight vows, to rid the nation of vices like casteism, communalism, among others, will also be taken by the participants,&quot; he said.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among the political bigwigs invited to the event

The sprawling lawns outside the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal monument, will host a week-long 'Vedic Yagya' in March to blunt "conspiracies" hatched by the country's "inimical forces", BJP MP Maheish Girri said today. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is among the political bigwigs invited to the event, Girri, who is organising the seemingly extravagant affair, involving over 1,100 priests, between March 18-25, said. A number of Delhi-based businessmen have come forward to fund the Hindu ritual, aimed at "worship of the Vedas and the nation in the same breath". The prime minister unfurls the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 every year, a tradition started by the nation's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. Unveiling the blueprint of the 'Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya' in a press conference here, Girri said "soil and water" from Doklam, where troops of India and China were locked in a standoff, and Poonch, located near the Line of Control (LoC), will be used in raising the structures in the event. "There are external and internal forces who are attempting to harm the country's interests. We are organising the yagya (ceremonial fire) following our ancient traditions to thwart such attempts and to take a pledge to create a 'New India'," Girri said. There will be a total of 108 ceremonial fires where oblation will be offered to the God by around 1,100 priests, Girri said, adding that 'ghee' (clarified butter) will be sourced from people across the country through 'rath yatras'. "We appeal to each and everyone to offer at least one spoonful of 'ghee'," he said. A temporary Vedic village will be set up in the area, where the annual Ram Lila is held every year, for this purpose. "Noted singers Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher will perform at the event and are also coming up with a theme song. It will be attended by prominent political leaders, religious gurus, bureaucrats, Bollywood celebrities and corporate honchos," the East Delhi MP said, refusing to divulge the names of those who have confirmed their participation. "Eight vows, to rid the nation of vices like casteism, communalism, among others, will also be taken by the participants," he said.

'Vedic yagya' outside Red Fort with soil, water from Doklam & Poonch

India celebrated its 69th Republic Day at the Rajpath on Friday with 10 ASEAN&nbsp;leaders as chief guests in attendance. With impressive march pasts and colourful tableaux to showcase the country`s military might, cultural legacy, the day&#39;s ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay homage to the fallen soldier.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0WNOxGHV0NM" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-parade-look-out-for-whats-new-30749">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-parade-look-out-for-whats-new-30749">read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-parade-look-out-for-whats-new-30749"> Republic Day parade 2018: Look out for what&#39;s new</a>

President Ram Nath Kovind took his first Republic Day salute from various wings of the Indian Army, the Air Force and the Navy on the occasion.&nbsp;

The parade was commanded by Lt. General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area. Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area was the parade second-in-command.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-celebrates-69th-republic-day-with-asean-leaders-as-chief-guest-30816">Also read: India celebrates 69th Republic Day with all 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests</a>

The marching contingents started with flag bearer contingent displaying the ASEAN&nbsp;and 10 ASEAN&nbsp;countries` flags followed by the Indian Army Band drawn from 39 Gorkha Training Centre and 1 EME Centre.

Earlier, President Kovind presented the Ashok Chakra - India`s highest peace-time gallantry award - to Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala`s widow and mother. The 31-year-old IAF commando was killed in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir last year that also led to the killing of six terrorists.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/republic-day-bsf-soldier-dara-singh-to-march-rajpath-for-record-18th-time-30814">Also read: Republic Day: BSF soldier Dara Singh to march Rajpath for record 18th time</a>

India for the first time in its history of republic hosted 10 heads of state or government of the ASEAN&nbsp;countries as guests of honour for the annual parade.

The Indian Army`s T-90 tank (Bhishma), Ballway Machine Pikate (II/IIK), Brahmos Missile System, weapon locating radar (Swathi), bridge laying tank T-72, mobile base transceiver station and Akash weapon system were the main draw in the mechanised columns.

The marching contingent of the Army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Punjab Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, the Dogra Regiment, Ladakh Scouts, the Regiment of Artillery and 123 Infantry Battalion - Territorial Army (Grenadiers) followed by the tableau of ex-Servicemen.

The marching contingent of the Navy comprised 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant Tushar Gautam.

The Indian Air Force contingent also had 144 men led by Squadron Leader Attal Singh Shekhon.&nbsp;

The paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces included the Border Security Force marching as well as Camel Contingents, Indian Coast Guard, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.

President Ram Nath Kovind took his first Republic Day salute from various wings of the Indian Army, the Air Force and the Navy on the occasion.

India celebrated its 69th Republic Day at the Rajpath on Friday with 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests in attendance. With impressive march pasts and colourful tableaux to showcase the country`s military might, cultural legacy, the day's ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay homage to the fallen soldier. × Also read: Republic Day parade 2018: Look out for what's new President Ram Nath Kovind took his first Republic Day salute from various wings of the Indian Army, the Air Force and the Navy on the occasion. The parade was commanded by Lt. General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area. Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area was the parade second-in-command. Also read: India celebrates 69th Republic Day with all 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests The marching contingents started with flag bearer contingent displaying the ASEAN and 10 ASEAN countries` flags followed by the Indian Army Band drawn from 39 Gorkha Training Centre and 1 EME Centre. Earlier, President Kovind presented the Ashok Chakra - India`s highest peace-time gallantry award - to Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala`s widow and mother. The 31-year-old IAF commando was killed in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir last year that also led to the killing of six terrorists. Also read: Republic Day: BSF soldier Dara Singh to march Rajpath for record 18th time India for the first time in its history of republic hosted 10 heads of state or government of the ASEAN countries as guests of honour for the annual parade. The Indian Army`s T-90 tank (Bhishma), Ballway Machine Pikate (II/IIK), Brahmos Missile System, weapon locating radar (Swathi), bridge laying tank T-72, mobile base transceiver station and Akash weapon system were the main draw in the mechanised columns. The marching contingent of the Army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Punjab Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, the Dogra Regiment, Ladakh Scouts, the Regiment of Artillery and 123 Infantry Battalion - Territorial Army (Grenadiers) followed by the tableau of ex-Servicemen. The marching contingent of the Navy comprised 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant Tushar Gautam. The Indian Air Force contingent also had 144 men led by Squadron Leader Attal Singh Shekhon. The paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces included the Border Security Force marching as well as Camel Contingents, Indian Coast Guard, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.

10 ASEAN chief guests in attendance, India displays military might, cultural diversity

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of&nbsp;India-ASEAN relations and its partnership.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January.

Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations.

The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot.

During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists&rsquo; Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall.

Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader.

India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of India-ASEAN relations and its partnership. Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January. Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations. The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot. During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall. Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader. India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of ASEAN countries to participate in two-day summit in Delhi

The annual congregation of world leaders in this snow-laden Swiss town concluded on Friday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge against protectionism and was joined by the likes of Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron while US President Donald Trump wrapped it up by asserting &#39;America First&#39; does not mean &#39;America alone&#39;.

Over five days, the rich and powerful of the &#39;fractured&#39; world as well as those from academia, art, culture and civil society, also flagged growing levels of gender and income inequality, as well as the financial and environmental risks.

Davos regular and IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the world should celebrate economic recovery but also repair the leaking roofs while the sun shines.

As this ski resort town saw unprecedented levels of snowfall this year, there were unusual delays in start of some programmes on the first two days besides ever increasing serpentine queues of vehicles on roads and of people outside the session halls.

Against that backdrop, French President Emmanuel Macron remarked this much snow would raise doubts among sceptics of global warming and it was good that they were not here as yet -- an apparent quip at his US counterpart who has announced that America would be leaving the Paris climate pact.

Macron&#39;s remarks came on Wednesday before Trump arrived at Davos.

And today, Trump was welcomed on stage with a traditional Swiss brass band performance, another unusual event.

In his typical style, Trump said the press always loved him as a businessman but turned &quot;nasty&quot; and &quot;fake&quot; when he joined politics and became president, eliciting quite audible hisses and boos from some people in the audience that included a large number of media persons.

Replying to the growing demand for action against what is being considered as protectionist policies in the US, Trump declared he supports free trade but it must be fair and reciprocal. He also asserted that free trade would not be possible if some countries resort to abuse of systems, taking an indirect jibe at China.

Modi -- the first Indian prime minister to come here in over two decades -- led the charge against protectionism and declared that India was an open economy and ready to host businesses from across the world and share the benefits for all with its age-old concept of &#39;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&#39; -- the world is one family.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke out against protectionist tendencies at the summit.

As the world leaders continued to voice their concerns over various ills facing the world, British Prime Minister Theresa May was somehow cynical that the big words spoken in Davos were often not matched with actions outside.

Her comments led many here to quip that Davos was like Las Vegas of the economic world -- whatever happens in Davos, remains in Davos.

The official programme began on Monday with Crystal Awards for cine star Shahrukh Khan, actor Cate Blanchett and music icon Elton John.

At the ceremony, the Bollywood star had his own &#39;fan moment&#39; when he asked Blanchett for a selfie.

A concert by the Davos Festival Chamber Coir marked the end of the five-day summit.

International Trade Union Confederation&#39;s Sharon Burrow, part of the all women co-chairs, in her closing remarks made sure to thank drivers and all the support staff for running the show successfully. She also said the theme of creating a shared future in a fractured world would not be achieved without inclusion at all levels.

Chetna Sinha from India was also a co-chair for this year&#39;s summit.

A large Indian delegation, including union ministers, attended the 48th annual meeting of the WEF.

Davos regular and IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the world should celebrate economic recovery but also repair the leaking roofs while the sun shines

The annual congregation of world leaders in this snow-laden Swiss town concluded on Friday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge against protectionism and was joined by the likes of Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron while US President Donald Trump wrapped it up by asserting 'America First' does not mean 'America alone'. Over five days, the rich and powerful of the 'fractured' world as well as those from academia, art, culture and civil society, also flagged growing levels of gender and income inequality, as well as the financial and environmental risks. Davos regular and IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the world should celebrate economic recovery but also repair the leaking roofs while the sun shines. As this ski resort town saw unprecedented levels of snowfall this year, there were unusual delays in start of some programmes on the first two days besides ever increasing serpentine queues of vehicles on roads and of people outside the session halls. Against that backdrop, French President Emmanuel Macron remarked this much snow would raise doubts among sceptics of global warming and it was good that they were not here as yet -- an apparent quip at his US counterpart who has announced that America would be leaving the Paris climate pact. Macron's remarks came on Wednesday before Trump arrived at Davos. And today, Trump was welcomed on stage with a traditional Swiss brass band performance, another unusual event. In his typical style, Trump said the press always loved him as a businessman but turned "nasty" and "fake" when he joined politics and became president, eliciting quite audible hisses and boos from some people in the audience that included a large number of media persons. Replying to the growing demand for action against what is being considered as protectionist policies in the US, Trump declared he supports free trade but it must be fair and reciprocal. He also asserted that free trade would not be possible if some countries resort to abuse of systems, taking an indirect jibe at China. Modi -- the first Indian prime minister to come here in over two decades -- led the charge against protectionism and declared that India was an open economy and ready to host businesses from across the world and share the benefits for all with its age-old concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the world is one family. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke out against protectionist tendencies at the summit. As the world leaders continued to voice their concerns over various ills facing the world, British Prime Minister Theresa May was somehow cynical that the big words spoken in Davos were often not matched with actions outside. Her comments led many here to quip that Davos was like Las Vegas of the economic world -- whatever happens in Davos, remains in Davos. The official programme began on Monday with Crystal Awards for cine star Shahrukh Khan, actor Cate Blanchett and music icon Elton John. At the ceremony, the Bollywood star had his own 'fan moment' when he asked Blanchett for a selfie. A concert by the Davos Festival Chamber Coir marked the end of the five-day summit. International Trade Union Confederation's Sharon Burrow, part of the all women co-chairs, in her closing remarks made sure to thank drivers and all the support staff for running the show successfully. She also said the theme of creating a shared future in a fractured world would not be achieved without inclusion at all levels. Chetna Sinha from India was also a co-chair for this year's summit. A large Indian delegation, including union ministers, attended the 48th annual meeting of the WEF.

World Economic Forum ends in Davos with 'repair your leaking roof, don't be selfish' message from world leader

Hitting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s &quot;hug diplomacy&quot; Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted saying that the PM calls himself ordinary but will only embrace special people.&nbsp;

He tweeted &quot; The one&nbsp;who calls himself ordinary, will only embrace the special ones&quot;

He further wrote asking the prime minister to embrace farmers, labourers and soldiers.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
खुद को बताते हैं जो बहुत &lsquo;आम&rsquo; 
&lsquo;खास&rsquo; को ही गले लगाना उनका काम 
मोदीजी, ऐसी भी क्या मजबूरी 
गले लगाने वालों में 
किसान मजदूर और जवान का होना भी है ज़रूरी<a href="https://t.co/GXAg36cOIU">https://t.co/GXAg36cOIU</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/955409039134932992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 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>

&nbsp;

Gandhi&#39;s tweet came after PM Modi said he did not have much knowledge about protocols as he was a common man.&nbsp;

Modi said that his open nature was appreciated by world leaders as well.&nbsp;

Earlier also,&nbsp;the Congress had trolled Narendra Modi for his hug diplomacy by releasing a video on social media.

He tweeted 'The one who calls himself ordinary, will only embrace the special ones'

Hitting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hug diplomacy" Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted saying that the PM calls himself ordinary but will only embrace special people. He tweeted " The one who calls himself ordinary, will only embrace the special ones" He further wrote asking the prime minister to embrace farmers, labourers and soldiers. खुद को बताते हैं जो बहुत ‘आम’ ‘खास’ को ही गले लगाना उनका काम मोदीजी, ऐसी भी क्या मजबूरी गले लगाने वालों में किसान मजदूर और जवान का होना भी है ज़रूरीhttps://t.co/GXAg36cOIU — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 22, 2018 × Gandhi's tweet came after PM Modi said he did not have much knowledge about protocols as he was a common man. Modi said that his open nature was appreciated by world leaders as well. Earlier also, the Congress had trolled Narendra Modi for his hug diplomacy by releasing a video on social media.

PM calls himself 'common man', Rahul takes a dig at Modi

In his first remarks since the rift in the judiciary broke out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government and political parties must stay away from the crisis.

Asked about the crisis in the Supreme Court, PM Modi said, &quot;I think I should stay away from this debate. The government must also stay away. The political parties must also keep out of it.&quot;

The prime minister said he was confident that the judges would sit together and find a solution to their problems.

&quot;Our country&#39;s judiciary has a very bright past, they are very capable people. They will sit together and find a solution to their problems. I have faith in our justice system, they will definitely figure out a solution,&quot; he said.

Also Read - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-may-not-be-populist-indicates-pm-modi-30292">Budget may not be populist, indicates PM Modi</a>

On January 12, in an unprecedented development, the top court&#39;s four next highest-ranking judges, Justices Kurian Joseph, Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi and Madan Lokur, had criticised the distribution of cases by the chief justice to judges and raised concerns about judicial appointments. They said all top judges should be involved in setting the procedures used to hire and promote judges in all the country&#39;s courts

The judges said the issues involving its administration were serious enough to prompt them to go public.

 
&nbsp;

The prime minister said he was confident that the judges would sit together and find a solution to their problems

In his first remarks since the rift in the judiciary broke out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government and political parties must stay away from the crisis. Asked about the crisis in the Supreme Court, PM Modi said, "I think I should stay away from this debate. The government must also stay away. The political parties must also keep out of it." The prime minister said he was confident that the judges would sit together and find a solution to their problems. "Our country's judiciary has a very bright past, they are very capable people. They will sit together and find a solution to their problems. I have faith in our justice system, they will definitely figure out a solution," he said. Also Read - Budget may not be populist, indicates PM Modi On January 12, in an unprecedented development, the top court's four next highest-ranking judges, Justices Kurian Joseph, Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi and Madan Lokur, had criticised the distribution of cases by the chief justice to judges and raised concerns about judicial appointments. They said all top judges should be involved in setting the procedures used to hire and promote judges in all the country's courts The judges said the issues involving its administration were serious enough to prompt them to go public.

Government, political parties must stay away from crisis in judiciary: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-day state visit to Palestine, Oman and the UAE on February 9, during which he will hold talks with the leadership in the countries on &quot;matters of mutual interest&quot;, the external affairs ministry announced here today.

&quot;This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, and Modi&#39;s second visit to UAE and first to Oman. During the visit, the prime minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in other events,&quot; the ministry said in a release.

During his Palestine visit, the prime minister will hold a meeting with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who had visited India last May during which Modi had reassured him of India&#39;s &quot;unwavering&quot; support towards the Palestinian cause.

Significantly, Modi&#39;s visit to Palestine comes less than a month after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s India trip. The two leaders had discussed the Palestine issue.

After the Modi-Netanyahu talks, Vijay Gokhale, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry, had said, &quot;What the two sides agreed, that our relationship was much larger than any single issue...That we need to look at it holistically and while we continue to talk to each other, our relationship is not determined by a single issue.&quot;

He was asked whether the long-pending issue of Palestine figured in the talks between the two prime ministers.

During his UAE visit, apart from holding talks with the leadership on key issues of defence, security and trade, the prime minister would be addressing the Sixth World Government Summit.

The summit is being held in Dubai and India has been extended &#39;Guest of Honour&#39; status, the ministry said.

In Oman, Modi&#39;s focus would be on intensifying cooperation in key sectors such as trade and defence.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the bilateral trade and investment between India and Oman remain robust and buoyant.

Bilateral trade, which saw a decline during 2014-15 and 2015-16, has resumed its upward trend with an increase of 3.6 per cent from USD 3.8 billion in 2015-16 to USD 4 billion in 2016-17, the ministry said.

Modi will also meet the Indian community in the UAE and Oman, the release added.&nbsp;

This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-day state visit to Palestine, Oman and the UAE on February 9, during which he will hold talks with the leadership in the countries on "matters of mutual interest", the external affairs ministry announced here today. "This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine, and Modi's second visit to UAE and first to Oman. During the visit, the prime minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in other events," the ministry said in a release. During his Palestine visit, the prime minister will hold a meeting with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who had visited India last May during which Modi had reassured him of India's "unwavering" support towards the Palestinian cause. Significantly, Modi's visit to Palestine comes less than a month after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's India trip. The two leaders had discussed the Palestine issue. After the Modi-Netanyahu talks, Vijay Gokhale, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry, had said, "What the two sides agreed, that our relationship was much larger than any single issue...That we need to look at it holistically and while we continue to talk to each other, our relationship is not determined by a single issue." He was asked whether the long-pending issue of Palestine figured in the talks between the two prime ministers. During his UAE visit, apart from holding talks with the leadership on key issues of defence, security and trade, the prime minister would be addressing the Sixth World Government Summit. The summit is being held in Dubai and India has been extended 'Guest of Honour' status, the ministry said. In Oman, Modi's focus would be on intensifying cooperation in key sectors such as trade and defence. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the bilateral trade and investment between India and Oman remain robust and buoyant. Bilateral trade, which saw a decline during 2014-15 and 2015-16, has resumed its upward trend with an increase of 3.6 per cent from USD 3.8 billion in 2015-16 to USD 4 billion in 2016-17, the ministry said. Modi will also meet the Indian community in the UAE and Oman, the release added.

Prime Minister to embark on 4-day visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman on February 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-visit-short-focussed-davos-visit-sign-that-we-engage-with-world-government-30066">visit to Davos</a> in Switzerland for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) is an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform.

&quot;Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace - and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody&#39;s etc. Second, due to our strong democratic values. It&#39;s a unique combination of both in India. And that&#39;s what has evoked everyone&#39;s interest. So it&#39;s an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos,&quot; PM Modi said in an exclusive interview with Zee News.

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-governments-only-agenda-for-budget-is-development-pm-modi-to-zee-news-30099">My government&#39;s only agenda for Budget is development, PM Modi tells Zee News</a>

Apart from being a big market, India also has the advantage of demographic dividend, he added.

&quot;India is an economic powerhouse. The world wants to connect with us. The world wants to hear directly from the horse&#39;s mouth about India&#39;s policies and potential. And I feel proud to present before them the success story of 125 crore Indians, their achievements and progress,&quot; the Prime Minister said.

He also hailed the increase in foreign investment in India. &quot;Before 2014, the world didn&#39;t care about what India had to say. But after we came to power in 2014, the situation had changed completely. For the first time in 30 years, India had a government with full majority. This was noticed by the entire world. They are accepting us as a leader now. That&#39;s because we have done well on domestic front. From day one, my government&#39;s focus has been on good governance, transparency, and this has given us results. India&#39;s ranking in ease of doing business jumped from 142 to 100. This resonated across the world,&quot; PM Modi said.

PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wefdavos-modi-to-address-opening-plenary-trump-on-final-day-29950">address the opening plenary</a>. On the sidelines of the high-profile event, Modi will hold a number of important bilateral meetings with various world leaders.

He wll be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in two decades after H D Devegowda who visited Davos in 1997.

Apart from his political engagements, PM Modi will also be there at a dinner on January 22 which will be attended by CEOs of 60 companies. These 60 companies are across 26 different sectors.

Among those attending the dinner will be the heads of Airbus group, Hitachi group, BAE Systems, IBM, and the Carlyle group.

PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and give the opening plenary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his visit to Davos in Switzerland for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) is an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform. "Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace - and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody's etc. Second, due to our strong democratic values. It's a unique combination of both in India. And that's what has evoked everyone's interest. So it's an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos," PM Modi said in an exclusive interview with Zee News. Also Read: My government's only agenda for Budget is development, PM Modi tells Zee News Apart from being a big market, India also has the advantage of demographic dividend, he added. "India is an economic powerhouse. The world wants to connect with us. The world wants to hear directly from the horse's mouth about India's policies and potential. And I feel proud to present before them the success story of 125 crore Indians, their achievements and progress," the Prime Minister said. He also hailed the increase in foreign investment in India. "Before 2014, the world didn't care about what India had to say. But after we came to power in 2014, the situation had changed completely. For the first time in 30 years, India had a government with full majority. This was noticed by the entire world. They are accepting us as a leader now. That's because we have done well on domestic front. From day one, my government's focus has been on good governance, transparency, and this has given us results. India's ranking in ease of doing business jumped from 142 to 100. This resonated across the world," PM Modi said. PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and address the opening plenary. On the sidelines of the high-profile event, Modi will hold a number of important bilateral meetings with various world leaders. He wll be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in two decades after H D Devegowda who visited Davos in 1997. Apart from his political engagements, PM Modi will also be there at a dinner on January 22 which will be attended by CEOs of 60 companies. These 60 companies are across 26 different sectors. Among those attending the dinner will be the heads of Airbus group, Hitachi group, BAE Systems, IBM, and the Carlyle group.

Proud to present India's success story at Davos: PM Modi to Zee News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses.

Addressing a roundtable before a dinner meet, Modi narrated India&#39;s growth story.

He was accompanied by top government officials including Vijay Gokhale, Jai Shankar and Ramesh Abhishek.

Under the tagline of &quot;India means business&quot;, the roundtable was attended by 40 CEOs of global companies and 20 from India.

After the meeting, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted about Modi narrating India&#39;s growth story and presenting exciting opportunities for global business in India at Davos.

The spokesperson also tweeted that the prime minister &quot;hosted a roundtable meeting with CEOs of top global companies&quot;.

Modi, who arrived in Davos on Monday evening, will deliver an opening keynote address on Tuesday morning at the world economic forum annual meeting.

Besides, he will also interact with the members of international business community of the WEF.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

Addressing a roundtable before a dinner meet, Modi narrated India's growth story

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses. Addressing a roundtable before a dinner meet, Modi narrated India's growth story. He was accompanied by top government officials including Vijay Gokhale, Jai Shankar and Ramesh Abhishek. Under the tagline of "India means business", the roundtable was attended by 40 CEOs of global companies and 20 from India. After the meeting, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted about Modi narrating India's growth story and presenting exciting opportunities for global business in India at Davos. The spokesperson also tweeted that the prime minister "hosted a roundtable meeting with CEOs of top global companies". Modi, who arrived in Davos on Monday evening, will deliver an opening keynote address on Tuesday morning at the world economic forum annual meeting. Besides, he will also interact with the members of international business community of the WEF. Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says 'India means business'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his government&#39;s only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-chairs-pre-budget-meeting-in-delhi-29924">agenda for the Budget</a> is development.

&quot;My government has only one agenda for Budget - and that is development. And that&#39;s what you will see,&quot; PM Modi said in an exclusive interview to Zee News.

Modi government is going to present its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-plans-to-raise-health-spending-by-11-in-budget-less-than-requested-29949">last full Budget</a> ahead of the general elections 2019. The financial statement for the year ahead is being keenly watched by critics because of tough decisions taken by the Modi government like launching the unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.

When asked about the bold financial decisions taken by his government, PM Modi said, &quot;If you measure the work done by our government in these four years by only these two parametres, it&#39;s unfair. After nationalisation of banks, about 30-40 per cent of population was out of banking system. We brought them into the system. Isn&#39;t that an achievement? Thousands of girls skipped schools because there were no toilets. We built those toilets for them. Isn&#39;t that an achievement?&rdquo;

Modi also said that he is in favour of holding general elections and state polls together.

&quot;Logically speaking, holding different elections in different dates creates burden on the exchequer. Politicians are always under stress. So I think both Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections should be organised simultaneously. It will save money and manpower,&quot; the PM said.

Modi said that his government&#39;s achievements can&#39;t be measured on just two decisions - the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.

He also said that every atom of his body is indebted to the country and he wants to keep serving the people of the country. &quot;When I see satisfaction in the eyes of a common man, it gives me power,&quot; PM Modi said.

These are the highlights of the interview.&nbsp; Catch the full interview on Zee News at 8pm on Saturday.

Modi government is going to present its last full Budget ahead of the general elections 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his government's only agenda for the Budget is development. "My government has only one agenda for Budget - and that is development. And that's what you will see," PM Modi said in an exclusive interview to Zee News. Modi government is going to present its last full Budget ahead of the general elections 2019. The financial statement for the year ahead is being keenly watched by critics because of tough decisions taken by the Modi government like launching the unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. When asked about the bold financial decisions taken by his government, PM Modi said, "If you measure the work done by our government in these four years by only these two parametres, it's unfair. After nationalisation of banks, about 30-40 per cent of population was out of banking system. We brought them into the system. Isn't that an achievement? Thousands of girls skipped schools because there were no toilets. We built those toilets for them. Isn't that an achievement?” Modi also said that he is in favour of holding general elections and state polls together. "Logically speaking, holding different elections in different dates creates burden on the exchequer. Politicians are always under stress. So I think both Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections should be organised simultaneously. It will save money and manpower," the PM said. Modi said that his government's achievements can't be measured on just two decisions - the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. He also said that every atom of his body is indebted to the country and he wants to keep serving the people of the country. "When I see satisfaction in the eyes of a common man, it gives me power," PM Modi said. These are the highlights of the interview. Catch the full interview on Zee News at 8pm on Saturday.

My government's only agenda for Budget is development: PM Modi to Zee News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a&nbsp;stopover in Zurich on Monday on his way to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meeting.

During the meet, Modi would be sharing his vision for India&#39;s future engagements with the international community.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As Modi marks first Indian prime minister presence in last 20 years, the Indian presence would be the largest ever with over 130 participants in the summit which will be attended by more than 3,000 world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society.

The theme for this year&#39;s summit is &#39;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&#39;. 
&nbsp; 
Besides delivering his keynote address today, Modi is scheduled to interact with global business community members.

On Monday, Modi hosted a roundtable meeting of the top CEOs before a dinner meet which was attended by 40 CEOs of global companies and 20 from India. &nbsp; 
 
While narrating India&#39;s growth story, Modi said that India means business and presents an exciting opportunity for the global businesses.&nbsp;

He was also accompanied by top government officials including Vijay Gokhale, Jai Shankar and Ramesh Abhishek.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the event, Modi also met Swiss President Alain Berset and discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties.

Sources said the two leaders are also believed to have discussed the progress on automatic exchange of tax information.

Berset said the discussions marked the meeting of the biggest and the oldest democracies in the world.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Thanking Modi, the Swiss President said he would continue to strengthen &#39;our relations&#39; with India.

(With inputs from PTI)

During the meet, Modi would be sharing his vision for India's future engagements with the international community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a stopover in Zurich on Monday on his way to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meeting. During the meet, Modi would be sharing his vision for India's future engagements with the international community. As Modi marks first Indian prime minister presence in last 20 years, the Indian presence would be the largest ever with over 130 participants in the summit which will be attended by more than 3,000 world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society. The theme for this year's summit is 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World'. Besides delivering his keynote address today, Modi is scheduled to interact with global business community members. On Monday, Modi hosted a roundtable meeting of the top CEOs before a dinner meet which was attended by 40 CEOs of global companies and 20 from India. While narrating India's growth story, Modi said that India means business and presents an exciting opportunity for the global businesses. He was also accompanied by top government officials including Vijay Gokhale, Jai Shankar and Ramesh Abhishek. On the sidelines of the event, Modi also met Swiss President Alain Berset and discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties. Sources said the two leaders are also believed to have discussed the progress on automatic exchange of tax information. Berset said the discussions marked the meeting of the biggest and the oldest democracies in the world. Thanking Modi, the Swiss President said he would continue to strengthen 'our relations' with India. (With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi, Swiss President discuss tax information in Davos: Sources

Amid an unprecedented security cover, celebrations for the 69th Republic Day began on the Rajpath in New Delhi on Friday in the presence of the leaders of 10 ASEAN nations who are attending the event as chief guests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti in the presence of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three service chiefs.

Later, Modi, wearing a saffron, red and green coloured safa, reached the Rajpath and received and greeted President Ram Nath Kovind.

Most of the ministers of the Modi government including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Health Minister J P Nadda, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan were among those present on the occasion. 
BJP president Amit Shah was present too.

The ASEAN leaders, here to attend the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, are the chief guests at the Republic Day parade which was termed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as &quot;historic and unprecedented&quot;.

The ASEAN, founded in 1967, comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

The ASEAN leaders attending the parade are Singaporean Premier Lee Hsien Loong Brunei&#39;s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Thailand&#39;s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Myanmar&#39;s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao PDR&#39;s Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

Twenty three tableaux, including those representing various states, ministries, the All India Radio (AIR) among others, will roll down the Rajpath.

The parade commenced amid a heavy security blanket with thousands of security personnel, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters deployed in view of the event being attended by ASEAN leaders.

Cold weather conditions and dense fog failed to dampen the spirits of those who came to watch the parade.

The ASEAN leaders, here to attend the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, are the chief guests at the Republic Day parade which was termed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "historic and unprecedented".

Amid an unprecedented security cover, celebrations for the 69th Republic Day began on the Rajpath in New Delhi on Friday in the presence of the leaders of 10 ASEAN nations who are attending the event as chief guests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti in the presence of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three service chiefs. Later, Modi, wearing a saffron, red and green coloured safa, reached the Rajpath and received and greeted President Ram Nath Kovind. Most of the ministers of the Modi government including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Health Minister J P Nadda, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan were among those present on the occasion. BJP president Amit Shah was present too. The ASEAN leaders, here to attend the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, are the chief guests at the Republic Day parade which was termed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "historic and unprecedented". The ASEAN, founded in 1967, comprises Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The ASEAN leaders attending the parade are Singaporean Premier Lee Hsien Loong Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Thailand's Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao PDR's Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. Twenty three tableaux, including those representing various states, ministries, the All India Radio (AIR) among others, will roll down the Rajpath. The parade commenced amid a heavy security blanket with thousands of security personnel, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters deployed in view of the event being attended by ASEAN leaders. Cold weather conditions and dense fog failed to dampen the spirits of those who came to watch the parade.

India celebrates 69th Republic Day with all 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years.

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted.

Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him.

He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said.

Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name.

&quot;Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans,&quot; he said.

Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;.

&quot;The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters.

&quot;We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting.

&quot;Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world,&quot; he said.

Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years. Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted. Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him. He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said. Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name. "Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans," he said. Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. "The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters. "We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting. "Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world," he said.

When tweeting was done by birds and Amazon was a jungle: PM Modi recalls 1997

Bengaluru city will be hit by a bandh&nbsp;tomorrow over the ongoing Mahadayi water dispute.

The bandh has been called by pro-Kannada groups and Karnataka farmers and is likely to disrupt daily life.

Private schools and government offices are expected to remain shut.

Many IT companies in Bengaluru have also asked their employees to either work from home or take a day off.

Transport services will remain unaffected, buses and cabs will function as per their routine.

Karnataka State Government Employees Association has also supported the bandh. which will be observed to urge the central government to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute at the earliest.

Another bandh has been called for on February 4 where the protesters will seek to reach out to PM Modi who will be attending the Parivarthan&nbsp;rally in the state on the same day.

Karnataka and Goa are in a state of dispute on the issue of sharing the inter-state Mahadayi river water.&nbsp;

While the river originates from Karnataka a major part of it flows to Goa.

A similar protest was observed on December 27 where protestors raised anti-government slogans and burned effigies.

The protest is being led by the Mahadayi Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samanvaya Samiti.

Earlier, a petition filed by the Karnataka government was rejected by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal on grounds that the project may cause ecological damage.

The bandh has been called by pro-Kannada groups and Karnataka farmers

Bengaluru city will be hit by a bandh tomorrow over the ongoing Mahadayi water dispute. The bandh has been called by pro-Kannada groups and Karnataka farmers and is likely to disrupt daily life. Private schools and government offices are expected to remain shut. Many IT companies in Bengaluru have also asked their employees to either work from home or take a day off. Transport services will remain unaffected, buses and cabs will function as per their routine. Karnataka State Government Employees Association has also supported the bandh. which will be observed to urge the central government to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute at the earliest. Another bandh has been called for on February 4 where the protesters will seek to reach out to PM Modi who will be attending the Parivarthan rally in the state on the same day. Karnataka and Goa are in a state of dispute on the issue of sharing the inter-state Mahadayi river water. While the river originates from Karnataka a major part of it flows to Goa. A similar protest was observed on December 27 where protestors raised anti-government slogans and burned effigies. The protest is being led by the Mahadayi Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samanvaya Samiti. Earlier, a petition filed by the Karnataka government was rejected by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal on grounds that the project may cause ecological damage.

Mahadayi river dispute: Karnataka bandh tomorrow, transport services to remain unaffected

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments in a recent interview where he answered criticism over not creating enough jobs by saying a pakoda seller earning Rs 200 a day should also be considered employed, Chidambaram on Sunday in a series of Tweets said that even selling pakodas is a &#39;job&#39; said PM. By that logic, even begging is a job. Let&#39;s count poor or disabled persons who are forced to beg for a living as &#39;employed&#39; people, he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
5. Even selling pakodas is a &#39;job&#39; said PM. By that logic, even begging is a job. Let&#39;s count poor or disabled persons who are forced to beg for a living as &#39;employed&#39; people.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/957460241506906113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 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>

Former finance minister and Congress leader said that the claim of 70 lakh new jobs in 2017-18 has been punctured by two scholars.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;Be prepared for an assault on our commonsense by wild claims of job creation by the government,&#39;&#39; he tweeted on Sunday morning.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
1. Be prepared for an assault on our commonsense by wild claims of job creation by the government.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/957458047290425344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 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>

Quoting a media report, Chidambaram said that the number of contributing members in EPFO declined from 462 lakh in July 2017 to 438 lakh in September 2017.

&#39;&#39;Earlier it was claimed that a Mudra loan of Rs 43,000 (average loan size) created at least one new job. Show me one person who can &#39;create&#39; a new job out of Rs 43,000 investment,&#39;&#39; he asked in another Tweet.

The Congress leader also blasted a minister for his comments that MGNREGA workers to be counted as holding jobs. &#39;&#39;Another minister wanted MGNREGA workers to be counted as holding jobs. So they are &#39;job&#39; holders for 100 days and jobless for 265 days!&#39;&#39; he stated in another tweet.

&#39;&#39;Real job creation will be reflected by the robust increase in private investment, private consumption, exports and credit demand. Not happening yet. The truth is India is witnessing a three year spell of modest, but jobless, growth and the government is clueless about how to create jobs,&#39;&#39; he said in another tweet.

''Be prepared for an assault on our commonsense by wild claims of job creation by the government,'' he tweeted on Sunday morning.

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments in a recent interview where he answered criticism over not creating enough jobs by saying a pakoda seller earning Rs 200 a day should also be considered employed, Chidambaram on Sunday in a series of Tweets said that even selling pakodas is a 'job' said PM. By that logic, even begging is a job. Let's count poor or disabled persons who are forced to beg for a living as 'employed' people, he said. 5. Even selling pakodas is a 'job' said PM. By that logic, even begging is a job. Let's count poor or disabled persons who are forced to beg for a living as 'employed' people. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 28, 2018 × Former finance minister and Congress leader said that the claim of 70 lakh new jobs in 2017-18 has been punctured by two scholars. ''Be prepared for an assault on our commonsense by wild claims of job creation by the government,'' he tweeted on Sunday morning. 1. Be prepared for an assault on our commonsense by wild claims of job creation by the government. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 28, 2018 × Quoting a media report, Chidambaram said that the number of contributing members in EPFO declined from 462 lakh in July 2017 to 438 lakh in September 2017. ''Earlier it was claimed that a Mudra loan of Rs 43,000 (average loan size) created at least one new job. Show me one person who can 'create' a new job out of Rs 43,000 investment,'' he asked in another Tweet. The Congress leader also blasted a minister for his comments that MGNREGA workers to be counted as holding jobs. ''Another minister wanted MGNREGA workers to be counted as holding jobs. So they are 'job' holders for 100 days and jobless for 265 days!'' he stated in another tweet. ''Real job creation will be reflected by the robust increase in private investment, private consumption, exports and credit demand. Not happening yet. The truth is India is witnessing a three year spell of modest, but jobless, growth and the government is clueless about how to create jobs,'' he said in another tweet.

If selling pakodas is a 'job', even begging is a job: Chidambaram lambastes Modi

The names of delegation members accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his foreign visits should be disclosed, Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur has directed the PMO.

Mathur rejected the objection by the PMO in disclosing the information on grounds of &quot;national security&quot;.

Deciding two separate cases, Mathur, however, exempted the PMO from disclosing the names of security personnel and people linked to the security details of the prime minister. 
&quot;The commission is of the view that the name/list of non-government persons (having no connection with the security) who had accompanied the prime minister on his international visits...Should be provided to the appellant,&quot; he said.

The cases came before the Central Information Commission - the final appellate authority in matters related to Right to Information - after applicants Neeraj Sharma and Ayub Ali did not receive a proper response to their applications seeking details of delegation members accompanying the prime minister on his foreign visits.

Sharma had sought the list of CEOs of private business, owners or partners, private business officials etc. who accompanied Prime Minister Modi on his international visits.

Ali wanted to know the details of monthly expenses of Modi&#39;s residence and office; procedure for meeting him; number of meetings held by the prime minister with public at his residence and office; number of electoral public meetings addressed by him and the government expenditure on them.

Sharma filed the RTI application in July, 2017, while Ali&#39;s application was filed before the PMO in April, 2016.

In a recent order, Mathur directed the country&#39;s top office to provide information within 30 days.

During the hearing, Sharma told Mathur that he has been informed that the list of members of delegation accompanying the PM on domestic and foreign tours cannot be disclosed on security grounds as the same is exempted under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act.

&quot;(Sharma) stated that this same information was available on the website during the tenure of former prime minister Manmohan Singh,&quot; Mathur noted.

The PMO stated that details of the PM&#39;s visits are available on their website, he pointed out.

However, the names of the delegation members accompanying the prime minister on domestic and foreign visits cannot be disclosed due to security reasons as the threats differ from person to person, it said.

&quot;Further, the respondent (PMO) stated that the composition of the prime minister&#39;s team cannot be revealed to the appellant on &#39;national security&#39; grounds,&quot; Mathur noted in Ali&#39;s order.

In the order, Mathur said that the PMO Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) has stated that budget details are available on their website, which the appellant may access on the given web-link. 
&quot;Besides, he (the CPIO) stated that they do not have records of electoral meetings held by the prime minister,&quot; he said.

Mathur rejected the objection by the PMO in disclosing the information on grounds of national security

The names of delegation members accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his foreign visits should be disclosed, Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur has directed the PMO. Mathur rejected the objection by the PMO in disclosing the information on grounds of "national security". Deciding two separate cases, Mathur, however, exempted the PMO from disclosing the names of security personnel and people linked to the security details of the prime minister. "The commission is of the view that the name/list of non-government persons (having no connection with the security) who had accompanied the prime minister on his international visits...Should be provided to the appellant," he said. The cases came before the Central Information Commission - the final appellate authority in matters related to Right to Information - after applicants Neeraj Sharma and Ayub Ali did not receive a proper response to their applications seeking details of delegation members accompanying the prime minister on his foreign visits. Sharma had sought the list of CEOs of private business, owners or partners, private business officials etc. who accompanied Prime Minister Modi on his international visits. Ali wanted to know the details of monthly expenses of Modi's residence and office; procedure for meeting him; number of meetings held by the prime minister with public at his residence and office; number of electoral public meetings addressed by him and the government expenditure on them. Sharma filed the RTI application in July, 2017, while Ali's application was filed before the PMO in April, 2016. In a recent order, Mathur directed the country's top office to provide information within 30 days. During the hearing, Sharma told Mathur that he has been informed that the list of members of delegation accompanying the PM on domestic and foreign tours cannot be disclosed on security grounds as the same is exempted under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act. "(Sharma) stated that this same information was available on the website during the tenure of former prime minister Manmohan Singh," Mathur noted. The PMO stated that details of the PM's visits are available on their website, he pointed out. However, the names of the delegation members accompanying the prime minister on domestic and foreign visits cannot be disclosed due to security reasons as the threats differ from person to person, it said. "Further, the respondent (PMO) stated that the composition of the prime minister's team cannot be revealed to the appellant on 'national security' grounds," Mathur noted in Ali's order. In the order, Mathur said that the PMO Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) has stated that budget details are available on their website, which the appellant may access on the given web-link. "Besides, he (the CPIO) stated that they do not have records of electoral meetings held by the prime minister," he said.

Disclose names of delegation members accompanying PM on foreign visits: CIC tells PMO

After holding bilateral talks with Sultan of Oman on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi will take part in India-Oman business meet on Monday around 10:30 am(India Time).

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-addresses-indian-diaspora-in-muscat-32512">Minimum government, maximum governance &mdash; that is our motto, PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in Muscat</a>

After the business meet, he will hold&nbsp;separate&nbsp;meetings with Oman&#39;s deputy prime minister for international relation and cooperation affairs, Sayyid Asa&#39;ad bin Tariq AI Said and HH Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmood AI-Said, the deputy prime minister for the council of ministers to discuss international relations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-to-visit-oman-will-meet-sultan-qaboos-bin-said-32444">Modi will also visit a Shiva temple</a>&nbsp;which is 125 years old in Muscat in the afternoon.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister will also visit Sultan Qaboos at the Grand Mosque.

On a two-day visit on the last leg of his West Asian tour, PM&nbsp;Modi arrived in Oman on Sunday from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-is-a-friend-says-abu-dhabi-prince-mohammed-bin-zayed-32440">Dubai </a>after receiving a ceremonial welcome.

The prime minister addressed the Indian community at the reception where he said he sees &#39;mini-India in Oman&#39; from the royal box in Sultan Qaboos sports complex.

The royal box is only used by Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said. PM Modi was the first visiting dignitary who had the honour of addressing the Indian community from the royal box.

Modi will also visit a Shiva temple which is around 300 years old in Muscat in the afternoon

After holding bilateral talks with Sultan of Oman on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi will take part in India-Oman business meet on Monday around 10:30 am(India Time). Also read: Minimum government, maximum governance — that is our motto, PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in Muscat After the business meet, he will hold separate meetings with Oman's deputy prime minister for international relation and cooperation affairs, Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq AI Said and HH Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmood AI-Said, the deputy prime minister for the council of ministers to discuss international relations. Modi will also visit a Shiva temple which is 125 years old in Muscat in the afternoon. The Indian prime minister will also visit Sultan Qaboos at the Grand Mosque. On a two-day visit on the last leg of his West Asian tour, PM Modi arrived in Oman on Sunday from Dubai after receiving a ceremonial welcome. The prime minister addressed the Indian community at the reception where he said he sees 'mini-India in Oman' from the royal box in Sultan Qaboos sports complex. The royal box is only used by Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said. PM Modi was the first visiting dignitary who had the honour of addressing the Indian community from the royal box.

PM Modi to meet key leaders, visit Shiva temple in Oman today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-terrorists-approach-crpf-camp-in-srinagar-soldiers-open-fire-32538">2 terrorists approach CRPF camp in Srinagar, soldiers open fire</a>

After a terror strike in an Army camp in J&amp;K on Saturday, two terrorists were seen approaching a CRPF camp in Srinagar, newswire ANI reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lightning-confirmed-my-love-for-sara-tendulkar-says-saras-stalker-32535">&#39;Lightning&#39; confirmed my love for Sara Tendulkar, says stalker</a>

The 32-year old man who was arrested in West Bengal for stalking cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar&#39;s daughter Sara Tendulkar has given a bizarre reason for his inappropriate action.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-hold-meetings-with-key-leaders-of-oman-on-monday-32536">PM Modi to meet key leaders, visit Shiva temple in Oman today</a>

After holding bilateral talks with Sultan of Oman on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi will take part in India-Oman business meet on Monday around 10:30 am(India Time).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/doping-row-because-us-cant-beat-us-fairly-russia-fm-32533">Doping row because </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/doping-row-because-us-cant-beat-us-fairly-russia-fm-32533">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/doping-row-because-us-cant-beat-us-fairly-russia-fm-32533"> can&#39;t beat us &#39;fairly&#39;, says Russian foreign minister</a>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday that accusations of a state-sponsored doping conspiracy which led to his country&#39;s Olympic banishment were orchestrated by the United States because they &quot;can&#39;t beat us fairly&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/71-feared-dead-as-russian-plane-crashes-near-moscow-32509">All 71 on board crashed Russian plane dead: Investigators</a>

All 71 people on board the Russian passenger plane that crashed outside Moscow Sunday evening are dead, investigators have said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

2 terrorists approach CRPF camp in Srinagar, soldiers open fire After a terror strike in an Army camp in J&K on Saturday, two terrorists were seen approaching a CRPF camp in Srinagar, newswire ANI reported. 'Lightning' confirmed my love for Sara Tendulkar, says stalker The 32-year old man who was arrested in West Bengal for stalking cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's daughter Sara Tendulkar has given a bizarre reason for his inappropriate action. PM Modi to meet key leaders, visit Shiva temple in Oman today After holding bilateral talks with Sultan of Oman on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi will take part in India-Oman business meet on Monday around 10:30 am(India Time). Doping row because US can't beat us 'fairly', says Russian foreign minister Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday that accusations of a state-sponsored doping conspiracy which led to his country's Olympic banishment were orchestrated by the United States because they "can't beat us fairly". All 71 on board crashed Russian plane dead: Investigators All 71 people on board the Russian passenger plane that crashed outside Moscow Sunday evening are dead, investigators have said.

WION Morning News Brief, February 12, 2018

Narendra Modi will be the addressing Indian community in Abu Dhabi after he laying&nbsp;the foundation stone of a Hindu temple on Sunday. The event assumes significance as this will be the first Hindu temple in Gulf country.

The temple will be spread across the 55,00 of square meters of land.

After laying the foundation stone, Modi will address the live gathering&nbsp;of over 1500 Indians from Dubai Opera within &#39;The Opera District&#39;&nbsp;within Downtown Dubai. The event will live streamed at Dubai Opera auditorium.

Representatives of all major organizations and a number of Indian professionals have been invited to the ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi from Palestine on Saturday evening. He earlier visited Abu Dhabi in&nbsp; 2015.&nbsp;

Expected to be completed by 2020, the temple will be hand-carved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in the UAE.&nbsp;

The temple will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex.

Modi on his two-day state visit in Abu Dhabi is expected to sign as many as 14 agreements related to strategic partnership, space technology, skills development, finance and defence cooperation and investments with his counterpart. 
&nbsp;

The temple will be spread across 55,00 of square meters of land

Narendra Modi will be the addressing Indian community in Abu Dhabi after he laying the foundation stone of a Hindu temple on Sunday. The event assumes significance as this will be the first Hindu temple in Gulf country. The temple will be spread across the 55,00 of square meters of land. After laying the foundation stone, Modi will address the live gathering of over 1500 Indians from Dubai Opera within 'The Opera District' within Downtown Dubai. The event will live streamed at Dubai Opera auditorium. Representatives of all major organizations and a number of Indian professionals have been invited to the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi from Palestine on Saturday evening. He earlier visited Abu Dhabi in 2015. Expected to be completed by 2020, the temple will be hand-carved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in the UAE. The temple will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex. Modi on his two-day state visit in Abu Dhabi is expected to sign as many as 14 agreements related to strategic partnership, space technology, skills development, finance and defence cooperation and investments with his counterpart.

Narendra Modi to lay foundation stone for first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modis-jordan-visit-first-in-three-decades-by-indian-prime-minister-vijay-gokhale-32441">Modi&#39;s Jordan visit, first in three decades by Indian PM: Vijay Gokhale</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to Jordan is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-meets-crown-prince-of-abu-dhabi-india-uae-sign-5-agreements-32442">PM meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; India, UAE sign 5 agreements</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-supports-israels-right-to-defend-itself-pentagon-32443">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-supports-israels-right-to-defend-itself-pentagon-32443"> supports Israel&#39;s right to defend itself: Pentagon</a>

The United States fully supports Israel`s right to defend itself against threats, a Pentagon spokesman said after Israel said it struck 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria, including Syrian air defense systems.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445">India to build </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445">speciality</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445"> hospital, women empowerment </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445">centre</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445"> in Palestine, signs 6 MoUs</a>

India and Palestine signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s worth $40 million on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-shop-12-fire-tenders-at-the-spot-32450">Fire breaks out in Mumbai shop; 12 fire tenders at the spot</a>

A fire broke out in a &nbsp;shop near Maya Hotel at Mankhurd in Mumbai.&nbsp;

As many as 20 fire tenders at the spot battling to put out the fire, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-4th-pink-odi-india-vs-south-africa-32417">4th ODI IND vs SA: South Africa beats India by 5 wickets</a>

South Africa defeated India in the 4th ODI match by 5 wickets at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat.

Modi's Jordan visit, first in three decades by Indian PM: Vijay Gokhale Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to Jordan is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. PM meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; India, UAE sign 5 agreements Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession. US supports Israel's right to defend itself: Pentagon The United States fully supports Israel`s right to defend itself against threats, a Pentagon spokesman said after Israel said it struck 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria, including Syrian air defense systems. India to build speciality hospital, women empowerment centre in Palestine, signs 6 MoUs India and Palestine signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s worth $40 million on Saturday. Fire breaks out in Mumbai shop; 12 fire tenders at the spot A fire broke out in a shop near Maya Hotel at Mankhurd in Mumbai. As many as 20 fire tenders at the spot battling to put out the fire, according to news agency ANI. 4th ODI IND vs SA: South Africa beats India by 5 wickets South Africa defeated India in the 4th ODI match by 5 wickets at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat.

WION Morning News Brief, February 11, 2018

narendra-modi

Narendra Modi, News on Narendra Modi, stories on Narendra Modi, articles on Narendra Modi, Narendra Modi stories at Wion, Narendra Modi news, Narendra Modi latest news

narendra modi