<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.</p>

<p>Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the &quot;buggy&quot; jeep on the coast during the latter&#39;s visit to Israel in July last year.</p>

<p>Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.</p>

<p>As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has &quot;indeed&quot; left for India and &quot;would be arriving on time&quot; to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.</p>

<p>The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately Rs 72 lakh).</p>

<p>PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister&#39;s visit to Israel.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. <a href="https://t.co/FuirtlyLAG">pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/882960986063290368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water,&quot; Modi had said after the demonstration.</p>

<p>Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.</p>

<p>It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of seawater and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.</p>

<p>The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.</p>

<p>&quot;There&#39;s nothing like going to the beach with friends!,&quot; the Israeli leader had later tweeted.</p>

<p>The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.</p>


PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here. Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year. Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said. As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi. The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately Rs 72 lakh). PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel. Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017 × "I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration. Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water. It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of seawater and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards. The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet. "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted. The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to gift water desalinisation jeep to PM Narendra Modi

<p>Terror-related incidents happened fewer under BJP government than UPA rule, shows an official data accessed by the news agency ANI.</p>

<p>ANI revealed data of Jammu and Kashmir terror incidents which shows how such incidents happened less during&nbsp;BJP government as&nbsp;compared to the UPA government.</p>

<p>More terrorist have been killed by security forces during the BJP government than under UPA.</p>

<p>580 terrorist have been killed since BJP took charge in 2014, though under UPA rule 471 were killed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K Terror incidents: Acc. to latest official data accessed by ANI more terrorists were killed by security forces during BJP govt than in UPA. BJP Govt (2014,2015,2016&amp;2017) number of terrorists killed were 580 vs UPA govt (2010,2011,2012,2013) no. of terrorists killed were 471.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948136233107988480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The data also shows that lesser number of civilians deaths in terrorist-related violence happened under BJP government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under BJP rule there were 100 casualties and in UPA&#39;s tenure from 2010 to 2013 there were 108 casualties.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K Terror incidents: Latest official data accessed by ANI there were lesser number of civilians killed in terrorist related violence in BJP govt than UPA. BJP Govt (2014, 2015, 2016 &amp; 2017) there were 100 casualties vs UPA govt (2010, 2011, 2012 &amp; 2013) there were 108 casualties</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948136231304445952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also in terror-related incidents, it saw a dip under BJP government.</p>

<p>There were 1094 terror-related incidents under BJP government and 1218 incidents under UPA rule.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K Terror Incidents: According to latest official data accessed by ANI there were lesser terror related incidents in BJP govt than UPA govt. BJP (2014, 2015, 2016 &amp; 2017) there were 1094 incidents vs UPA (2010, 2011, 2012 &amp; 2013) there were 1218 incidents.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948136229261864960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the past,&nbsp; Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi has repeatedly claimed that terrorism has been reduced especially in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Union Minister Hansraj Ahir announced in Lok Sabha&nbsp;that&nbsp;10,000 crores have been taken aside for internal security related expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir, Northeastern region and the Naxal-hit areas.</p>


Today ANI revealed a data of Jammu and Kashmir terror incidents which shows how such incidents happened less in BJP government in compare to UPA government

Terror-related incidents happened fewer under BJP government than UPA rule, shows an official data accessed by the news agency ANI. ANI revealed data of Jammu and Kashmir terror incidents which shows how such incidents happened less during BJP government as compared to the UPA government. More terrorist have been killed by security forces during the BJP government than under UPA. 580 terrorist have been killed since BJP took charge in 2014, though under UPA rule 471 were killed. J&K Terror incidents: Acc. to latest official data accessed by ANI more terrorists were killed by security forces during BJP govt than in UPA. BJP Govt (2014,2015,2016&2017) number of terrorists killed were 580 vs UPA govt (2010,2011,2012,2013) no. of terrorists killed were 471. — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × The data also shows that lesser number of civilians deaths in terrorist-related violence happened under BJP government. Under BJP rule there were 100 casualties and in UPA's tenure from 2010 to 2013 there were 108 casualties. J&K Terror incidents: Latest official data accessed by ANI there were lesser number of civilians killed in terrorist related violence in BJP govt than UPA. BJP Govt (2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017) there were 100 casualties vs UPA govt (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013) there were 108 casualties — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × Also in terror-related incidents, it saw a dip under BJP government. There were 1094 terror-related incidents under BJP government and 1218 incidents under UPA rule. J&K Terror Incidents: According to latest official data accessed by ANI there were lesser terror related incidents in BJP govt than UPA govt. BJP (2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017) there were 1094 incidents vs UPA (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013) there were 1218 incidents. — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly claimed that terrorism has been reduced especially in Jammu and Kashmir. On Tuesday, Union Minister Hansraj Ahir announced in Lok Sabha that 10,000 crores have been taken aside for internal security related expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir, Northeastern region and the Naxal-hit areas.

Lesser terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir under BJP rule: Report

<p>Eight days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani today assumed charge of his office at Gandhinagar.</p>

<p>Before assuming the office for the second consecutive term, Rupani visited Swaminarayan temple at Vadtal in Kheda district and took blessings from the head priest Rakeshprasadjee Maharaj and some other saints, an official release said.</p>

<p>Earlier on December 26, the newly-elected BJP government under Vijay Rupani was sworn-in at a grand ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.</p>

<p>Visitors thronged Rupani&#39;s office to greet him after he took charge this afternoon.</p>

<p>While BJP won 99 seats, the main opposition Congress bagged 77 seats in the recently held polls to the Gujarat Assembly.</p>


While BJP won 99 seats, the main opposition Congress bagged 77 seats in the recently held polls to the Gujarat Assembly

Eight days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani today assumed charge of his office at Gandhinagar. Before assuming the office for the second consecutive term, Rupani visited Swaminarayan temple at Vadtal in Kheda district and took blessings from the head priest Rakeshprasadjee Maharaj and some other saints, an official release said. Earlier on December 26, the newly-elected BJP government under Vijay Rupani was sworn-in at a grand ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Visitors thronged Rupani's office to greet him after he took charge this afternoon. While BJP won 99 seats, the main opposition Congress bagged 77 seats in the recently held polls to the Gujarat Assembly.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani assumes office

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed via video conference the curtain-raiser ceremony of the commemoration of professor Satyendra Nath Bose&#39;s 125th birth anniversary at Kolkata.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister started his inaugural address in Bengali by extending wishes for the New Year. &quot;We open a long year celebration of the 125th year of Satyendra Nath Bose who was born on this day in 1894. I have learnt about his accomplishment which is far ahead of his times and society. We have a lot to learn from the life and works of Acharya SN Bose. He was a self-taught scholar. He succeeded despite many constraints - including the lack of formal research education and little connectivity with global scientific community,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said.</p>

<p>He further said that science and technology should contribute towards building a new India.</p>

<p>&quot;Anyone associated with science and technology must focus their innovation and research towards building a new India. Our country&#39;s scientists will continue to give us creative technological solutions with their out of box thinking, in order to make lives of people easier,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;To promote understanding and love of science among our youth, it is vital that we promote science communication in a big way. Language should not be a barrier but a facilitator in this task.&quot;</p>

<p>The prime minister also asked the scientists to use their fundamental knowledge to help the general public in today&#39;s life. &quot;It is important that final outcome of innovation and research should be judged for their positive impact on life of poor people,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>In the speech, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the contribution of Bengalis in various fields and said, &quot;It is a matter of pride for India that Bengal has given the best scientists to the world.&quot;</p>

<p>Physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, born on January 1, 1894, is best known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, providing the foundation for Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of the Bose-Einstein condensate.</p>

<p>The class of particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics has been named Bosons, after Prof Bose.</p>


He further said that science and technology should contribute towards building a new India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed via video conference the curtain-raiser ceremony of the commemoration of professor Satyendra Nath Bose's 125th birth anniversary at Kolkata. The Prime Minister started his inaugural address in Bengali by extending wishes for the New Year. "We open a long year celebration of the 125th year of Satyendra Nath Bose who was born on this day in 1894. I have learnt about his accomplishment which is far ahead of his times and society. We have a lot to learn from the life and works of Acharya SN Bose. He was a self-taught scholar. He succeeded despite many constraints - including the lack of formal research education and little connectivity with global scientific community," Prime Minister Modi said. He further said that science and technology should contribute towards building a new India. "Anyone associated with science and technology must focus their innovation and research towards building a new India. Our country's scientists will continue to give us creative technological solutions with their out of box thinking, in order to make lives of people easier," he said. "To promote understanding and love of science among our youth, it is vital that we promote science communication in a big way. Language should not be a barrier but a facilitator in this task." The prime minister also asked the scientists to use their fundamental knowledge to help the general public in today's life. "It is important that final outcome of innovation and research should be judged for their positive impact on life of poor people," he said. In the speech, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the contribution of Bengalis in various fields and said, "It is a matter of pride for India that Bengal has given the best scientists to the world." Physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, born on January 1, 1894, is best known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, providing the foundation for Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of the Bose-Einstein condensate. The class of particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics has been named Bosons, after Prof Bose.

Research & innovation should be judged for positive impact on life: PM Modi

<p>Terming the policy of allowing Muslim women to perform Haj only in the company of a male guardian as &quot;injustice&quot;, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has removed the restriction following which hundreds of women have applied to travel alone for the pilgrimage.</p>

<p>According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, now Muslim women aged above 45 will be allowed to go for the pilgrimage without &#39;mahram&#39; in a group of at least four.</p>

<p>In his monthly radio address of &#39;Mann ki baat&#39;, the prime minister said removal of the restriction of having a male guardian or &#39;mahram&#39; may appear as a &quot;small thing&quot;, but such issues &quot;have a far reaching impact on our image as a society&quot;.</p>

<p>He said when he first heard of the restriction, he was surprised as to who wold have drafted such a rule.</p>

<p>&quot;Why this discrimination? And when I went into the depth of the matter I was surprised to find that even after 70 years of our independence, we were the ones who had imposed these restrictions. For decades, injustice was being rendered to Muslim women but there was no discussion on it,&quot; he said in his broadcast.</p>

<p>He pointed out that such a restriction is not prevalent in many Islamic countries.</p>

<p>&quot;I am happy to note that this time about 1300 Muslim women have applied to perform Haj without &#39;mahram&#39; and women from different parts of the country from Kerala to north India, have expressed their wish to go for the Haj pilgrimage,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He said he has suggested to the Ministry of Minority Affairs that they should ensure that all women who have applied to travel alone be allowed to perform Haj.</p>

<p>&quot;Usually there is a lottery system for selection of Haj pilgrims but I would like that single women pilgrims should be excluded from this lottery system and they should be given a chance as a special category,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He said it is his firm belief that the journey of India?s progress has been possible due to women-power and on the basis of their talent...It should be our constant endeavour that our women also get equal rights and equal opportunities...,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>While referring to Muslim women and their rights, the prime minister did not mention about the bill passed by Lok Sabha last week which bans the practice of instant triple talaq.</p>

<p>He, however, had referred to the issue of instant triple talaq or &#39;talaq-e-biddat&#39; while inaugurating the 85th Sivagiri Pilgrimage Celebrations at Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala via video conference this morning.</p>

<p>Referring to Christmas, Modi said Jesus Christ taught us about the spirit of service or &#39;sewa bhaav&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;Be it any religion, caste or creed, tradition or colour in this world; the spirit of service is an invaluable hallmark of the highest human values,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He also recalled the life of Guru Gobind Singh which was full of instances of courage and sacrifice.</p>

<p>On the 350th anniversary of the Sikh guru, he said Guru Gobind Singh preached the virtues of sublime human values and at the same time, practiced them in his own life in letter and spirit.</p>


Following the removal of restriction, hundreds of women have applied to travel alone for the pilgrimage

Terming the policy of allowing Muslim women to perform Haj only in the company of a male guardian as "injustice", Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has removed the restriction following which hundreds of women have applied to travel alone for the pilgrimage. According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, now Muslim women aged above 45 will be allowed to go for the pilgrimage without 'mahram' in a group of at least four. In his monthly radio address of 'Mann ki baat', the prime minister said removal of the restriction of having a male guardian or 'mahram' may appear as a "small thing", but such issues "have a far reaching impact on our image as a society". He said when he first heard of the restriction, he was surprised as to who wold have drafted such a rule. "Why this discrimination? And when I went into the depth of the matter I was surprised to find that even after 70 years of our independence, we were the ones who had imposed these restrictions. For decades, injustice was being rendered to Muslim women but there was no discussion on it," he said in his broadcast. He pointed out that such a restriction is not prevalent in many Islamic countries. "I am happy to note that this time about 1300 Muslim women have applied to perform Haj without 'mahram' and women from different parts of the country from Kerala to north India, have expressed their wish to go for the Haj pilgrimage," he said. He said he has suggested to the Ministry of Minority Affairs that they should ensure that all women who have applied to travel alone be allowed to perform Haj. "Usually there is a lottery system for selection of Haj pilgrims but I would like that single women pilgrims should be excluded from this lottery system and they should be given a chance as a special category," he said. He said it is his firm belief that the journey of India?s progress has been possible due to women-power and on the basis of their talent...It should be our constant endeavour that our women also get equal rights and equal opportunities...," he said. While referring to Muslim women and their rights, the prime minister did not mention about the bill passed by Lok Sabha last week which bans the practice of instant triple talaq. He, however, had referred to the issue of instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' while inaugurating the 85th Sivagiri Pilgrimage Celebrations at Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala via video conference this morning. Referring to Christmas, Modi said Jesus Christ taught us about the spirit of service or 'sewa bhaav'. "Be it any religion, caste or creed, tradition or colour in this world; the spirit of service is an invaluable hallmark of the highest human values," he said. He also recalled the life of Guru Gobind Singh which was full of instances of courage and sacrifice. On the 350th anniversary of the Sikh guru, he said Guru Gobind Singh preached the virtues of sublime human values and at the same time, practiced them in his own life in letter and spirit.

Muslim women can travel for Haj without male guardian: Prime Minister Modi

<p>Addressing the nation through the last &quot;Maan ki Baat&quot;&nbsp;episode of 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that this year&#39;s Republic Day will be celebrated with leaders of all ten ASEAN countries coming to India as chief guests.</p>

<p>The prime minister said that January 26, 2018, will be remembered through the ages as this is the first time in India&#39;s history when so many leaders will grace the celebrations. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Republic Day 2018 will be celebrated with leaders of all 10 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASEAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASEAN</a> countries coming to India as Chief Guests.: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947347210512904192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ASEAN countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.</p>

<p>The year 2017 has been special for both India and ASEAN which completed 50 years since its formation in 1967. India completed 25 years of its partnership with ASEAN this year.</p>

<p>PM Modi, who was addressing the 39th edition of his monthly radio programme, also shared his vision for New India and stated that it is where everyone gets opportunities to flourish and where the aspirations of all are fulfilled.</p>

<p>The prime minister also extended his greetings for New Year.&nbsp;</p>


The prime minister said this is the first time in India's history when so many leaders will grace the celebrations ?

Addressing the nation through the last "Maan ki Baat" episode of 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that this year's Republic Day will be celebrated with leaders of all ten ASEAN countries coming to India as chief guests. The prime minister said that January 26, 2018, will be remembered through the ages as this is the first time in India's history when so many leaders will grace the celebrations. Republic Day 2018 will be celebrated with leaders of all 10 #ASEAN countries coming to India as Chief Guests.: PM Modi #MannKiBaat — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × The ASEAN countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The year 2017 has been special for both India and ASEAN which completed 50 years since its formation in 1967. India completed 25 years of its partnership with ASEAN this year. PM Modi, who was addressing the 39th edition of his monthly radio programme, also shared his vision for New India and stated that it is where everyone gets opportunities to flourish and where the aspirations of all are fulfilled. The prime minister also extended his greetings for New Year.

ASEAN countries' leaders to be chief guests on Republic Day 2018: PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'

<p>In 2017&#39;s last edition of monthly radio programme &quot;Mann Ki Baat&quot;, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed those born in the 21st century to the democratic system, stating that they will become eligible voters from January 1, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People born in 21st century will gradually begin to become eligible voters from 1st of January, 2018. Indian Democracy welcomes these new voters: PM Modi</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947341320917434369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi said the &#39;New India youth&#39; voters will have the power to transform the nation and make it free from dirt and poverty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;New India will be free from poison of casteism, communalism, terrorism and corruption; free from dirt &amp; poverty,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>The prime minister also suggested having mock Parliaments in every district, where discussion can held on how to make development a mass movement to transform the country. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just now, while talking to you I got an idea whether we could organize a mock parliament in every district of India? I propose it should be around August 15: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947342029175975936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further asked the New India Youth to take the lead.</p>

<p>&quot;New voters are filled with energy and enthusiasm. With their skills and strength, they will take India to new heights of glory.&quot;</p>

<p>PM Modi also remembered the teachings of Jesus Christ and said Christ always laid much emphasis on the spirit of service, &quot;sewa bhaav&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said that New India voters have the power to transform the nation

In 2017's last edition of monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed those born in the 21st century to the democratic system, stating that they will become eligible voters from January 1, 2018. People born in 21st century will gradually begin to become eligible voters from 1st of January, 2018. Indian Democracy welcomes these new voters: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × PM Modi said the 'New India youth' voters will have the power to transform the nation and make it free from dirt and poverty. "New India will be free from poison of casteism, communalism, terrorism and corruption; free from dirt & poverty," Modi said. The prime minister also suggested having mock Parliaments in every district, where discussion can held on how to make development a mass movement to transform the country. Just now, while talking to you I got an idea whether we could organize a mock parliament in every district of India? I propose it should be around August 15: PM Modi #MannKiBaat — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × He further asked the New India Youth to take the lead. "New voters are filled with energy and enthusiasm. With their skills and strength, they will take India to new heights of glory." PM Modi also remembered the teachings of Jesus Christ and said Christ always laid much emphasis on the spirit of service, "sewa bhaav".

'Mann Ki Baat': PM Modi extends New Year wishes, welcomes 21st Century voters

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-seizes-second-ship-suspected-of-providing-oil-to-north-korea-28181">South Korea seizes&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-seizes-second-ship-suspected-of-providing-oil-to-north-korea-28181">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-seizes-second-ship-suspected-of-providing-oil-to-north-korea-28181"> ship suspected of providing oil to North Korea</a></p>

<p>South Korean authorities have seized a Panama-flagged vessel suspected of transferring oil products to North Korea in violation of international sanctions, a customs official said on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-women-can-travel-for-haj-without-male-guardian-prime-minister-modi-28167">Muslim women can travel </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-women-can-travel-for-haj-without-male-guardian-prime-minister-modi-28167">for</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-women-can-travel-for-haj-without-male-guardian-prime-minister-modi-28167"> Haj without male guardian: Prime Minister Modi</a></p>

<p>Terming the policy of allowing Muslim women to perform Haj only in the company of a male guardian as &quot;injustice&quot;, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has removed the restriction following which hundreds of women have applied to travel alone for the pilgrimage.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-been-assured-that-i-will-be-given-suitable-departments-nitin-patel-28155">Have been assured that I will be given suitable departments: Nitin Patel as he takes charge</a></p>

<p>Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel today said he had been assured by BJP chief Amit Shah that he would be given &quot;suitable departments&quot; in the newly-appointed government in the state.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amitabh-bachchan-congratulates-rajinikanth-on-his-political-debut-28172">Amitabh Bachchan congratulates Rajinikanth on his political debut</a></p>

<p>As Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth announced his much-anticipated entry into politics, wishes poured in from fans and eminent personalities from all across.</p>

<p>Bollywood&#39;s megastar Amitabh Bachchan also congratulated his long-time friend Rajinikanth and conveyed his wishes on the start of his political journey.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-interior-minister-warns-government-will-confront-disorder-28162">Iran interior minister warns government &#39;will confront&#39; disorder</a></p>

<p>Iran&#39;s interior minister warned Sunday that &quot;violence, fear and terror&quot; will be confronted after a third night of protests against the regime.</p>

<p>&quot;Those who damage public property, disrupt the order and break the law must be responsible for their behaviour and pay the price,&quot; Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli said on state television.</p>


South Korea seizes second ship suspected of providing oil to North Korea South Korean authorities have seized a Panama-flagged vessel suspected of transferring oil products to North Korea in violation of international sanctions, a customs official said on Sunday. Muslim women can travel for Haj without male guardian: Prime Minister Modi Terming the policy of allowing Muslim women to perform Haj only in the company of a male guardian as "injustice", Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has removed the restriction following which hundreds of women have applied to travel alone for the pilgrimage. Have been assured that I will be given suitable departments: Nitin Patel as he takes charge Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel today said he had been assured by BJP chief Amit Shah that he would be given "suitable departments" in the newly-appointed government in the state. Amitabh Bachchan congratulates Rajinikanth on his political debut As Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth announced his much-anticipated entry into politics, wishes poured in from fans and eminent personalities from all across. Bollywood's megastar Amitabh Bachchan also congratulated his long-time friend Rajinikanth and conveyed his wishes on the start of his political journey. Iran interior minister warns government 'will confront' disorder Iran's interior minister warned Sunday that "violence, fear and terror" will be confronted after a third night of protests against the regime. "Those who damage public property, disrupt the order and break the law must be responsible for their behaviour and pay the price," Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli said on state television.

WION Evening News Brief, December 31, 2017

<p>The government and the opposition used the Kulbhusan Jadhav issue to work out their row, which had stalled Parliament for the last two weeks, but news reports said Thursday that another one was brewing over Karnataka BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-who-call-themselves-secular-dont-know-about-their-parentage-mp-ananth-kumar-hegde-27714" target="_blank">statements</a> on secular people not knowing their parentage and changing the constitution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impasse had begun over Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">statement</a> while campaigning for the Gujarat election that Congress leaders were conspiring with Pakistan to affect the outcome of the Gujarat election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impasse had hit the winter session of Parliament, with the Congress demanding an apology from the prime minister on the floor of the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress had later -- after the BJP had said there was no apology coming -- watered down its demand for an apology to asking for a clarification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Modi in his statements and speeches, &quot;did not question nor did he mean to question the commitment to this nation either by Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, or Hamid Ansari, the former vice president.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Any such perception is completely erroneous. We hold these leaders in high esteem, as also their commitment to this nation,&quot; Jaitley said.</p>

<p>Responding to his statement, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: &quot;I want to thank the Leader of the House that he issued a clarification on the issue which was causing the deadlock.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;If during the elections, any member of our party gave such a statement that was against the stature of the prime minister, then our party dissociates itself from any such statement and we would not want any word to be said against the stature of the prime minister,&quot; Azad said.</p>

<p>News reports said Thursday that it was a formal meeting between Jaitley and and Azad earlier and other informal meetings that helped break the deadlock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azad later said the Congress wanted to discuss the treatment meted out by Pakistan to Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azad was reported as saying that &quot;for us it is India first and opposition second&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that &quot;we want to raise our voice for a fellow citizen&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the reports added that while the government and opposition had shut down one front, they had opened another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the opposition forced the shutdown of the Lok Sabha a number of times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from taking offence to his comments on secularism, the opposition also accused Hegde -- he is a union minister -- of disrespecting the architect of the constitution BR Ambedkar by saying &quot;we are here to change it&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has since distanced itself from Hegde&#39;s comments but the opposition says he should either apologise or quit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Congress had wanted to talk about Kulbhushan Jadhav which was proving impossible in a checkmated winter session of Parliament

The government and the opposition used the Kulbhusan Jadhav issue to work out their row, which had stalled Parliament for the last two weeks, but news reports said Thursday that another one was brewing over Karnataka BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde's statements on secular people not knowing their parentage and changing the constitution. The impasse had begun over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement while campaigning for the Gujarat election that Congress leaders were conspiring with Pakistan to affect the outcome of the Gujarat election. The impasse had hit the winter session of Parliament, with the Congress demanding an apology from the prime minister on the floor of the house. The Congress had later -- after the BJP had said there was no apology coming -- watered down its demand for an apology to asking for a clarification. In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Modi in his statements and speeches, "did not question nor did he mean to question the commitment to this nation either by Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, or Hamid Ansari, the former vice president." "Any such perception is completely erroneous. We hold these leaders in high esteem, as also their commitment to this nation," Jaitley said. Responding to his statement, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I want to thank the Leader of the House that he issued a clarification on the issue which was causing the deadlock." "If during the elections, any member of our party gave such a statement that was against the stature of the prime minister, then our party dissociates itself from any such statement and we would not want any word to be said against the stature of the prime minister," Azad said. News reports said Thursday that it was a formal meeting between Jaitley and and Azad earlier and other informal meetings that helped break the deadlock. Azad later said the Congress wanted to discuss the treatment meted out by Pakistan to Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother. Azad was reported as saying that "for us it is India first and opposition second". He added that "we want to raise our voice for a fellow citizen". But the reports added that while the government and opposition had shut down one front, they had opened another. On Wednesday, the opposition forced the shutdown of the Lok Sabha a number of times. Apart from taking offence to his comments on secularism, the opposition also accused Hegde -- he is a union minister -- of disrespecting the architect of the constitution BR Ambedkar by saying "we are here to change it". The government has since distanced itself from Hegde's comments but the opposition says he should either apologise or quit. (With inputs from PTI)

Government, opposition use Jadhav issue to end deadlock, but another brews

<p>Five-time legislator Jairam Thakur on Wednesday was sworn-in as the 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to a comfortable win in the recently concluded assembly election.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Oath taking ceremony of Himachal CM elect Jairam Thakur and others in Shimla in the presence of PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/UmlrABGVsI">https://t.co/UmlrABGVsI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945895901695950848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiRamThakur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiRamThakur</a> takes oath as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/Xv1kDII2H3">pic.twitter.com/Xv1kDII2H3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945896811352354817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah were also present at the oath-taking ceremony in Shimla.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister &nbsp;Yogi Adityanath and other senior party leader were also in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thakur, a leader from Mandi, was chosen over Jagat Prakash Nadda to lead the BJP&#39;s lawmakers in the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 52-year-old leader edged past party stalwarts in the race to the top office and became the first leader from the politically-significant Mandi region to helm the hill state.</p>

<p>BJP&#39;s first declared chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal lots to his erstwhile aide in the recent elections.</p>

<p>The BJP ousted the Congress from the Himalayan state after clinching 44 of the 68 seats. &nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah were also present at the oath-taking ceremony in Shimla

Five-time legislator Jairam Thakur on Wednesday was sworn-in as the 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to a comfortable win in the recently concluded assembly election. #WATCH Oath taking ceremony of Himachal CM elect Jairam Thakur and others in Shimla in the presence of PM Modi https://t.co/UmlrABGVsI — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × #JaiRamThakur takes oath as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/Xv1kDII2H3 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah were also present at the oath-taking ceremony in Shimla. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior party leader were also in attendance. Thakur, a leader from Mandi, was chosen over Jagat Prakash Nadda to lead the BJP's lawmakers in the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Sunday. The 52-year-old leader edged past party stalwarts in the race to the top office and became the first leader from the politically-significant Mandi region to helm the hill state. BJP's first declared chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal lots to his erstwhile aide in the recent elections. The BJP ousted the Congress from the Himalayan state after clinching 44 of the 68 seats.

Jairam Thakur sworn in as 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh

<p>Hours after Finance Minister Aruj Jaitley issued clarification regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s comments on former&nbsp;prime minister Manmohan Singh and former vice-president&nbsp;Hamid Ansari, Congress president Rahul Gandhi targeted Jaitley on Twitter by sarcastically thanking him for reminding the nation that &#39;&#39;our PM never means what he says or says what he means&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Mr Jaitlie - thank you for reminding India that our PM never means what he says or says what he means. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPLies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPLies</a> <a href="https://t.co/I7n1f07GaX">pic.twitter.com/I7n1f07GaX</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/946038581306441728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul Gandhi tweeted ``Dear Mr Jaitlie - thank you for reminding India that our PM never means what he says or says what he means.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>The Congress president called the BJP leader as &#39;Mr Jaitlie&#39; to imply that he was a liar too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi also posted the video of Modi&#39;s speech where he accused former &nbsp;PM Manmohan Singh of colluding with Pakistan to defeat the BJP in the Gujarat polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaitley today clarified, &quot;PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India,&quot; said Jaitley and called any such perception &quot;erroneous&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned previously over sloganeering by the Opposition against PM Modi&#39;s remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party had also staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged &quot;secret meeting with Pakistani officials&quot;.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Jaitley today clarified, "PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari."

Hours after Finance Minister Aruj Jaitley issued clarification regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on former prime minister Manmohan Singh and former vice-president Hamid Ansari, Congress president Rahul Gandhi targeted Jaitley on Twitter by sarcastically thanking him for reminding the nation that ''our PM never means what he says or says what he means''. Dear Mr Jaitlie - thank you for reminding India that our PM never means what he says or says what he means. #BJPLies pic.twitter.com/I7n1f07GaX — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 27, 2017 × Rahul Gandhi tweeted ``Dear Mr Jaitlie - thank you for reminding India that our PM never means what he says or says what he means.'' The Congress president called the BJP leader as 'Mr Jaitlie' to imply that he was a liar too. Rahul Gandhi also posted the video of Modi's speech where he accused former PM Manmohan Singh of colluding with Pakistan to defeat the BJP in the Gujarat polls. Jaitley today clarified, "PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari." "We hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India," said Jaitley and called any such perception "erroneous". Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned previously over sloganeering by the Opposition against PM Modi's remarks. The Congress party had also staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged "secret meeting with Pakistani officials".

'PM never means what he says or says what he means': Rahul Gandhi taunts Arun Jaitley

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/malegaon-blast-case-sadhvi-pragya-and-lt-col-purohit-will-be-tried-under-uaps-act-along-with-other-accused-27869">Malegaon blasts case: Partial relief for Sadhvi Pragya, Col Purohit</a></p>

<p>In a partial relief to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and six others who face trial under an anti-terror law in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts case, the court dropped provisions under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-didnt-question-former-pm-manmohan-singhs-commitment-to-nation-arun-jaitley-clarifies-27866">&#39;PM Modi didn&#39;t question former PM Manmohan Singh&#39;s commitment to nation,&#39; Arun Jaitley clarifies</a></p>

<p>Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi&#39;s remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Jaitley clarified, &quot;PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sends-shoes-of-jadhavs-wife-for-forensic-testing-27860">Pakistan sends shoes of Jadhav&#39;s wife for forensic testing</a></p>

<p>Pakistani authorities have sent the shoes worn by Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife for forensic examination to determine the nature of the suspected presence of a foreign object, a media report said today.</p>

<p>The authorities were ascertaining whether the &quot;metallic object&quot; in the shoes was a camera or a recording chip, Pakistan Today quoted Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal as saying.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/car-bomb-injures-14-afghanistan-soldiers-in-helmand-27872">Car bomb injures 14 Afghanistan soldiers in Helmand</a></p>

<p>At least 14 Afghan soldiers were injured in a car bombing at 505 Boost Police Zone in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand Province on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/1-killed-3-injured-after-gunman-opens-fire-in-moscow-factory-hostages-held-ria-27849">1 killed, 3 injured after gunman opens fire in Moscow factory, hostages held: RIA</a></p>

<p>A gunman opened a fire in a pastry-making factory in Moscow on Wednesday, killing one person and taking an unknown number as hostages, Russian state news agency RIA said, citing a law enforcement source.</p>


Malegaon blasts case: Partial relief for Sadhvi Pragya, Col Purohit In a partial relief to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and six others who face trial under an anti-terror law in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts case, the court dropped provisions under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all the accused. 'PM Modi didn't question former PM Manmohan Singh's commitment to nation,' Arun Jaitley clarifies Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi's remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha. Jaitley clarified, "PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari." Pakistan sends shoes of Jadhav's wife for forensic testing Pakistani authorities have sent the shoes worn by Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife for forensic examination to determine the nature of the suspected presence of a foreign object, a media report said today. The authorities were ascertaining whether the "metallic object" in the shoes was a camera or a recording chip, Pakistan Today quoted Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal as saying. Car bomb injures 14 Afghanistan soldiers in Helmand At least 14 Afghan soldiers were injured in a car bombing at 505 Boost Police Zone in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand Province on Wednesday. 1 killed, 3 injured after gunman opens fire in Moscow factory, hostages held: RIA A gunman opened a fire in a pastry-making factory in Moscow on Wednesday, killing one person and taking an unknown number as hostages, Russian state news agency RIA said, citing a law enforcement source.

WION Evening New Brief, December 27, 2017

<p>Not many relationships in international politics make headlines like China-India relations often do. The chronicle of the transient year 2017 suggests that China-India relations continued to struggle to thrive, even though this relationship commanded plenty of promises and pledges. Best remembered as the &ldquo;year of Doklam&rdquo;, 2017 witnessed Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping pledging a &ldquo;forward-looking constructive&rdquo; bilateral relationship.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the September Xiamen BRICS summit, both the leaders tried to overcome the setback that the relationship has faced in recent times. How will this envisioned &ldquo;constructive&rdquo; China-India relationship that aims to have a &ldquo;forward-looking&rdquo; spirit unfold in 2018?&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fundamentally speaking, a &ldquo;forward-looking constructive&rdquo; relationship would imply that the two countries manage to handle their differences, including the age-old boundary dispute while fostering an engaging economic partnership that will enhance their bilateral and global relationship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official media transcript after the Xiamen BRICS summit stated that the established intergovernmental mechanisms between China and India are supposed to play a stronger role to this effect. Their common pledge to scrutinise neoliberal ideas, uphold the structure of a multipolar world order, and reform the global order in favour of the developing world are all indicators of a constructive forward-looking relationship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pledge to have a &ldquo;forward-looking&rdquo; and &ldquo;constructive&rdquo; relationship is, however, not entirely a new proposition. Both sides have used similar phrasing in the past to offer a &ldquo;political&rdquo; guidance to their relationship, which is often marred by a range of conflicts &ndash; boundary to geopolitics. Indeed, the proposition to have a &ldquo;constructive&rdquo; relationship is part and parcel of their &ldquo;developmental partnership&rdquo;, which was officially instituted during President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s visit to India in September 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The core essence of this &ldquo;developmental partnership&rdquo; was to guide China-India relations through a stronger economic engagement. The economic engagement has been nurtured under a number of bilateral mechanisms, such as the Joint Economic Group (JEG), Strategic Economic Dialogue and Financial Dialogue to name just a few. These have acted as stabilisers, preventing the relationship from going on a conflict path.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consequently, bilateral trade, seen often as a &lsquo;stable variable&rsquo; in China-India relations, witnessed a steady rise over the last one decade amidst the rising border tensions and mutual mistrust. From a meagre US$10 billion in 2004, the bilateral trade has expanded to reach around $71 billion by 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>in the recent past, however, a subtle change is noticed in the pattern of relationship. Bilateral trade and institutional dialogue have become extraneous to a stable bilateral relationship.&nbsp; In fact, bilateral trade has been constant around $70 billion for last few years without showing much improvement. The trade imbalance between the two sides is expanding, much to China&rsquo;s favour, creating an increasing discord among the Indian business community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the institutional mechanisms look obsolete to address the rising differences between the two countries. Even frequent leadership meetings have offered little to push ahead their envisioned &ldquo;developmental partnership&rdquo;. For example, before their meeting at the Xiamen BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met during the SCO summit in Astana and the G-20 summit in Hamburg in 2017. These meetings, however, could not generate necessary maturity on both sides so as not to engage in an episode like the Doklam stand-off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, India&rsquo;s decision not to participate in China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) meeting held in Beijing in May 2017 spiralled their geopolitical differences into the international limelight. The two and a half months&rsquo; long Doklam stand-off damaged further the residual goodwill that their relationship had accomplished over the years, making 2017 the defining year for China-India relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This changing treatise in China-India relations sufficiently indicates that the relationship would be thorny in 2018 and ahead. The official longing might be to carve out an &ldquo;upward trajectory&rdquo; in China-India relations, but fostering such a relationship in the current practical circumstances would be difficult to foresee. Three specific developments explain why China-India relations might continue to struggle to thrive even though there might be a temporary improvement in their overall relationship.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>First, foreign policy passages in both China and India are witnessing constant changes which might point to a more &ldquo;state-centric&rdquo; non-accommodative approach towards each other. After the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China aims to push ahead it&rsquo;s national security ambitions, in terms of exploiting resource opportunities, expand the country&rsquo;s power base, and exhibit China&rsquo;s leadership both in Asia and beyond.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi Jinping sees the next few years as a &ldquo;period of strategic opportunities&rdquo; for China and India as a &lsquo;limited Asian power&rsquo; only.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, New Delhi&rsquo;s foreign policy, under an &ldquo;India first&rdquo; approach,&nbsp; seeks to engage more with big powers while having a focus on Asia and Asian neighbours. Currently, India&rsquo;s prime targets are resource exploration and increasing India&rsquo;s outreach in Asia. This would bring the Chinese and Indian foreign policy into a point of contestation than engagement.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Second, even though the scope and potential of greater China-India economic engagement are bigger today, still the differing approaches in the promotion of a &ldquo;developmental partnership&rdquo; would be the main barrier between them. China wants to pursue a more purposeful international economic engagement which will facilitate Chinese economic growth. The induction of the BRI into the revised CPC Constitution at the 19th National Congress points to that. This might create friction in the Sino-Indian relations since India is yet to endorse China&rsquo;s BRI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The usual China-India &ldquo;sister-city&rdquo; and &ldquo;sister-province&rdquo; level engagements have been one of the most promising aspects of their bilateral relationship over the last one decade. But from Beijing&rsquo;s perspective, the &ldquo;sister-city&rdquo; and &ldquo;sister-province&rdquo; level engagements are today seen as an integral part of China&rsquo;s BRI scheme, which India may see as antithetical to its national interest. Besides, it is not clear how China would like to address India&rsquo;s economic concerns on the rising trade imbalance and would situate it in the overall relationship framework.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Third, China-India differences in the Asia-Pacific region is another new complicated chapter that would not be supportive of their bilateral relations. Beijing seems to be keen on following an intensive maritime strategy not only to protect its interests but also to expedite overseas maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many democratic countries, including the United States, Japan and India are not in favour of China&#39;s expansion in the IOR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing under Xi Jinping is emerging fast as a &ldquo;trading nation&rdquo; and the new focus is to expedite its maritime trading routes in the IOR. That would bring Indian maritime interests into contestation. India&rsquo;s S-A-G-A-R (Security and Growth for All Region) initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi equally emphasises on the maritime economy and marine resources which would emerge as a matter of contest between the Chinese and Indian interests in the IOR.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>China aims to configure a bipolar world, sharing the &quot;major&quot; power platform with the United States. China wants to shun the existing &ldquo;status quo&rdquo;&nbsp; and emerge as a &ldquo;revisionist&rdquo; power. This would significantly influence China-India relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Contrasting bilateral perspectives come as a major impediment to a working relationship between India and China today. Just like 2017, the year 2018, therefore, might equally witness conflicting trends between India and China, overriding their cooperative trends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


China wants to shun the existing ?status quo? and emerge as a ?revisionist? power which would significantly influence China-India relations.

Not many relationships in international politics make headlines like China-India relations often do. The chronicle of the transient year 2017 suggests that China-India relations continued to struggle to thrive, even though this relationship commanded plenty of promises and pledges. Best remembered as the “year of Doklam”, 2017 witnessed Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping pledging a “forward-looking constructive” bilateral relationship. During the September Xiamen BRICS summit, both the leaders tried to overcome the setback that the relationship has faced in recent times. How will this envisioned “constructive” China-India relationship that aims to have a “forward-looking” spirit unfold in 2018? Fundamentally speaking, a “forward-looking constructive” relationship would imply that the two countries manage to handle their differences, including the age-old boundary dispute while fostering an engaging economic partnership that will enhance their bilateral and global relationship. The official media transcript after the Xiamen BRICS summit stated that the established intergovernmental mechanisms between China and India are supposed to play a stronger role to this effect. Their common pledge to scrutinise neoliberal ideas, uphold the structure of a multipolar world order, and reform the global order in favour of the developing world are all indicators of a constructive forward-looking relationship. The pledge to have a “forward-looking” and “constructive” relationship is, however, not entirely a new proposition. Both sides have used similar phrasing in the past to offer a “political” guidance to their relationship, which is often marred by a range of conflicts – boundary to geopolitics. Indeed, the proposition to have a “constructive” relationship is part and parcel of their “developmental partnership”, which was officially instituted during President Xi Jinping’s visit to India in September 2014. The core essence of this “developmental partnership” was to guide China-India relations through a stronger economic engagement. The economic engagement has been nurtured under a number of bilateral mechanisms, such as the Joint Economic Group (JEG), Strategic Economic Dialogue and Financial Dialogue to name just a few. These have acted as stabilisers, preventing the relationship from going on a conflict path. Consequently, bilateral trade, seen often as a ‘stable variable’ in China-India relations, witnessed a steady rise over the last one decade amidst the rising border tensions and mutual mistrust. From a meagre US$10 billion in 2004, the bilateral trade has expanded to reach around $71 billion by 2017. in the recent past, however, a subtle change is noticed in the pattern of relationship. Bilateral trade and institutional dialogue have become extraneous to a stable bilateral relationship. In fact, bilateral trade has been constant around $70 billion for last few years without showing much improvement. The trade imbalance between the two sides is expanding, much to China’s favour, creating an increasing discord among the Indian business community. Additionally, the institutional mechanisms look obsolete to address the rising differences between the two countries. Even frequent leadership meetings have offered little to push ahead their envisioned “developmental partnership”. For example, before their meeting at the Xiamen BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met during the SCO summit in Astana and the G-20 summit in Hamburg in 2017. These meetings, however, could not generate necessary maturity on both sides so as not to engage in an episode like the Doklam stand-off. Besides, India’s decision not to participate in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) meeting held in Beijing in May 2017 spiralled their geopolitical differences into the international limelight. The two and a half months’ long Doklam stand-off damaged further the residual goodwill that their relationship had accomplished over the years, making 2017 the defining year for China-India relations. This changing treatise in China-India relations sufficiently indicates that the relationship would be thorny in 2018 and ahead. The official longing might be to carve out an “upward trajectory” in China-India relations, but fostering such a relationship in the current practical circumstances would be difficult to foresee. Three specific developments explain why China-India relations might continue to struggle to thrive even though there might be a temporary improvement in their overall relationship. First, foreign policy passages in both China and India are witnessing constant changes which might point to a more “state-centric” non-accommodative approach towards each other. After the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China aims to push ahead it’s national security ambitions, in terms of exploiting resource opportunities, expand the country’s power base, and exhibit China’s leadership both in Asia and beyond. Xi Jinping sees the next few years as a “period of strategic opportunities” for China and India as a ‘limited Asian power’ only. On the other hand, New Delhi’s foreign policy, under an “India first” approach, seeks to engage more with big powers while having a focus on Asia and Asian neighbours. Currently, India’s prime targets are resource exploration and increasing India’s outreach in Asia. This would bring the Chinese and Indian foreign policy into a point of contestation than engagement. Second, even though the scope and potential of greater China-India economic engagement are bigger today, still the differing approaches in the promotion of a “developmental partnership” would be the main barrier between them. China wants to pursue a more purposeful international economic engagement which will facilitate Chinese economic growth. The induction of the BRI into the revised CPC Constitution at the 19th National Congress points to that. This might create friction in the Sino-Indian relations since India is yet to endorse China’s BRI. The usual China-India “sister-city” and “sister-province” level engagements have been one of the most promising aspects of their bilateral relationship over the last one decade. But from Beijing’s perspective, the “sister-city” and “sister-province” level engagements are today seen as an integral part of China’s BRI scheme, which India may see as antithetical to its national interest. Besides, it is not clear how China would like to address India’s economic concerns on the rising trade imbalance and would situate it in the overall relationship framework. Third, China-India differences in the Asia-Pacific region is another new complicated chapter that would not be supportive of their bilateral relations. Beijing seems to be keen on following an intensive maritime strategy not only to protect its interests but also to expedite overseas maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Many democratic countries, including the United States, Japan and India are not in favour of China's expansion in the IOR. Beijing under Xi Jinping is emerging fast as a “trading nation” and the new focus is to expedite its maritime trading routes in the IOR. That would bring Indian maritime interests into contestation. India’s S-A-G-A-R (Security and Growth for All Region) initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi equally emphasises on the maritime economy and marine resources which would emerge as a matter of contest between the Chinese and Indian interests in the IOR. China aims to configure a bipolar world, sharing the "major" power platform with the United States. China wants to shun the existing “status quo” and emerge as a “revisionist” power. This would significantly influence China-India relations. Contrasting bilateral perspectives come as a major impediment to a working relationship between India and China today. Just like 2017, the year 2018, therefore, might equally witness conflicting trends between India and China, overriding their cooperative trends. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: 'Year of Doklam' points to a conflicting China-India relation in 2018

<p>Vijay Rupani was sworn in the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live from Gujarat: Swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar <a href="https://t.co/iKpAbRb9uV">https://t.co/iKpAbRb9uV</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945530296157462528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nitin Patel was sworn in as his deputy.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gandhinagar: Nitin Patel takes oath as deputy CM for second consecutive term <a href="https://t.co/GUilKtnT4f">pic.twitter.com/GUilKtnT4f</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945536949619589120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, will take the oath of office today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;and BJP President Amit Shah are in attendance.</p>

<p>As is Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other union ministers&nbsp;present include Ravi Shankar Prasad and&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gandhinagar: Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath<br />
Singh and Ram Vilas Paswan &amp; BJP President Amit Shah at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani <a href="https://t.co/x3IwPRrNQs">pic.twitter.com/x3IwPRrNQs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945530502789808128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for swearing in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others <a href="https://t.co/zmYJwsEuNc">pic.twitter.com/zmYJwsEuNc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945532227072303104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A number of BJP chief ministers including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh are also attending.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yogi-adityanath-attends-metro-inauguration-function-pm-modi-praises-him-for-breaking-noida-jinx-27660" target="_blank">Yogi Adityanath attends metro inauguration function, PM Modi praises him for breaking &#39;Noida jinx&#39;</a></p>

<p>As is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others in Gandhinagar <a href="https://t.co/bWv98XjeQp">pic.twitter.com/bWv98XjeQp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945533103199600641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at swearing in ceremony of Gujarat CM and others in Gandhinagar <a href="https://t.co/4s2GAYab8D">pic.twitter.com/4s2GAYab8D</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945532802967072768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP won the recent Gujarat elections after a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">long and bitter</a> campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP won a total of 99 seats in the 182-member house, with the Congress trailing in at 77.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the win in the end was comfortable, the BJP won 16 fewer seats than it did the last time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That commentators say could mean that the BJP will have a tougher fight on its hands in the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;</p>


A number of BJP chief ministers also attended, as did Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

Vijay Rupani was sworn in the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. #WATCH Live from Gujarat: Swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar https://t.co/iKpAbRb9uV — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Nitin Patel was sworn in as his deputy. Gandhinagar: Nitin Patel takes oath as deputy CM for second consecutive term pic.twitter.com/GUilKtnT4f — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, will take the oath of office today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah are in attendance. As is Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Other union ministers present include Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nitin Gadkari. Gandhinagar: Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and Ram Vilas Paswan & BJP President Amit Shah at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani pic.twitter.com/x3IwPRrNQs — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for swearing in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others pic.twitter.com/zmYJwsEuNc — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × A number of BJP chief ministers including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh are also attending. Also read: Yogi Adityanath attends metro inauguration function, PM Modi praises him for breaking 'Noida jinx' As is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. #Gujarat Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others in Gandhinagar pic.twitter.com/bWv98XjeQp — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at swearing in ceremony of Gujarat CM and others in Gandhinagar pic.twitter.com/4s2GAYab8D — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × The BJP won the recent Gujarat elections after a long and bitter campaign. The BJP won a total of 99 seats in the 182-member house, with the Congress trailing in at 77. While the win in the end was comfortable, the BJP won 16 fewer seats than it did the last time. That commentators say could mean that the BJP will have a tougher fight on its hands in the 2019 general elections.

Rupani sworn in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance

<p>Recently, 60 economists, including Abhijit Banerjee, Debraj Ray and Jean Dreze, wrote to Arun Jaitley, asking him to increase government spending on old age pensions and maternity entitlements.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>These economists have fallen prey to the fallacy of &ldquo;good intentions&rdquo;. The great economist Milton Friedman rightly said that it is a mistake to judge policies and programmes by their intentions rather than their results. The move advocated by these economists is intended to help pregnant women, newborn children and elderly people. It will end up hurting all three groups, and more.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is very counter-intuitive. After all, giving senior citizens or pregnant women more money should make them better off. But there is a concept in economics, called the Law of Unintended Consequences. Government meddles in the economy with the intention of solving a problem, but ends up making the problem worse or creating another problem.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US and European countries have large amounts of government spending on the kind of welfare schemes that our economists are requesting from Arun Jaitley. Let us see whether these schemes helped people in America and Europe or hurt them.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Social Security</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the US, people are forced to pay towards a government programme called Social Security. They pay a part of their salaries during their working years and receive a pension from the government when they retire. Similar schemes are found throughout Europe. This sounds very appealing, until one realises that these are just giant Ponzi schemes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Governments tax the current working population to pay pensions for the current ageing population. As long as there are fewer old people claiming pensions and lots of young people paying taxes, the scheme works wonderfully. When there are more old people claiming pensions and fewer and fewer young people paying taxes to fund those, the Ponzi scheme collapses. By 2090, the US government will be facing a $32 trillion shortfall in Social Security funding, which is almost twice the size of the US economy and little less than 10 times the tax revenue collected today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India might have a large (and growing) youth population now, but these youths will grow old. The birth rate will keep falling, as it has been for a long time. If the government starts paying pensions for everyone in India, we would face a similar economic disaster in the future, where too many old people will be claiming pensions, with too few young people paying taxes to fund them. Just look at what is happening in Europe.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ponzi welfare state is the reason why Greece, Spain, Italy and other European governments are in such debt crises because they have predominantly aging populations and cannot extort sufficient taxes to fund their populist measures. To sustain their Ponzi schemes, European governments have had to provide financial incentives for people to have more children. This brings us to the next point.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maternity Benefits</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the introduction to the letter, economist Jean Dreze wrote that the government should provide maternity benefits to all pregnant women, so they can have nutritious food and focus on raising children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dreze wrote:</p>

<p>&ldquo;A fair amount of recent research in economics brings out the lifelong value of adequate care in early childhood. That, in turn, depends a great deal on mothers&#39; access to health, nutrition, rest, resources and power. This is the main reason why the National Food Security Act 2013 provides for maternity entitlements of Rs.6,000 per child for all pregnant women, except those already covered in the formal sector.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such assistance is also provided in the US. What were its effects?&nbsp;</p>

<p>It broke up the family structure. In 1960, 73% of children in the US lived in two-parent families, and only 5% were born out of wedlock. In 1964, the government launched a slew of welfare schemes, including assistance in obtaining food. Today, less than half of all children in the US live in intact families. African-Americans, who are mostly poor, have it worse. Nearly three-quarters of black children are raised by a single parent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economics behind this is very simple. Because government subsidises child rearing in America, women don&rsquo;t wait to get jobs or marry someone who does, before having children. They have more children, and earlier, than they would have without government assistance.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The real problem here is that women who can&rsquo;t even take care of themselves are given incentives to have children, whom they are not equipped to raise. Children raised in such troubled environments are more likely to turn to crime as they grow up.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY), Narendra Modi&rsquo;s new maternity benefit scheme, is just another dirty populist measure. But it has a saving grace. It will give benefits only to the first child. Jean Dreze sees this as a bad thing. He believes that taxpayers should pay the expenses of any number of children a woman might choose to have, but can&rsquo;t afford to raise on her own. That would be even worse, since more children would be raised by parents who can&rsquo;t raise them properly.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experiences from the western world have clearly shown that while governments provided social security and maternity benefits with the best of intentions, they created far bigger problems in the process. The economists who have written to Arun Jaitley advocating similar policies would have been wise to look at the results of these policies, rather than their intentions.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


Experiences from the western world have clearly shown that while governments provided social security and maternity benefits with the best of intentions, they created far bigger problems in the process.

Recently, 60 economists, including Abhijit Banerjee, Debraj Ray and Jean Dreze, wrote to Arun Jaitley, asking him to increase government spending on old age pensions and maternity entitlements. These economists have fallen prey to the fallacy of “good intentions”. The great economist Milton Friedman rightly said that it is a mistake to judge policies and programmes by their intentions rather than their results. The move advocated by these economists is intended to help pregnant women, newborn children and elderly people. It will end up hurting all three groups, and more. This is very counter-intuitive. After all, giving senior citizens or pregnant women more money should make them better off. But there is a concept in economics, called the Law of Unintended Consequences. Government meddles in the economy with the intention of solving a problem, but ends up making the problem worse or creating another problem. The US and European countries have large amounts of government spending on the kind of welfare schemes that our economists are requesting from Arun Jaitley. Let us see whether these schemes helped people in America and Europe or hurt them. Social Security In the US, people are forced to pay towards a government programme called Social Security. They pay a part of their salaries during their working years and receive a pension from the government when they retire. Similar schemes are found throughout Europe. This sounds very appealing, until one realises that these are just giant Ponzi schemes. Governments tax the current working population to pay pensions for the current ageing population. As long as there are fewer old people claiming pensions and lots of young people paying taxes, the scheme works wonderfully. When there are more old people claiming pensions and fewer and fewer young people paying taxes to fund those, the Ponzi scheme collapses. By 2090, the US government will be facing a $32 trillion shortfall in Social Security funding, which is almost twice the size of the US economy and little less than 10 times the tax revenue collected today. India might have a large (and growing) youth population now, but these youths will grow old. The birth rate will keep falling, as it has been for a long time. If the government starts paying pensions for everyone in India, we would face a similar economic disaster in the future, where too many old people will be claiming pensions, with too few young people paying taxes to fund them. Just look at what is happening in Europe. The Ponzi welfare state is the reason why Greece, Spain, Italy and other European governments are in such debt crises because they have predominantly aging populations and cannot extort sufficient taxes to fund their populist measures. To sustain their Ponzi schemes, European governments have had to provide financial incentives for people to have more children. This brings us to the next point. Maternity Benefits In the introduction to the letter, economist Jean Dreze wrote that the government should provide maternity benefits to all pregnant women, so they can have nutritious food and focus on raising children. Dreze wrote: “A fair amount of recent research in economics brings out the lifelong value of adequate care in early childhood. That, in turn, depends a great deal on mothers' access to health, nutrition, rest, resources and power. This is the main reason why the National Food Security Act 2013 provides for maternity entitlements of Rs.6,000 per child for all pregnant women, except those already covered in the formal sector.” Such assistance is also provided in the US. What were its effects? It broke up the family structure. In 1960, 73% of children in the US lived in two-parent families, and only 5% were born out of wedlock. In 1964, the government launched a slew of welfare schemes, including assistance in obtaining food. Today, less than half of all children in the US live in intact families. African-Americans, who are mostly poor, have it worse. Nearly three-quarters of black children are raised by a single parent. The economics behind this is very simple. Because government subsidises child rearing in America, women don’t wait to get jobs or marry someone who does, before having children. They have more children, and earlier, than they would have without government assistance. The real problem here is that women who can’t even take care of themselves are given incentives to have children, whom they are not equipped to raise. Children raised in such troubled environments are more likely to turn to crime as they grow up. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY), Narendra Modi’s new maternity benefit scheme, is just another dirty populist measure. But it has a saving grace. It will give benefits only to the first child. Jean Dreze sees this as a bad thing. He believes that taxpayers should pay the expenses of any number of children a woman might choose to have, but can’t afford to raise on her own. That would be even worse, since more children would be raised by parents who can’t raise them properly. Experiences from the western world have clearly shown that while governments provided social security and maternity benefits with the best of intentions, they created far bigger problems in the process. The economists who have written to Arun Jaitley advocating similar policies would have been wise to look at the results of these policies, rather than their intentions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Maternity benefits and pension, are these good for us?

<p>Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).</p>

<p>In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people&#39;s pockets.</p>

<p>&quot;All over the world at this time an old man with a white beard creeps in your house through chimney and puts money in your socks In India an old man with a white beard crept into your house through TV removed money from your pockets,cupboards,lockers&amp; left you only in your socks (sic),&quot; Tewari said in his tweet.</p>

<p>But the Twitterati gave it back to Tewari by highlighting the scams during Congress-led UPA government&#39;s tenure.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes you are right Tewari Satab. This old man with white beard used to rob our money in form of Coal Scam, 2G, CWG and NH scam &amp; left us with only socks. <a href="https://t.co/u53AyTVfAj">pic.twitter.com/u53AyTVfAj</a></p>
&mdash; Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) <a href="https://twitter.com/me_ganesh14/status/945596246563024896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManishTewari</a> is talking about this man with white beard <a href="https://t.co/6DT8SV7Duj">pic.twitter.com/6DT8SV7Duj</a></p>
&mdash; Pavan Takkalaki (@TakkalakiPavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TakkalakiPavan/status/945644491876306947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManishTewari</a> ji, close your eyes for five minutes and think what you speak. PM is the santa of masses, who has revived pride, honesty &amp; patriotism long dead/comatose in this nation</p>
&mdash; @mitbadyal (@amitbadyal96) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitbadyal96/status/945645296104509441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tewari is the latest from Congress to face the flak for attack on PM Modi. During the campaigning for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147">called the PM &#39;neech&#39;</a> in response to PM&#39;s remarks against Congress leaders.</p>

<p>Aiyar later clarified: &quot;I meant low level when I said &#39;neech&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue.&quot; But the clarification came too late as Congress president Rahul Gandhi had by that time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">suspended Aiyar from the party</a>.</p>


In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people's pockets.

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people's pockets. "All over the world at this time an old man with a white beard creeps in your house through chimney and puts money in your socks In India an old man with a white beard crept into your house through TV removed money from your pockets,cupboards,lockers& left you only in your socks (sic)," Tewari said in his tweet. But the Twitterati gave it back to Tewari by highlighting the scams during Congress-led UPA government's tenure. Yes you are right Tewari Satab. This old man with white beard used to rob our money in form of Coal Scam, 2G, CWG and NH scam & left us with only socks. pic.twitter.com/u53AyTVfAj — Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) December 26, 2017 × @ManishTewari is talking about this man with white beard pic.twitter.com/6DT8SV7Duj — Pavan Takkalaki (@TakkalakiPavan) December 26, 2017 × @ManishTewari ji, close your eyes for five minutes and think what you speak. PM is the santa of masses, who has revived pride, honesty & patriotism long dead/comatose in this nation — @mitbadyal (@amitbadyal96) December 26, 2017 × Tewari is the latest from Congress to face the flak for attack on PM Modi. During the campaigning for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called the PM 'neech' in response to PM's remarks against Congress leaders. Aiyar later clarified: "I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue." But the clarification came too late as Congress president Rahul Gandhi had by that time suspended Aiyar from the party.

Manish Tewari 'man in a white beard' jibe targets PM Modi, Twitterati thinks it's Manmohan

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-blistering-attack-mea-says-pakistan-heckled-kulbhushan-jadhavs-family-27755">In a blistering attack, MEA says Pakistan heckled Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s family</a></p>

<p>The statement gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries with respect to Jadhav&#39;s meeting with his family.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723">Vijay Rupani </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723">sworn</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723"> in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance</a></p>

<p>Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, took an oath of office today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/newly-elected-gujarat-cabinet-to-hold-first-meeting-tomorrow-27747">Newly-elected Gujarat cabinet to hold first meeting tomorrow</a></p>

<p>The meeting is scheduled for 10 am in Gandhinagar.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-tops-34000-for-first-time-nifty-hits-record-high-27710">Sensex tops 34,000 for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-tops-34000-for-first-time-nifty-hits-record-high-27710">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-tops-34000-for-first-time-nifty-hits-record-high-27710"> time, Nifty hits record high</a></p>

<p>Sensex and Nifty rose in early trade to scale new highs on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspected-us-drone-kills-militants-on-pakistan-afghan-border-27771">Suspected US drone kills militants on Pakistan-Afghan border</a></p>

<p>It was not immediately clear whether the missile struck on the Afghan or Pakistani side or the border.</p>


In a blistering attack, MEA says Pakistan heckled Kulbhushan Jadhav's family The statement gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries with respect to Jadhav's meeting with his family. Vijay Rupani sworn in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, took an oath of office today. Newly-elected Gujarat cabinet to hold first meeting tomorrow The meeting is scheduled for 10 am in Gandhinagar. Sensex tops 34,000 for first time, Nifty hits record high Sensex and Nifty rose in early trade to scale new highs on Tuesday morning. Suspected US drone kills militants on Pakistan-Afghan border It was not immediately clear whether the missile struck on the Afghan or Pakistani side or the border.

WION Evening News Brief, December 26, 2017

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a part of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-launches-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27654">Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line</a> which will connect Botanical Garden in Noida to Kalkaji in south Delhi. And accompanying him was Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>Adityanath&#39;s presence at the metro inauguration function was being highlighted by the media due to &#39;Noida jinx&#39;, a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position.</p>

<p>Today, as he addressed a rally in Noida after inaugurating the Magenta Line, PM Modi congratulated Yogi Adityanath for breaking the &#39;Noida jinx&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to congratulate Yogi Adityanath, he is focussing on the all-round development of Uttar Pradesh. His (saffron) clothes might create confusion that he is old school, but just by being here, Yogiji has proved that there is no place for such myths in a developed society,&quot; PM Modi said. &quot;This shows his progressive thinking.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-inaugurates-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27646"><strong>Read: Highlights of PM Modi&#39;s address</strong></a></p>

<p>Politicians who believe that by going somewhere they will lose their CM&#39;s chair, such people don&#39;t deserve to lead a state, the PM added.</p>

<p>The &#39;Noida jinx&#39; took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida.</p>

<p>Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM&#39;s chair after visiting Noida, in 1997.</p>

<p>Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.</p>


Adityanath's presence at the metro inauguration function was being highlighted by the media due to 'Noida jinx', a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a part of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line which will connect Botanical Garden in Noida to Kalkaji in south Delhi. And accompanying him was Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Adityanath's presence at the metro inauguration function was being highlighted by the media due to 'Noida jinx', a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. Today, as he addressed a rally in Noida after inaugurating the Magenta Line, PM Modi congratulated Yogi Adityanath for breaking the 'Noida jinx'. "I want to congratulate Yogi Adityanath, he is focussing on the all-round development of Uttar Pradesh. His (saffron) clothes might create confusion that he is old school, but just by being here, Yogiji has proved that there is no place for such myths in a developed society," PM Modi said. "This shows his progressive thinking." Read: Highlights of PM Modi's address Politicians who believe that by going somewhere they will lose their CM's chair, such people don't deserve to lead a state, the PM added. The 'Noida jinx' took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida. Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM's chair after visiting Noida, in 1997. Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.

Yogi Adityanath attends metro inauguration function, PM Modi praises him for breaking 'Noida jinx'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line with a ride between the Botanical Garden and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary stations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Noida: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates a stretch of the new Magenta line of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a>. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/d1K7l1URmM">pic.twitter.com/d1K7l1URmM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945196887119863808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh.</p>

<p>The prime minister&#39;s four-minute metro ride began from Botanical Garden, which is the terminal station of the Magenta Line, at 1.05 pm, and ended at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary station. Both the stations fall in Noida.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Noida: PM Narendra Modi onboard <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a> after inauguration of a stretch of the new Magenta line. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/oEzY4f66wi">pic.twitter.com/oEzY4f66wi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945197628836397056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other end of the line, for now, will be south Delhi&#39;s Kalkaji Mandir. However, by April, the entire corridor, stretching till Janakpuri West, is scheduled to be functional.</p>

<p>From the metro station, Modi proceeded to Sector 125 rally ground at Amity University where he will address a public rally.</p>


Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line with a ride between the Botanical Garden and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary stations. Noida: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates a stretch of the new Magenta line of the #DelhiMetro. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/d1K7l1URmM — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2017 × Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh. The prime minister's four-minute metro ride began from Botanical Garden, which is the terminal station of the Magenta Line, at 1.05 pm, and ended at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary station. Both the stations fall in Noida. Noida: PM Narendra Modi onboard #DelhiMetro after inauguration of a stretch of the new Magenta line. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/oEzY4f66wi — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2017 × The other end of the line, for now, will be south Delhi's Kalkaji Mandir. However, by April, the entire corridor, stretching till Janakpuri West, is scheduled to be functional. From the metro station, Modi proceeded to Sector 125 rally ground at Amity University where he will address a public rally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Delhi Metro's Magenta line

<p>Traffic Police authorities&nbsp;in Noida are all set with security arrangements ahead of the Magenta Line inauguration on December 25 at Botanical Garden.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will&nbsp;inaugurate&nbsp;the first phase of the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro.</p>

<p>District Magistrate Brajesh Narain Singh also held a meeting on Friday with district and police officers.</p>

<p>Brajesh Narain told media that a helipad has been made at the Botanical Garden.</p>

<p>A traffic advisory has also been issued by the Noida police and entry of heavy vehicles has been banned in&nbsp;parts of Noida.</p>

<p>Vehicle traffic also won&#39;t be allowed from Sector 38 Botanical Garden bus stand to Atta Chowk road.</p>

<p>The roads that remain blocked from traffic are the roads connecting to Sector 94, 124, 125 and 126.</p>

<p>The police also said that light vehicles can take the route of below the Mahamaya Flyover&nbsp;via Hajipur to reach sector 126.</p>

<p>According to the advisory, heavy vehicles entering through the Delhi-Noida-Direct Flyway, Chilla Regulator, elevated road Sector 60 and MP road to FNG (Parthla) crossing won&#39;t be allowed from 7 am to 9 pm.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi will address a public rally at the Amity University ground after the inauguration and people coming from Greater Noida to attend the rally&nbsp;can take Sector 93 cut and via service road to reach the rally site.</p>

<p>The new magenta line is a connecting&nbsp;line between Kalkaji in South Delhi to Botanical Garden, Noida.</p>

<p>After it begins for commuters, the travel&nbsp;time from south Delhi to Noida&nbsp;will&nbsp;cut down&nbsp;by 40 minutes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Heavy vehicles have been banned in?parts of Noida

Traffic Police authorities in Noida are all set with security arrangements ahead of the Magenta Line inauguration on December 25 at Botanical Garden. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro. District Magistrate Brajesh Narain Singh also held a meeting on Friday with district and police officers. Brajesh Narain told media that a helipad has been made at the Botanical Garden. A traffic advisory has also been issued by the Noida police and entry of heavy vehicles has been banned in parts of Noida. Vehicle traffic also won't be allowed from Sector 38 Botanical Garden bus stand to Atta Chowk road. The roads that remain blocked from traffic are the roads connecting to Sector 94, 124, 125 and 126. The police also said that light vehicles can take the route of below the Mahamaya Flyover via Hajipur to reach sector 126. According to the advisory, heavy vehicles entering through the Delhi-Noida-Direct Flyway, Chilla Regulator, elevated road Sector 60 and MP road to FNG (Parthla) crossing won't be allowed from 7 am to 9 pm. Prime Minister Modi will address a public rally at the Amity University ground after the inauguration and people coming from Greater Noida to attend the rally can take Sector 93 cut and via service road to reach the rally site. The new magenta line is a connecting line between Kalkaji in South Delhi to Botanical Garden, Noida. After it begins for commuters, the travel time from south Delhi to Noida will cut down by 40 minutes.

Traffic advisory issued by Noida Police ahead of Magenta line inauguration

<p>Defying the 29-year-old &#39;Noida jinx&#39;, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday evening, to take stock of the security and other preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s proposed visit to inaugurate Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta line. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath will be in Noida tomorrow also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Noida-Kalkaji Metro line&nbsp;will be inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and CM Yogi on December 25.</p>

<p>After reviewing the preparations, Yogi met homebuyers and the builders to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed possession of flats.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM&#39;s chair after visiting Noida, in 1997.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If reports are to be believed, no chief minister had stepped into the city in last decade.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position

Defying the 29-year-old 'Noida jinx', Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday evening, to take stock of the security and other preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to inaugurate Delhi Metro's Magenta line. Yogi Adityanath will be in Noida tomorrow also. The Noida-Kalkaji Metro line will be inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and CM Yogi on December 25. After reviewing the preparations, Yogi met homebuyers and the builders to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed possession of flats. There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. It took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida. Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM's chair after visiting Noida, in 1997. Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx. If reports are to be believed, no chief minister had stepped into the city in last decade.

Yogi Adityanath defies 'Noida jinx', visits city to check preparations ahead of PM Modi's visit

<p>Always giving controversial statements, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that &quot;the time he wears &#39;green&#39; everything will be green&quot; on Friday in Hyderabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Aap karen to kuch nahi, par hum jab green pehnenge to pura hara karenge ..insha allah... aur hamare hare rang ke aage koi rang nahi tikega, na Modi ka rang, na Congress ka, kisi ka rang nahi khali hamara rang rahega...hara, hara, hara...: Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad, last night <a href="https://t.co/wRhjGCu9lq">pic.twitter.com/wRhjGCu9lq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944450807755182081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Not Modi&#39;s, not Congress&#39;s only colour will stay, green green green,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The controversial AIMIM leader&nbsp;gave this statement during an event in Hyderabad on Friday evening.</p>

<p>Earlier in December Owaisi had tweeted that India&nbsp;cannot be governed on the basis of &quot;Hindi, Hindu, and Hindustan&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As an MP I have taken oath in Urdu 3 Times so is that unconstitutional and will again take in Urdu in 2019 in sha Allah<br />
India cannot be governed on the basis of Hindi Hindu Hindusthan <a href="https://t.co/inOoGLXkn3">https://t.co/inOoGLXkn3</a></p>
&mdash; Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/940833759791853568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>That time he was speaking in the context of a scuffle that had broken out in UP between a BJP and BSP members after a BSP corporator took an oath in Urdu.</p>

<p>Owaisi added that he himself has taken&nbsp;oath in Urdu as an MP and will do the same in 2019.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


?Owaisi gave this statement during an event in Hyderabad on Friday evening.

Always giving controversial statements, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that "the time he wears 'green' everything will be green" on Friday in Hyderabad. Aap karen to kuch nahi, par hum jab green pehnenge to pura hara karenge ..insha allah... aur hamare hare rang ke aage koi rang nahi tikega, na Modi ka rang, na Congress ka, kisi ka rang nahi khali hamara rang rahega...hara, hara, hara...: Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad, last night pic.twitter.com/wRhjGCu9lq — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017 × "Not Modi's, not Congress's only colour will stay, green green green," he added. The controversial AIMIM leader gave this statement during an event in Hyderabad on Friday evening. Earlier in December Owaisi had tweeted that India cannot be governed on the basis of "Hindi, Hindu, and Hindustan". As an MP I have taken oath in Urdu 3 Times so is that unconstitutional and will again take in Urdu in 2019 in sha Allah India cannot be governed on the basis of Hindi Hindu Hindusthan https://t.co/inOoGLXkn3 — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) December 13, 2017 × That time he was speaking in the context of a scuffle that had broken out in UP between a BJP and BSP members after a BSP corporator took an oath in Urdu. Owaisi added that he himself has taken oath in Urdu as an MP and will do the same in 2019.

AIMIM leader Owaisi hits out at Modi, Congress

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-time-saver-to-services-all-deets-about-delhi-metros-to-be-inaugurated-majenta-line-27166">Christmas gift for&nbsp;Delhiites by Delhi Metro</a>, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/magenta-line-psds-hi-tech-signalling-among-firsts-for-dmrc-27497">Magenta line</a> will be inaugurated on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister &nbsp;Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>According to media reports, Arvind Kejriwal has not been&nbsp;invited to the inauguration of the first phase of Magenta line Metro.</p>

<p>The event is scheduled to&nbsp;be organised in Noida, a suburb of Delhi which falls under Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a 50:50 venture between Urban Development ministry and the state government.</p>

<p>The Magenta line which runs through Noida received funds from the Uttar Pradesh government as well as from the Delhi government.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath will arrive in Delhi on Saturday, before the inauguration for a review meeting with DMRC officials and the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the inauguration the extended line of Faridabad-Badarpur metro in 2015 as well.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metros-magenta-line-to-be-inaugurated-by-modi-crashes-through-wall-on-test-run-27200">Train testing Delhi Metro&#39;s magenta line, to be inaugurated by Modi, crashes through wall</a></p>

<p>The first phase of the Magenta line, 12.64-km <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kalkaji-mandir-botanical-garden-metro-line-opens-for-public-on-christmas-27071">Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be opened for public</a>&nbsp;on Christmas&nbsp;Day.</p>

<p>The new Metro line will provide major relief to Delhiites as it will provide an additional and more direct connectivity to the commuters travelling from Noida to south Delhi as they will be able to off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk.</p>

<p>The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is an underground and the others are on the elevated platform.</p>


The event is scheduled to?organise in Noida

Christmas gift for Delhiites by Delhi Metro, the Magenta line will be inaugurated on December 25 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. According to media reports, Arvind Kejriwal has not been invited to the inauguration of the first phase of Magenta line Metro. The event is scheduled to be organised in Noida, a suburb of Delhi which falls under Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a 50:50 venture between Urban Development ministry and the state government. The Magenta line which runs through Noida received funds from the Uttar Pradesh government as well as from the Delhi government. Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath will arrive in Delhi on Saturday, before the inauguration for a review meeting with DMRC officials and the government. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was not invited to the inauguration the extended line of Faridabad-Badarpur metro in 2015 as well. Also read: Train testing Delhi Metro's magenta line, to be inaugurated by Modi, crashes through wall The first phase of the Magenta line, 12.64-km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be opened for public on Christmas Day. The new Metro line will provide major relief to Delhiites as it will provide an additional and more direct connectivity to the commuters travelling from Noida to south Delhi as they will be able to off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk. The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is an underground and the others are on the elevated platform.

PM Modi, UP CM Adityanath to flag off Magenta line, Delhi CM Kejriwal not invited: Report

<p>Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma&#39;s wedding reception at Delhi saw Prime Minister Modi in attendance. PM Modi arrived with his entourage, walked up on the stage, greeted the couple and gave them roses before posing for photos with the couple and their families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PM was personally received by Virat&#39;s brother and Anushka&#39;s father at the gate.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-IR1PATLL/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">With PM Narendra Modi..??? #virushkareception #delhi</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/viratkohli_kingdom/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> viratkohli_kingdom</a> (@viratkohli_kingdom) on <time datetime="2017-12-21T16:20:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 21, 2017 at 8:20am PST</time></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-are-the-first-photos-of-virat-and-anushka-at-their-delhi-reception-27398">Also see: The first photos from Virat and Anushka&#39;s wedding reception</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi at wedding reception of Virat Kohli &amp; Anushka Sharma in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/7JGeaGSJUN">pic.twitter.com/7JGeaGSJUN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943876899247292416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the reception had mostly relatives of the couple in attendance, there were also a few cricketers who graced the occasion. Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Gautam&nbsp;Gambhir came with their better halves.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-c7oKn9PH/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">?Glad to be part of your special day @imVkohli &amp; @AnushkaSharma! Wish you both a beautiful life ahead filled with eternal love and companionship! ?</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sureshraina3/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Suresh Raina</a> (@sureshraina3) on <time datetime="2017-12-21T19:21:00+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 21, 2017 at 11:21am PST</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-X-mpHlGT/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Always good to catch up with you both @shikhardofficial &amp; @aesha.dhawan5. Had lovely time together ??</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sureshraina3/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Suresh Raina</a> (@sureshraina3) on <time datetime="2017-12-21T18:37:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 21, 2017 at 10:37am PST</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-l8s4hyvX/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Gautam Gambhir arrives video at Virushka reception party with his wife. #viratkohli #viratkohlifc #viratkohlifanpage #viratkohliclub #viratkohli18 #viratkohlifans #viratian #viratanushka #virushka #virushkareception #anushkasharma #anushka #beautiful #bollywood #actress #cricketer #legend #handsome #love #life #nature #indian #proudindian #gautamgambhir</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bleed.virat/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> virat.kohli</a> (@bleed.virat) on <time datetime="2017-12-21T20:42:17+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 21, 2017 at 12:42pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Punjabi singer and actor, the legendary Gurdas Mann was also present at the reception and sang some of his popular numbers.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc_IKGoFC0X/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Legendary Singer Gurudas Mann blessings newly married couple... ?? &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; . ?? #marriage #virushka #viratkohli #viratanushka #virushkawedding #viratwedsanushka #anushkasharma #reception #delhi follow @virushka_lov for more updates</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/virushka_lov/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Virat and Anushka ??</a> (@virushka_lov) on <time datetime="2017-12-22T01:39:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 21, 2017 at 5:39pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Virat and Anushka looked regal in Sabyasachi Mukherjee designed attires. Virat wore a black <em>bandhgala</em>&nbsp;with an embroidered shawl and Anushka wore a red Benarasi saree for the reception.</p>


PM Modi greeted the newlyweds with flowers.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's wedding reception at Delhi saw Prime Minister Modi in attendance. PM Modi arrived with his entourage, walked up on the stage, greeted the couple and gave them roses before posing for photos with the couple and their families. The PM was personally received by Virat's brother and Anushka's father at the gate. With PM Narendra Modi..??? #virushkareception #delhi A post shared by viratkohli_kingdom (@viratkohli_kingdom) on Dec 21, 2017 at 8:20am PST × Also see: The first photos from Virat and Anushka's wedding reception Prime Minister Narendra Modi at wedding reception of Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma in Delhi pic.twitter.com/7JGeaGSJUN — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2017 × × While the reception had mostly relatives of the couple in attendance, there were also a few cricketers who graced the occasion. Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Gautam Gambhir came with their better halves. ?Glad to be part of your special day @imVkohli & @AnushkaSharma! Wish you both a beautiful life ahead filled with eternal love and companionship! ? A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Dec 21, 2017 at 11:21am PST × Always good to catch up with you both @shikhardofficial & @aesha.dhawan5. Had lovely time together ?? A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Dec 21, 2017 at 10:37am PST × Gautam Gambhir arrives video at Virushka reception party with his wife. #viratkohli #viratkohlifc #viratkohlifanpage #viratkohliclub #viratkohli18 #viratkohlifans #viratian #viratanushka #virushka #virushkareception #anushkasharma #anushka #beautiful #bollywood #actress #cricketer #legend #handsome #love #life #nature #indian #proudindian #gautamgambhir A post shared by virat.kohli (@bleed.virat) on Dec 21, 2017 at 12:42pm PST × Punjabi singer and actor, the legendary Gurdas Mann was also present at the reception and sang some of his popular numbers. Legendary Singer Gurudas Mann blessings newly married couple... ?? ————————————— . ?? #marriage #virushka #viratkohli #viratanushka #virushkawedding #viratwedsanushka #anushkasharma #reception #delhi follow @virushka_lov for more updates A post shared by Virat and Anushka ?? (@virushka_lov) on Dec 21, 2017 at 5:39pm PST × Virat and Anushka looked regal in Sabyasachi Mukherjee designed attires. Virat wore a black bandhgala with an embroidered shawl and Anushka wore a red Benarasi saree for the reception.

PM Modi, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan attend Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma's Delhi wedding reception

<p>Rajya Sabha&nbsp;got adjourned till&nbsp;11 am&nbsp;on&nbsp;December 27 amid the uproar by Congress demanding apology over the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against former prime minister Manmohan Singh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 AM on 27th December amid uproar by Congress demanding PM Modi&#39;s apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944084799999827968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress MPs also raised slogans on&nbsp;the same issue in Lok Sabha today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uproar in Lok Sabha,Congress MPs raise slogans demanding PM Modi&#39;s apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944083191752663040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Early on Friday morning, Congress had sent an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gives-adjournment-motion-notice-to-rajya-sabha-27427">adjournment motion notice</a> to Rajya Sabha under the rule 267&nbsp;of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also gave adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under the same rule.</p>

<p>Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-agrees-to-have-discussion-with-the-government-over-allegations-made-against-manmohan-singh-27177">opposition that the government</a>&nbsp;was open to discussion.&nbsp;</p>


Congress MPs also raised slogans for the same issue in Lok Sabha also

Rajya Sabha got adjourned till 11 am on December 27 amid the uproar by Congress demanding apology over the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 AM on 27th December amid uproar by Congress demanding PM Modi's apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Congress MPs also raised slogans on the same issue in Lok Sabha today. Uproar in Lok Sabha,Congress MPs raise slogans demanding PM Modi's apology for remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Early on Friday morning, Congress had sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also gave adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under the same rule. Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections. Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till Tuesday amid uproar over Modi's remark on Manmohan Singh

<p>Congress continuing its standoff&nbsp;in Parliament over Prime Minister Modi&#39;s remarks on Manmohan Singh sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha on Friday.</p>

<p>The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on PM Modi&#39;s remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh <a href="https://t.co/g5d7p9Bwdk">pic.twitter.com/g5d7p9Bwdk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944049701199888384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vice President and Speaker of Rajya Sabha will be taking a final decision on the adjournment today.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the parliament was adjourned for the day even before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">Sachin Tendulkar</a> could begin his debate on &quot;Right to Play and the future of sports in India&quot; due to the Congress outcry.</p>

<p>The Rajya Sabha had been repeatedly adjourned since Monday as the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks made by PM Modi on former PM Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Gujarat last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-over-pm-modi-remarks-against-manmohan-singh-27253">Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh</a></p>

<p>On Tuesday, the Congress also walked out of the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-agrees-to-have-discussion-with-the-government-over-allegations-made-against-manmohan-singh-27177">opposition that the government</a> was open to discussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha.

Congress continuing its standoff in Parliament over Prime Minister Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh sent an adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha on Friday. The notice was sent under the rule 267 of Rules of procedure and conduct of Business in the council of states, Rajya Sabha. Congress given adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on PM Modi's remarks against Dr.Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/g5d7p9Bwdk — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Vice President and Speaker of Rajya Sabha will be taking a final decision on the adjournment today. On Thursday, the parliament was adjourned for the day even before Sachin Tendulkar could begin his debate on "Right to Play and the future of sports in India" due to the Congress outcry. The Rajya Sabha had been repeatedly adjourned since Monday as the opposition demanding an apology for the remarks made by PM Modi on former PM Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Gujarat last week. Also read: Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh On Tuesday, the Congress also walked out of the Lok Sabha. Finance minister Arun Jaitley reportedly also assured the opposition that the government was open to discussion. Modi while campaigning in Gujarat had said Manmohan Singh, former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and former vice-president Hamid Ansari had met with the Pakistani high commissioner and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and discussed the Gujarat elections.

Congress sends adjournment motion notice to Rajya Sabha

<p>Obstacles during elections always come out of the blue. They are sudden and have the capacity to change the narrative. Election campaigns in India are far more prone to losing balance over ill-timed comments and lost-in-translation sentences. Both Kapil Sibal and Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s comments prove this theory right that an election can go off-course if organisations fail to control leaders&#39; their extra-curricular activities. It happened to BJP in Bihar when Mohan Bhagwat spoke on reservations; throughout the campaign, BJP had to explain its position on it.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
For this reason, BJP rejoiced when Congress handed over a &#39;<em>Maut Ka Saudagar</em>&#39;&nbsp;moment to them on a platter till Nana Patole, BJP MP from Gondia resigned from Lok Sabha calling BJP anti-farmers. It is too early to know about the nature and depth of the damage and whether it is <em>Maut ka Saudagar </em>part 2, it definitely tells us a few things about current politics.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite analysts making sweeping observations about highly charged urban Gujarat&rsquo;s dominance over rural issues and constituencies, economic issues have managed to find resonance in the state across the rural-urban map. It is for this reason that BJP has decided to cling to mandir and <em>neech</em> remarks because it harnesses Gujarati pride which can make them override the issue of incumbency and lack of leadership in the state post-Modi.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
On the other hand, what we see today is a different Congress. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don&rsquo;t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. Within hours, Mani Shankar Aiyyar was suspended, apology issued and BJP was asked to extend a similar courtesy to Congress when their senior leaders abuse Gandhi&rsquo;s in person. Congress did not allow the statements to assume the proportion of <em>chai par </em><em>charcha</em> which has become a hallmark of BJP&rsquo;s campaign to showcase humble origin of Narendra Modi. Despite the gaffe and BJP&rsquo;s attempt to milk it best of its ability, Gujarat tells us that same electorate can quickly see a person from a different angle within a short span of time. Indian history is replete with such examples and it should worry the government.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
For this reason, social media did not bite Rahul Gandhi in Mani-Kapil controversy.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Rahul is a dynast and not like Modi who has become Prime Minister out of his own might and will. The issue will persist till Rahul gains legitimacy through an electoral process which is a win attributable to him.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The difference this time is that Rahul Gandhi is getting sympathy from the same electorate which disliked him. The reason for is the impression that he has received more than his share of brickbats. BJP should be wary of it.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Indira Gandhi became authoritarian from being a strong leader in a very short span of time. Rajiv Gandhi from being the most honest and fresh politician became a symbol of corruption within three years. The liberal and new age Nehru was being perceived as weak and idealist within 15 years of power. Even VP Singh from being most loved became most hated within a span of 2 years. Even UPA could not escape it. Within a decade, a division of power between Sonia and Manmohan led to the emergence of the theme of PM without authority in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Rahul who has been portrayed as <em>Pappu</em> and a dynast is slowly turning into an underdog. That should worry the government even if Gujarat is retained. Though Narendra Modi was quick to change and respond to <em>suit boot ki Sarkar</em> jibe which pinned him down as pro industrialist. It is for this reason land bill is still in cold storage and PM continues to mention Ambanis and Adani in his electoral speeches.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;It remains to be seen whether BJP can recreate the magic of <em>maut</em><em> ka </em><em>saudagar</em><em> </em>moment once again. The controversy has shown that BJP wants its national campaign to remain centred around cultural nationalism and Ayodhya issue.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
During 2014, the campaign was around delivering a prosperous nation. India voted for Modi because it saw its own potential in him. The BJP&#39;s 2019 campaign script will be sealed in the Gujarat elections -- this way or that way.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


Rahul, who has been portrayed as Pappu and a dynast, is slowly turning into an underdog. That should worry the government even if Gujarat is retained

Obstacles during elections always come out of the blue. They are sudden and have the capacity to change the narrative. Election campaigns in India are far more prone to losing balance over ill-timed comments and lost-in-translation sentences. Both Kapil Sibal and Mani Shankar Aiyar's comments prove this theory right that an election can go off-course if organisations fail to control leaders' their extra-curricular activities. It happened to BJP in Bihar when Mohan Bhagwat spoke on reservations; throughout the campaign, BJP had to explain its position on it. For this reason, BJP rejoiced when Congress handed over a 'Maut Ka Saudagar' moment to them on a platter till Nana Patole, BJP MP from Gondia resigned from Lok Sabha calling BJP anti-farmers. It is too early to know about the nature and depth of the damage and whether it is Maut ka Saudagar part 2, it definitely tells us a few things about current politics. Despite analysts making sweeping observations about highly charged urban Gujarat’s dominance over rural issues and constituencies, economic issues have managed to find resonance in the state across the rural-urban map. It is for this reason that BJP has decided to cling to mandir and neech remarks because it harnesses Gujarati pride which can make them override the issue of incumbency and lack of leadership in the state post-Modi. On the other hand, what we see today is a different Congress. Politicians like Mani Shankar and Kapil Sibal enjoyed a good amount of autonomy under Sonia which I don’t think will continue under Rahul Gandhi. Within hours, Mani Shankar Aiyyar was suspended, apology issued and BJP was asked to extend a similar courtesy to Congress when their senior leaders abuse Gandhi’s in person. Congress did not allow the statements to assume the proportion of chai par charcha which has become a hallmark of BJP’s campaign to showcase humble origin of Narendra Modi. Despite the gaffe and BJP’s attempt to milk it best of its ability, Gujarat tells us that same electorate can quickly see a person from a different angle within a short span of time. Indian history is replete with such examples and it should worry the government. For this reason, social media did not bite Rahul Gandhi in Mani-Kapil controversy. Rahul is a dynast and not like Modi who has become Prime Minister out of his own might and will. The issue will persist till Rahul gains legitimacy through an electoral process which is a win attributable to him. The difference this time is that Rahul Gandhi is getting sympathy from the same electorate which disliked him. The reason for is the impression that he has received more than his share of brickbats. BJP should be wary of it. Indira Gandhi became authoritarian from being a strong leader in a very short span of time. Rajiv Gandhi from being the most honest and fresh politician became a symbol of corruption within three years. The liberal and new age Nehru was being perceived as weak and idealist within 15 years of power. Even VP Singh from being most loved became most hated within a span of 2 years. Even UPA could not escape it. Within a decade, a division of power between Sonia and Manmohan led to the emergence of the theme of PM without authority in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul who has been portrayed as Pappu and a dynast is slowly turning into an underdog. That should worry the government even if Gujarat is retained. Though Narendra Modi was quick to change and respond to suit boot ki Sarkar jibe which pinned him down as pro industrialist. It is for this reason land bill is still in cold storage and PM continues to mention Ambanis and Adani in his electoral speeches. It remains to be seen whether BJP can recreate the magic of maut ka saudagar moment once again. The controversy has shown that BJP wants its national campaign to remain centred around cultural nationalism and Ayodhya issue. During 2014, the campaign was around delivering a prosperous nation. India voted for Modi because it saw its own potential in him. The BJP's 2019 campaign script will be sealed in the Gujarat elections -- this way or that way. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Rahul, the underdog?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at booth levels across India for &quot;victory in 2019 Lok Sabha elections&quot;. The Prime Minister was speaking at BJP&#39;s parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi</p>

<p>Union minister Ananth Kumar, also present in the meeting, said that the PM also called for promotion of youth in and outside party.</p>

<p>He also urged party leaders not to be affected by the opposition&#39;s &quot;disinformation&quot; campaign against the BJP, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters.</p>

<p>Booth level work, which is the root of a poll campaign, is the mother of an election victory, Kumar quoted Modi as saying.</p>

<p>Party sources said Modi turned emotional a few times as he recalled how the party organisation was built in Gujarat and young leaders were groomed by their seniors, including former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.</p>

<p>All elected lawmakers and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-hails-gujarat-himachal-results-has-eyes-set-on-2019-27079">BJP chief Amit Shah</a> are present at the parliamentary party meet, which began at around 10 am on Wednesday.</p>

<p>One of the chief agendas to be picked up in this meeting is the chief ministerial faces of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2017-see-how-gujarat-voted-27051">Gujarat</a> and Himachal.</p>

<p>The BJP managed to pull a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-set-to-form-government-in-himachal-27056">landslide victory in Himachal Pradesh</a>, but its chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal lost his Sujanpur constituency to Congress. State BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti also lost his seat.</p>

<p>Their defeat has put a question mark on the face of the next chief minister.</p>

<p>Source told Zee News that Union minister JP Nadda and newly-elected BJP MLA Jairam Thakur are the frontrunners of Chief Minister&#39;s post.</p>

<p>Meanwhile in Gujarat, where the BJP managed to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-2017-live-results-27014">retain power for a record sixth time</a>, is mulling a course correction after losing several seats to Congress.</p>

<p>The party leadership is reportedly considering a new face to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat.</p>

<p>Among the names floating around are Textiles and Information &amp; Broadcasting (I&amp;B) Minister Smriti Irani and Union Minister of State for Road Transport &amp; Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya.</p>

<p>Irani, however, has denied being a contender for the CM&#39;s post.</p>


One of the chief agendas to be picked up in this meeting is the chief ministerial faces of Gujarat and Himachal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at booth levels across India for "victory in 2019 Lok Sabha elections". The Prime Minister was speaking at BJP's parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi Union minister Ananth Kumar, also present in the meeting, said that the PM also called for promotion of youth in and outside party. He also urged party leaders not to be affected by the opposition's "disinformation" campaign against the BJP, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters. Booth level work, which is the root of a poll campaign, is the mother of an election victory, Kumar quoted Modi as saying. Party sources said Modi turned emotional a few times as he recalled how the party organisation was built in Gujarat and young leaders were groomed by their seniors, including former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. All elected lawmakers and BJP chief Amit Shah are present at the parliamentary party meet, which began at around 10 am on Wednesday. One of the chief agendas to be picked up in this meeting is the chief ministerial faces of Gujarat and Himachal. The BJP managed to pull a landslide victory in Himachal Pradesh, but its chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal lost his Sujanpur constituency to Congress. State BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti also lost his seat. Their defeat has put a question mark on the face of the next chief minister. Source told Zee News that Union minister JP Nadda and newly-elected BJP MLA Jairam Thakur are the frontrunners of Chief Minister's post. Meanwhile in Gujarat, where the BJP managed to retain power for a record sixth time, is mulling a course correction after losing several seats to Congress. The party leadership is reportedly considering a new face to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat. Among the names floating around are Textiles and Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Smriti Irani and Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya. Irani, however, has denied being a contender for the CM's post.

Strengthen BJP at grass root level for 2019 victory: PM at parliamentary party meeting

<p>The new BJP government in Gujarat is likely to be sworn in on December 25, party sources said amid speculation that a new leader could be chosen to helm the state where it secured a narrow victory in the assembly polls.</p>

<p>December 25 has been chosen for the swearing-in as it is the birthday of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sources said.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah had announced during the campaign that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the keenly contested elections.</p>

<p>The BJP managed to retain power for a record sixth time in Gujarat, but is mulling a course correction after losing several seats to Congress.</p>

<p>The party leadership is reportedly considering a new face to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat.</p>

<p>Modi and the central parliamentary board of the party will take the final call, sources said.</p>

<p>Asked who will be the next chief minister, Rupani told reporters, &quot;The BJP fought this election in Gujarat with my face. But the final decision will be taken by the party&#39;s parliamentary board.&quot;</p>

<p>BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, securing seven seats more than the 92 needed for a simple majority, while the Congress and its allies won 80.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh inspected the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad, the likely venue of the ceremony. &quot;We have come here to inspect the stadium as the oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held here,&quot; Singh told reporters.</p>

<p>He, however, said the team will also inspect other venues like Mahatma Mandir and Sabarmati Riverfront, which has been the showpiece of the BJP&#39;s development politics. Modi had personally escorted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, besides Japanese premier Shinzo Abe and his spouse to the Sabarmati Riverfront.</p>

<p>Sources in the BJP said Modi, party chief Amit Shah as also chief ministers of BJP-ruled states are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony.</p>

<p>&quot;After the election victory, there is a process. Observers will come from Delhi and preside over the meeting of newly elected MLAs to decide on the chief minister. After the meeting, the newly elected chief minister will stake claim to form government and the oath-taking ceremony will be held,&quot; state BJP spokesperson Jagdish Bhavsar said.</p>

<p>On Monday, the BJP had announced that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and party general secretary Saroj Pandey will be the observers for the selection of the new Gujarat chief minister.</p>

<p>Observers are likely to visit Gujarat after December 21 to elect the new leader, party sources said.</p>


BJP president Amit Shah had announced during the campaign that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the keenly contested elections.

The new BJP government in Gujarat is likely to be sworn in on December 25, party sources said amid speculation that a new leader could be chosen to helm the state where it secured a narrow victory in the assembly polls. December 25 has been chosen for the swearing-in as it is the birthday of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sources said. BJP president Amit Shah had announced during the campaign that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the keenly contested elections. The BJP managed to retain power for a record sixth time in Gujarat, but is mulling a course correction after losing several seats to Congress. The party leadership is reportedly considering a new face to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat. Modi and the central parliamentary board of the party will take the final call, sources said. Asked who will be the next chief minister, Rupani told reporters, "The BJP fought this election in Gujarat with my face. But the final decision will be taken by the party's parliamentary board." BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, securing seven seats more than the 92 needed for a simple majority, while the Congress and its allies won 80. On Tuesday, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh inspected the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad, the likely venue of the ceremony. "We have come here to inspect the stadium as the oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held here," Singh told reporters. He, however, said the team will also inspect other venues like Mahatma Mandir and Sabarmati Riverfront, which has been the showpiece of the BJP's development politics. Modi had personally escorted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, besides Japanese premier Shinzo Abe and his spouse to the Sabarmati Riverfront. Sources in the BJP said Modi, party chief Amit Shah as also chief ministers of BJP-ruled states are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony. "After the election victory, there is a process. Observers will come from Delhi and preside over the meeting of newly elected MLAs to decide on the chief minister. After the meeting, the newly elected chief minister will stake claim to form government and the oath-taking ceremony will be held," state BJP spokesperson Jagdish Bhavsar said. On Monday, the BJP had announced that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and party general secretary Saroj Pandey will be the observers for the selection of the new Gujarat chief minister. Observers are likely to visit Gujarat after December 21 to elect the new leader, party sources said.

New BJP government in Gujarat likely to take oath on December 25

<p>The BJP today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not uttered a single word for which he should apologise and accused the Congress of venting the frustration of its defeat in the recent assembly polls by stalling Parliament.</p>

<p>BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back at the Congress after its leaders demanded that Modi apologise for the allegation that his predecessor Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan to influence Gujarat polls.</p>

<p>He told reporters that the opposition party should rather come clean at the dinner meeting as its leader Anand Sharma had first denied any such event before accepting it.</p>

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<h5>It was appalling, Patra claimed, that Congress had stooped to stalling Parliament</h5>
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<p>Patra alleged that Congress leaders, including its former chief Sonia Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka and many others, had humiliated Modi the multiple&nbsp;times and the opposition party never tendered an apology to him.</p>

<p>It was appalling, he claimed, that the Congress had stooped down to stalling Parliament.</p>

<p>If anyone ever humiliated Manmohan Singh, then it was Congress president Rahul Gandhi who had torn up an ordinance proposed by the UPA government and called it nonsense, he claimed.</p>

<p>&quot;Our prime minister has not uttered a single word or done any wrong for which he should apologise,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The Congress ran out of issues after people showed their support to demonetisation and the GST by voting for the BJP as it used them to stall Parliament, he said.</p>

<p>&#39;Vikas purush&#39; (man of development) had defeated the &#39;Gabbar Singh&#39; and anti-reform politics, he said, a reference to Gandhi&#39;s moniker of &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; for the GST.</p>

<p>&#39;Vikas Purush&#39; is a reference to Modi.</p>

<p>When the Monsoon Session was delayed, then the Congress accused the government of not letting Parliament work and now when the session has started, it is not letting it work, Patra claimed.&nbsp;</p>


BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Congress should come clean on its dinner meeting with Pakistani leaders

The BJP today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not uttered a single word for which he should apologise and accused the Congress of venting the frustration of its defeat in the recent assembly polls by stalling Parliament. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back at the Congress after its leaders demanded that Modi apologise for the allegation that his predecessor Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan to influence Gujarat polls. He told reporters that the opposition party should rather come clean at the dinner meeting as its leader Anand Sharma had first denied any such event before accepting it. It was appalling, Patra claimed, that Congress had stooped to stalling Parliament × Patra alleged that Congress leaders, including its former chief Sonia Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka and many others, had humiliated Modi the multiple times and the opposition party never tendered an apology to him. It was appalling, he claimed, that the Congress had stooped down to stalling Parliament. If anyone ever humiliated Manmohan Singh, then it was Congress president Rahul Gandhi who had torn up an ordinance proposed by the UPA government and called it nonsense, he claimed. "Our prime minister has not uttered a single word or done any wrong for which he should apologise," he said. The Congress ran out of issues after people showed their support to demonetisation and the GST by voting for the BJP as it used them to stall Parliament, he said. 'Vikas purush' (man of development) had defeated the 'Gabbar Singh' and anti-reform politics, he said, a reference to Gandhi's moniker of 'Gabbar Singh Tax' for the GST. 'Vikas Purush' is a reference to Modi. When the Monsoon Session was delayed, then the Congress accused the government of not letting Parliament work and now when the session has started, it is not letting it work, Patra claimed.

Congress stalling Parliament to vent frustration over poll loss: BJP

<p>With Christmas around the corner, the DMRC has announced a gift for the daily commuters this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People commuting between Noida to south Delhi will reach home early as Delhi Metro has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate its newly constructed Magenta line on December 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 12.64-km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be open for public from the same day.</p>

<p>The section will provide an additional and more direct connectivity as commuters travelling from Noida to South Delhi can get off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk.</p>

<p>The opening of this corridor is expected to bring down the travel time by approximately 40 minutes.</p>

<p>Botanical Garden which currently sees a footfall of 30,000 commuters, as the Blue Line makes a pit-stop there is expected to rise to 97,780 commuters as it turns into the first interchange station in Noida.</p>

<p>The to be inaugurated Magenta line offers its commuters to travel in the first &#39;driverless&#39; trains of Delhi Metro. It has platforms that are equipped with screen doors which function as protective barriers.</p>

<p>The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is underground and the others are elevated.</p>

<p>Nine stations which fall under this portion are - Botanical Garden, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Kalindi Kunj, Jasola Vihar-Shaheen Bagh, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla NSIC and Kalkaji Mandir.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed line on December 25

With Christmas around the corner, the DMRC has announced a gift for the daily commuters this year. People commuting between Noida to south Delhi will reach home early as Delhi Metro has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate its newly constructed Magenta line on December 25. The 12.64-km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be open for public from the same day. The section will provide an additional and more direct connectivity as commuters travelling from Noida to South Delhi can get off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk. The opening of this corridor is expected to bring down the travel time by approximately 40 minutes. Botanical Garden which currently sees a footfall of 30,000 commuters, as the Blue Line makes a pit-stop there is expected to rise to 97,780 commuters as it turns into the first interchange station in Noida. The to be inaugurated Magenta line offers its commuters to travel in the first 'driverless' trains of Delhi Metro. It has platforms that are equipped with screen doors which function as protective barriers. The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is underground and the others are elevated. Nine stations which fall under this portion are - Botanical Garden, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Kalindi Kunj, Jasola Vihar-Shaheen Bagh, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla NSIC and Kalkaji Mandir.

Delhi Metro's Christmas gift: 'Magenta line' to cut time between Noida to South Delhi

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