As India is&nbsp;set to celebrate its 68th Republic Day today, the nation will show its vibrant cultural colours.

This year, the 68th Republic Day parade will see an amalgamation of varied themes in a tribute to the nation&#39;s journey so far and big since it first became a republic.

The participating tableaux will essay themes which include &quot;Green India- Clean India&quot;, &quot;Beti Bacho Beti Padhao&quot;, &quot;Skill India&quot;, a tribute to Lokmanya Tilak on his 160th birth anniversary, art and lifestyle of Kutch, model government schools of Delhi and several others.

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Tight security in India&#39;s capital for Republic Day celebrations <a href="https://t.co/4Hbso2RT0Y">https://t.co/4Hbso2RT0Y</a> <a href="https://t.co/AJCjQvqCru">pic.twitter.com/AJCjQvqCru</a>
&mdash; Aditya Dhunna (@dhunnaaditya) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhunnaaditya/status/824476799211954176">January 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The states that will walk the parade this year includes Delhi, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and Assam.

Delhi is returning after three years. Its tableaux will showcase a model government school; highlight how the recent government initiatives have transformed the state-managed schools.

While Arunachal Pradesh&#39;s Yal dance and Tripura&#39;s tribal dance &quot;Hojagiri&quot;&nbsp;will entertain the guests, Karnataka will display its folk dance and Tamil Nadu will showcase its &quot;Karakattam&quot;&nbsp;dance.

The Punjab tableau will feature the &quot;Jago Aiya&quot; dance which is a popular dance form that takes place one night before a Punjabi wedding.

Lakshadweep will be participating after 23 years and will portray itself as an unexplored destination for &quot;adventure sport-nature tourism&quot;.

Whereas, the Haryana tableau will be based on the popular &quot;Beti Bachao Beti Padhao&quot;&nbsp;campaign.

The cultural performances include choreographed folk / tribal dances and music from across the country arranged through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from the different states/ Union Territories of the country.&nbsp;

(ANI)

Some tableaux will also showcase campaigns like 'Green India- Clean India', 'Beti Bacho Beti Padhao', 'Skill India'

As India is set to celebrate its 68th Republic Day today, the nation will show its vibrant cultural colours. This year, the 68th Republic Day parade will see an amalgamation of varied themes in a tribute to the nation's journey so far and big since it first became a republic. The participating tableaux will essay themes which include "Green India- Clean India", "Beti Bacho Beti Padhao", "Skill India", a tribute to Lokmanya Tilak on his 160th birth anniversary, art and lifestyle of Kutch, model government schools of Delhi and several others. Tight security in India's capital for Republic Day celebrations https://t.co/4Hbso2RT0Y pic.twitter.com/AJCjQvqCru — Aditya Dhunna (@dhunnaaditya) January 26, 2017 × The states that will walk the parade this year includes Delhi, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and Assam. Delhi is returning after three years. Its tableaux will showcase a model government school; highlight how the recent government initiatives have transformed the state-managed schools. While Arunachal Pradesh's Yal dance and Tripura's tribal dance "Hojagiri" will entertain the guests, Karnataka will display its folk dance and Tamil Nadu will showcase its "Karakattam" dance. The Punjab tableau will feature the "Jago Aiya" dance which is a popular dance form that takes place one night before a Punjabi wedding. Lakshadweep will be participating after 23 years and will portray itself as an unexplored destination for "adventure sport-nature tourism". Whereas, the Haryana tableau will be based on the popular "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign. The cultural performances include choreographed folk / tribal dances and music from across the country arranged through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from the different states/ Union Territories of the country. (ANI)

India to present colourful tableaux, dances in 68th Republic Day parade

US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi, the White House.

Modi becomes the fifth foreign leader Trump has spoken to since he was sworn in.

Trump phoned&nbsp;Modi at 11.30 pm (Indian Standard Time) and 1.30 pm in Washington.

Reports suggest&nbsp;Trump has invited&nbsp;India&#39;s Modi to US &#39;this year&#39;.

&quot;The two discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India in broad areas such as the economy and defence&quot;, according to a readout of the call.

An official said on condition of anonymity that they had &#39;a great conversation&#39;, according to the Hindustan Times.

After Trump surprised the world with his unexpected US election victory on November 8, Modi was among the first five world leaders to have congratulated the 70-year-old billionaire.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

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US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said

US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi, the White House. Modi becomes the fifth foreign leader Trump has spoken to since he was sworn in. Trump phoned Modi at 11.30 pm (Indian Standard Time) and 1.30 pm in Washington. Reports suggest Trump has invited India's Modi to US 'this year'. "The two discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India in broad areas such as the economy and defence", according to a readout of the call. An official said on condition of anonymity that they had 'a great conversation', according to the Hindustan Times. After Trump surprised the world with his unexpected US election victory on November 8, Modi was among the first five world leaders to have congratulated the 70-year-old billionaire. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Trump invites Modi to US 'this year'

India alone cannot walk the path of peace with Pakistan and the neighbouring country must walk away from terrorism if it wants bilateral dialogue to resume, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, amid continued chill in Indo-Pak ties.

Referring to ties with China, the Prime Minister said it was not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences but both sides should show sensitivity and respect for each other&#39;s core concerns and interests.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the three- day-long Raisina Dialogue, India&#39;s flagship geo-political conference which is being attended by top foreign and security experts from across the world.

On ties with Pakistan, Modi said the path of peace has to be Pakistan&#39;s journey as well and that India&#39;s stand in delinking terrorism from religion, and rejecting artificial distinction between good and bad terrorism, are now a global talking point.

&quot;My vision for our neighbourhood puts premium on peaceful and harmonious ties with entire South Asia. That vision had led me to invite leaders of all SAARC nations, including Pakistan, for my swearing in.

&quot;For this vision, I had also travelled to Lahore. But, India alone cannot walk the path of peace. It also has to be Pakistan&#39;s journey to make. Pakistan must walk away from terror if it wants to walk towards dialogue with India,&quot; he said.

In a veiled reference to Pakistan, he said those &quot;in our neighbourhood who support violence, perpetrate hatred, and export terror stand isolated and ignored&quot;.

In his address, Modi gave a run down of India&#39;s foreign policy priorities, security interests in the Indian Ocean and bilateral engagement with neighbouring countries, Gulf nations and major powers including the US, China and Russia.

On Sino-India ties, he said both the countries have unprecedented economic opportunities and that they can compliment each other in their march forward.

&quot;I see the rise of India &amp; China as an unprecedented economic opportunity for our two countries, and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences.

&quot;In the management of our relationship, and for the peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other&#39;s core concerns and interests,&quot; he said.

Referring to India&#39;s ties with the US, he said a certain amount of speed, substance and strength to the entire spectrum of economic, commercial and security engagements has been brought to the relationship through sustained engagement.

&quot;Over the past two-and-half years, we have given a strong momentum to our engagement with US, Russia, Japan and other major global powers,&quot; he said, delving on India&#39;s external engagement and geo-strategic interests.

Modi said India&#39;s economic and political rise represents a regional and global opportunity of great significance.

(PTI)

The prime minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day-long Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship geo-political conference

India alone cannot walk the path of peace with Pakistan and the neighbouring country must walk away from terrorism if it wants bilateral dialogue to resume, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, amid continued chill in Indo-Pak ties. Referring to ties with China, the Prime Minister said it was not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences but both sides should show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the three- day-long Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship geo-political conference which is being attended by top foreign and security experts from across the world. On ties with Pakistan, Modi said the path of peace has to be Pakistan's journey as well and that India's stand in delinking terrorism from religion, and rejecting artificial distinction between good and bad terrorism, are now a global talking point. "My vision for our neighbourhood puts premium on peaceful and harmonious ties with entire South Asia. That vision had led me to invite leaders of all SAARC nations, including Pakistan, for my swearing in. "For this vision, I had also travelled to Lahore. But, India alone cannot walk the path of peace. It also has to be Pakistan's journey to make. Pakistan must walk away from terror if it wants to walk towards dialogue with India," he said. In a veiled reference to Pakistan, he said those "in our neighbourhood who support violence, perpetrate hatred, and export terror stand isolated and ignored". In his address, Modi gave a run down of India's foreign policy priorities, security interests in the Indian Ocean and bilateral engagement with neighbouring countries, Gulf nations and major powers including the US, China and Russia. On Sino-India ties, he said both the countries have unprecedented economic opportunities and that they can compliment each other in their march forward. "I see the rise of India & China as an unprecedented economic opportunity for our two countries, and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences. "In the management of our relationship, and for the peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests," he said. Referring to India's ties with the US, he said a certain amount of speed, substance and strength to the entire spectrum of economic, commercial and security engagements has been brought to the relationship through sustained engagement. "Over the past two-and-half years, we have given a strong momentum to our engagement with US, Russia, Japan and other major global powers," he said, delving on India's external engagement and geo-strategic interests. Modi said India's economic and political rise represents a regional and global opportunity of great significance. (PTI)

Indian Prime Minister Modi tells Pakistan to abandon terrorism for bilateral dialogue to resume

The director general of the National Disaster Response Force said Sunday that two boats had capsized in Bihar.&nbsp;

RK Prachanda said that after the first boat capsized, people began to jump on to another. Because of the resulting overloading, the second boat also capsized.&nbsp;

&quot;21 bodies have been recovered so far, search and rescue operation is underway. 3 NDRF teams are at the spot. We are trying our best. We have deported three teams for the operation. It is extremely tragic incident. People were taking boats one after another. When the people realised that their boat was capsizing they tried to jump to the other boat then both the boats capsized due to over load,&quot; ANI reported him as saying.&nbsp;

The death toll now stands at 24.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Dramatic visuals of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiharBoatTragedy?src=hash">#BiharBoatTragedy</a>; 21 bodies recovered so far (Source: Amateur video) <a href="https://t.co/utiOE2SS17">pic.twitter.com/utiOE2SS17</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/820461200622223360">January 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiharBoatTragedy?src=hash">#BiharBoatTragedy</a>: Visuals of NDRF teams conducting search and rescue operations; Death toll rises to 24. <a href="https://t.co/DX7zkHwLpx">pic.twitter.com/DX7zkHwLpx</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/820477214286180354">January 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The accidents took place at Chhapra, on the Ganga, at about 6 pm on&nbsp;Saturday evening.

Authorities said the two boats were carrying about 40 people in all.

A few minors were among the victims.&nbsp;

AFP reported that the youngest survivor was a toddler.&nbsp;

Bihar chief minister NItish Kumar has ordered&nbsp;ex-gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the victims.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered ex-gratia&nbsp;payments of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 to those grievously injured.

Authorities said the boats had been ferrying passengers back from Makar Sankranti festivities on the other side of the river.&nbsp;

Rescue operations, which had been halted late last night, resumed on Sunday morning.

(WION)

Authorities say two boats capsized, the second after survivors from the first tried to climb into it

The director general of the National Disaster Response Force said Sunday that two boats had capsized in Bihar. RK Prachanda said that after the first boat capsized, people began to jump on to another. Because of the resulting overloading, the second boat also capsized. "21 bodies have been recovered so far, search and rescue operation is underway. 3 NDRF teams are at the spot. We are trying our best. We have deported three teams for the operation. It is extremely tragic incident. People were taking boats one after another. When the people realised that their boat was capsizing they tried to jump to the other boat then both the boats capsized due to over load," ANI reported him as saying. The death toll now stands at 24. #WATCH: Dramatic visuals of #BiharBoatTragedy; 21 bodies recovered so far (Source: Amateur video) pic.twitter.com/utiOE2SS17 — ANI (@ANI_news) January 15, 2017 × #BiharBoatTragedy: Visuals of NDRF teams conducting search and rescue operations; Death toll rises to 24. pic.twitter.com/DX7zkHwLpx — ANI (@ANI_news) January 15, 2017 × The accidents took place at Chhapra, on the Ganga, at about 6 pm on Saturday evening. Authorities said the two boats were carrying about 40 people in all. A few minors were among the victims. AFP reported that the youngest survivor was a toddler. Bihar chief minister NItish Kumar has ordered ex-gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 to those grievously injured. Authorities said the boats had been ferrying passengers back from Makar Sankranti festivities on the other side of the river. Rescue operations, which had been halted late last night, resumed on Sunday morning. (WION)

India: Death toll in Bihar boat tragedy climbs to 24

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished all soldiers, veterans and their families on the occasion of Army Day.

&quot;Greetings to all soldiers, veterans &amp; their families on Army Day.&nbsp;We salute the courage &amp; invaluable service of the Indian Army,&quot; Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Applauding the Indian Army for its courage and valour, the Prime Minister said it has always protected the sovereignty of India.

&quot;Indian Army always leads from the front, be it in protecting the sovereignty of our nation or helping citizens during natural disasters,&quot; he tweeted.

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Indian Army always leads from the front, be it in protecting the sovereignty of our nation or helping citizens during natural disasters.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/820439765732339713">January 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Remember the sacrifices made by the army, Prime Minister Modi said they put their lives at risk so that the citizens can live peacefully.

&quot;We remember with great pride all the sacrifices made by our Army. They put their lives at risk so that 125 crore Indians live peacefully,&quot; his tweet read.

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We remember with great pride all the sacrifices made by our Army. They put their lives at risk so that 125 crore Indians live peacefully.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/820439886826074112">January 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year, in recognition of Lieutenant General KM Cariappa&#39;s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

(ANI)

Modi said the Indian Army has always protected the sovereignty of India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished all soldiers, veterans and their families on the occasion of Army Day. "Greetings to all soldiers, veterans & their families on Army Day. We salute the courage & invaluable service of the Indian Army," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Applauding the Indian Army for its courage and valour, the Prime Minister said it has always protected the sovereignty of India. "Indian Army always leads from the front, be it in protecting the sovereignty of our nation or helping citizens during natural disasters," he tweeted. Indian Army always leads from the front, be it in protecting the sovereignty of our nation or helping citizens during natural disasters. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2017 × Remember the sacrifices made by the army, Prime Minister Modi said they put their lives at risk so that the citizens can live peacefully. "We remember with great pride all the sacrifices made by our Army. They put their lives at risk so that 125 crore Indians live peacefully," his tweet read. We remember with great pride all the sacrifices made by our Army. They put their lives at risk so that 125 crore Indians live peacefully. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2017 × Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year, in recognition of Lieutenant General KM Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. (ANI)

India: Prime Minister Modi salutes courage and service of soldiers on Army Day

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress over its remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s photo on Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) calendar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the former of suffering from &quot;Modi-phobia&quot;, adding that it hates Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

&quot;Congress and other parties are bankrupt in terms of issues... Congress is suffering from Modi-phobia. They hate the Prime Minister,&quot; BJP leader Shrikant Sharma told ANI.

Drawing a parallel between the ruling party and the former ruling regime, Sharma said Prime Minister Modi has always promoted Khadi and Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s views, whereas, the Congress had only insulted the Father of the Nation and used him to loot the country.

&quot;Prime Minister Modi has always promoted Khadi, and it is his efforts only that the sale of Khadi has increased so much...Nobody can replace Gandhiji, he is our icon. We are only pursuing Gandhiji&#39;s ideas. He wanted upliftment of the poor and that is what we are working towards. Congress used Gandhiji only to loot the nation. It is Congress which has insulted Gandhiji. We are only giving him respect,&quot; said Sharma.

Toeing the same sentiments, another BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also alleged the Congress of using Mahatma Gandhi for political benefit. &quot;Earlier when other faces also appeared on the calendar then Congress didn&#39;t have a problem with it. Now, this is issue being raised for political benefit. But, people understand everything. Some people used Gandhi ji for their party benefit, but Prime Minister is using Gandhi ji&#39;s views for the betterment of the country,&quot; Hussain told ANI.

In a big development, Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s picture weaving khadi on a simple charkha, wearing his trademark cloth has been replaced by Prime Minister Modi&#39;s picture in the same classic pose as that of the former in the KVIC diary and calendar. However, it took a new turn on Friday as sources said the calendar never featured the picture of Father of the Nation.

Sources added there was no question of replacing Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s picture with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &quot;There was no picture of Mahatma Gandhi on KVIC diary or calendar in the year 1996, 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, so there is no question of replacing his picture with that of Modi,&quot; said sources.

(ANI)

The party says Prime Minister Modi has always promoted khadi, and Gandhi's views

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress over its remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photo on Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) calendar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the former of suffering from "Modi-phobia", adding that it hates Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Congress and other parties are bankrupt in terms of issues... Congress is suffering from Modi-phobia. They hate the Prime Minister," BJP leader Shrikant Sharma told ANI. Drawing a parallel between the ruling party and the former ruling regime, Sharma said Prime Minister Modi has always promoted Khadi and Mahatma Gandhi's views, whereas, the Congress had only insulted the Father of the Nation and used him to loot the country. "Prime Minister Modi has always promoted Khadi, and it is his efforts only that the sale of Khadi has increased so much...Nobody can replace Gandhiji, he is our icon. We are only pursuing Gandhiji's ideas. He wanted upliftment of the poor and that is what we are working towards. Congress used Gandhiji only to loot the nation. It is Congress which has insulted Gandhiji. We are only giving him respect," said Sharma. Toeing the same sentiments, another BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also alleged the Congress of using Mahatma Gandhi for political benefit. "Earlier when other faces also appeared on the calendar then Congress didn't have a problem with it. Now, this is issue being raised for political benefit. But, people understand everything. Some people used Gandhi ji for their party benefit, but Prime Minister is using Gandhi ji's views for the betterment of the country," Hussain told ANI. In a big development, Mahatma Gandhi's picture weaving khadi on a simple charkha, wearing his trademark cloth has been replaced by Prime Minister Modi's picture in the same classic pose as that of the former in the KVIC diary and calendar. However, it took a new turn on Friday as sources said the calendar never featured the picture of Father of the Nation. Sources added there was no question of replacing Mahatma Gandhi's picture with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "There was no picture of Mahatma Gandhi on KVIC diary or calendar in the year 1996, 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, so there is no question of replacing his picture with that of Modi," said sources. (ANI)

Modi vs Khadi: Congress suffering from 'Modi-phobia', says BJP

The Indian government&#39;s think tank Niti Aayog will soon set up an expert panel to arrive at a new poverty line, according to an official.

&quot;We have said that we needed an expert committee to look at poverty line as most states are not much in sync with each other... We have not formed an expert committee yet but soon we will set up an expert committee to look at poverty line,&quot; said a senior government official.

Pursuant to the decision taken at the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 8, 2015, a Task Force on Elimination of&nbsp;Poverty in India was constituted by NITI Aayog on March 16, 2015 under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya, vice chairman, NITI Aayog.

The report of the Task Force was submitted to the Prime Minister on July 11, 2016.

It recommended setting up of an expert committee to arrive at an informed decision on the level at which the poverty line should be set because &#39;a consensus in favour of either the Tendulkar or a higher poverty line&#39; did not emerge.

The current poverty estimates are based on the methodology recommended by the Expert Group under the chairmanship of Suresh D Tendulkar in 2009.

According the Tendulkar committee methodology, those whose daily consumption of goods and services exceeds Rs&nbsp;33.33&nbsp;(0.49 US Dollar)&nbsp;in cities and Rs 27.20&nbsp;(0.4 US Dollar) in villages are not poor.

As per these numbers, only 22 per cent of the people can be classified as poor in the country.

(PTI)

The expert committee that will be formed will look at arriving at a new poverty line

The Indian government's think tank Niti Aayog will soon set up an expert panel to arrive at a new poverty line, according to an official. "We have said that we needed an expert committee to look at poverty line as most states are not much in sync with each other... We have not formed an expert committee yet but soon we will set up an expert committee to look at poverty line," said a senior government official. Pursuant to the decision taken at the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 8, 2015, a Task Force on Elimination of Poverty in India was constituted by NITI Aayog on March 16, 2015 under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya, vice chairman, NITI Aayog. The report of the Task Force was submitted to the Prime Minister on July 11, 2016. It recommended setting up of an expert committee to arrive at an informed decision on the level at which the poverty line should be set because 'a consensus in favour of either the Tendulkar or a higher poverty line' did not emerge. The current poverty estimates are based on the methodology recommended by the Expert Group under the chairmanship of Suresh D Tendulkar in 2009. According the Tendulkar committee methodology, those whose daily consumption of goods and services exceeds Rs 33.33 (0.49 US Dollar) in cities and Rs 27.20 (0.4 US Dollar) in villages are not poor. As per these numbers, only 22 per cent of the people can be classified as poor in the country. (PTI)

Indian govt think-tank NITI Aayog to set up panel on poverty line

The image of India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and not Mahatma Gandhi, dons the cover of table diaries and wall calendars printed by an Indian government-controlled khadi commission, a move that has sparked widespread public criticism.

The government-controlled Khadi and Village Industries Commission&#39;s decision seems surprising because Mahatma Gandhi, the figurehead of India&#39;s independence movement, had imbued special significance to khadi and the country&#39;s freedom struggle. Khadi, a handspun fabric primarily made of cotton, was introduced by Gandhi as a political weapon against Britain&#39;s rule in 1920. &nbsp;

Unlike previous years, KVIC calendars and diaries have replaced the symbolic image of Gandhi weaving khadi on a charkha (spinning wheel) with Modi working on a modern version of the charkha, according to The Economic Times.

The sudden change has been widely condemned on Twitter, with users calling the move &#39;disgusting&#39; and expressing alarm over the upending of the annual tradition.

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> Replaces Mahatma Gandhi in Khadi Udyog calender. 
 
&quot;???? ??? ??? ??? ??......!&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/dilipkpandey">@dilipkpandey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AnkitLal">@AnkitLal</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jq0AUnWKJW">pic.twitter.com/Jq0AUnWKJW</a>
&mdash; Sourabh Jain ???? (@SourabhJainIET) <a href="https://twitter.com/SourabhJainIET/status/819482395434950656">January 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Sourabh Jain sardonically tweets in Hindi that &quot;his country is changing&quot;.

Karuna Sanghvi (her Twitter handle being @karunasanghvi) was more scathing, saying it is the &quot;biggest insult to Indian nation (sic) and its values&quot;. Other tweets were on similar lines, denouncing KVIC&#39;s decision.

KVIC was formed by the federal government in 1956 to facilitate development of khadi and village industries.

Khadi retains its importance in modern India because it is a labour-intensive industry, a characteristic that suits the country, which boasts of having a population of 1.3 billion.

The federal government keeps providing rebates to the sector. It assists the khadi industry by allowing 10 per cent rebate throughout the year and an additional 10 per cent rebate for 108 days of the year to stimulate the sector&#39;s growth and keep the fabric competitive in the market.

(WION)

&nbsp;

The decision taken by Khadi and Village Industries Commission, an agency formed by the Indian government, has been censured on Twitter

The image of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and not Mahatma Gandhi, dons the cover of table diaries and wall calendars printed by an Indian government-controlled khadi commission, a move that has sparked widespread public criticism. The government-controlled Khadi and Village Industries Commission's decision seems surprising because Mahatma Gandhi, the figurehead of India's independence movement, had imbued special significance to khadi and the country's freedom struggle. Khadi, a handspun fabric primarily made of cotton, was introduced by Gandhi as a political weapon against Britain's rule in 1920. Unlike previous years, KVIC calendars and diaries have replaced the symbolic image of Gandhi weaving khadi on a charkha (spinning wheel) with Modi working on a modern version of the charkha, according to The Economic Times. The sudden change has been widely condemned on Twitter, with users calling the move 'disgusting' and expressing alarm over the upending of the annual tradition. PM @narendramodi Replaces Mahatma Gandhi in Khadi Udyog calender. "???? ??? ??? ??? ??......!"@dilipkpandey @AnkitLal pic.twitter.com/Jq0AUnWKJW — Sourabh Jain ???? (@SourabhJainIET) January 12, 2017 × Sourabh Jain sardonically tweets in Hindi that "his country is changing". Karuna Sanghvi (her Twitter handle being @karunasanghvi) was more scathing, saying it is the "biggest insult to Indian nation (sic) and its values". Other tweets were on similar lines, denouncing KVIC's decision. KVIC was formed by the federal government in 1956 to facilitate development of khadi and village industries. Khadi retains its importance in modern India because it is a labour-intensive industry, a characteristic that suits the country, which boasts of having a population of 1.3 billion. The federal government keeps providing rebates to the sector. It assists the khadi industry by allowing 10 per cent rebate throughout the year and an additional 10 per cent rebate for 108 days of the year to stimulate the sector's growth and keep the fabric competitive in the market. (WION)

Modi replaces Mahatma Gandhi in govt-controlled khadi agency's diary, calendar

The family of an Indian soldier&nbsp;say he is being coerced to offer an apology for putting up videos on YouTube complaining of poor quality food being served to soldiers deployed along the India-Pakistan border, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s office has asked the home ministry to look into the matter.

Border Security Force soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav published a video on January 8&nbsp;complaining about the quality and quantity of food provided to soldiers who are manning the Indian border.

&quot;We are on duty for 11 hours in extreme weather conditions. But sometimes we have to sleep on empty stomachs. But our anguish has neither been heard by the government nor has the media covered our plight,&quot; Yadav had said in one of the four videos posted on&nbsp;YouTube between January 8 and 9.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wpcGF0p_whc" width="560"></iframe>

(The video is in Hindi)

In another video, he shows the quality of food served to them. He further said they were being forced to have the same food for the last ten days.

Yadav&#39;s wife Sharmila claimed that her husband was being forced to apologise. &quot;He told me that he is being pressurised to take the complaint back and apologise,&rdquo; she said, later adding that her husband had the right to demand better food.

On the other hand, the BSF say that Yadav has been on the verge of being ejected from the forces for drinking and insubordination.

But Yadav&#39;s wife believes his reputation is being blemished now for laying bare the realities in border camps. &quot;To say that he has a mental problem is wrong. If this was true, why was he sent to the border and was put on duty? Why was he not sent for treatment?&rdquo; she asked.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO) on Thursday asked the home ministry to initiate an inquiry, a day after India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh promised to take&nbsp;&quot;appropriate action&quot; to be taken in this matter.

The BSF filed an interim report to the defence ministry on Wednesday, stating that the food provided were in accordance with procedures followed at high-altitude centres. The BSF is yet to audit the procurement of its ration.

Later in the day, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said he personally monitors quality of food served to the army and has ordered serving of only FSSAI-approved chicken. 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)

&nbsp;

Tej Bahadur Yadav had uploaded four clips complaining of poor quality of food being served to soldiers deployed along India-Pakistan border

The family of an Indian soldier say he is being coerced to offer an apology for putting up videos on YouTube complaining of poor quality food being served to soldiers deployed along the India-Pakistan border, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office has asked the home ministry to look into the matter. Border Security Force soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav published a video on January 8 complaining about the quality and quantity of food provided to soldiers who are manning the Indian border. "We are on duty for 11 hours in extreme weather conditions. But sometimes we have to sleep on empty stomachs. But our anguish has neither been heard by the government nor has the media covered our plight," Yadav had said in one of the four videos posted on YouTube between January 8 and 9. (The video is in Hindi) In another video, he shows the quality of food served to them. He further said they were being forced to have the same food for the last ten days. Yadav's wife Sharmila claimed that her husband was being forced to apologise. "He told me that he is being pressurised to take the complaint back and apologise,” she said, later adding that her husband had the right to demand better food. On the other hand, the BSF say that Yadav has been on the verge of being ejected from the forces for drinking and insubordination. But Yadav's wife believes his reputation is being blemished now for laying bare the realities in border camps. "To say that he has a mental problem is wrong. If this was true, why was he sent to the border and was put on duty? Why was he not sent for treatment?” she asked. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Thursday asked the home ministry to initiate an inquiry, a day after India's home minister Rajnath Singh promised to take "appropriate action" to be taken in this matter. The BSF filed an interim report to the defence ministry on Wednesday, stating that the food provided were in accordance with procedures followed at high-altitude centres. The BSF is yet to audit the procurement of its ration. Later in the day, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said he personally monitors quality of food served to the army and has ordered serving of only FSSAI-approved chicken. (WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)

Indian soldier complaining of bad food 'forced to say sorry' as PM Modi orders probe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the four-day-long Vibrant Gujarat summit, was optimistic about the growth potential of &nbsp;the country&#39;s economy despite the global slowdown.&nbsp;

The prime minister said creating an enabling environment for business and attracting investments was&nbsp;his top priority. &quot;We have placed the highest emphasis on ease of doing business,&quot; he said. &quot;My government is strongly committed to continue the reform of the Indian economy.&quot;&nbsp;He also said the total FDI inflows since May 2014 had touched $130 billion, reflecting confidence of foreign investors in Indian economy.&nbsp;

He also emphasised the government&#39;s thrust towards the digitisation of the economy and implementing e-governance in a big way. &quot;Believe me, we are on a threshold of becoming the world&#39;s most digitised economy,&quot; an upbeat Modi said at the summit.

The prime minister also met several delegates from various nations, including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit held in Gandhinagar, the capital of Indian state Gujarat.

The summit, held once every two years, was launched in 2003 by PM Modi while he was chief minister of Gujarat.&nbsp;

Here are the highlights from PM Modi&#39;s speech:

<ul>
	<li>India has become the fastest growing major economy in the world: PM Modi</li>
	<li>Despite the global slow down we have registered excellent growth. India is a bright spot in the global economy: PM Modi</li>
	<li>My government is strongly committed to continue reforms of the Indian economy: PM Modi</li>
	<li>Have placed highest emphasis on ease of doing business: PM Modi</li>
	<li>It is our vision and mission to bring a paradigm shift in our policies and economy: PM Modi</li>
	<li>We are monitoring implementation of hundreds of action points across various sectors, aimed at improving the regulatory framework: PM Modi</li>
	<li>This is part of our promise of good governance: PM Modi</li>
	<li>We have become 6th largest manufacturing country in the world: PM Modi</li>
	<li>Every day, we are further rationalising our policies and procedures, to make it simple for businesses to establish and grow: PM Modi</li>
	<li>We have liberalised our FDI regime in many sectors and in various ways: PM Modi</li>
	<li>India is today among the most open economies: PM Modi</li>
	<li>&#39;Make in India&#39;&nbsp;has become the biggest brand that India ever had: PM Modi</li>
	<li>We are keen to promote tourism in a big way and this needs tourism infrastructure: PM Modi&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Believe me, we are on a threshold of becoming the world&#39;s most digitised economy: PM Modi</li>
	<li>In doing this, digital technology has played a key role. I often say that e-governance is easy and effective governance: PM Modi</li>
	<li>Over last two-and-a-half years, we&#39;ve also evolved a culture of healthy competition among states, being rated on parameters on good governance: PM Modi</li>
	<li>Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also represents the business spirit of India: PM&nbsp;Modi</li>
	<li>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The prime minister was speaking at the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gujarat capital Gandhinagar

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the four-day-long Vibrant Gujarat summit, was optimistic about the growth potential of the country's economy despite the global slowdown. The prime minister said creating an enabling environment for business and attracting investments was his top priority. "We have placed the highest emphasis on ease of doing business," he said. "My government is strongly committed to continue the reform of the Indian economy." He also said the total FDI inflows since May 2014 had touched $130 billion, reflecting confidence of foreign investors in Indian economy. He also emphasised the government's thrust towards the digitisation of the economy and implementing e-governance in a big way. "Believe me, we are on a threshold of becoming the world's most digitised economy," an upbeat Modi said at the summit. The prime minister also met several delegates from various nations, including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit held in Gandhinagar, the capital of Indian state Gujarat. The summit, held once every two years, was launched in 2003 by PM Modi while he was chief minister of Gujarat. Here are the highlights from PM Modi's speech: India has become the fastest growing major economy in the world: PM Modi Despite the global slow down we have registered excellent growth. India is a bright spot in the global economy: PM Modi My government is strongly committed to continue reforms of the Indian economy: PM Modi Have placed highest emphasis on ease of doing business: PM Modi It is our vision and mission to bring a paradigm shift in our policies and economy: PM Modi We are monitoring implementation of hundreds of action points across various sectors, aimed at improving the regulatory framework: PM Modi This is part of our promise of good governance: PM Modi We have become 6th largest manufacturing country in the world: PM Modi Every day, we are further rationalising our policies and procedures, to make it simple for businesses to establish and grow: PM Modi We have liberalised our FDI regime in many sectors and in various ways: PM Modi India is today among the most open economies: PM Modi 'Make in India' has become the biggest brand that India ever had: PM Modi We are keen to promote tourism in a big way and this needs tourism infrastructure: PM Modi Believe me, we are on a threshold of becoming the world's most digitised economy: PM Modi In doing this, digital technology has played a key role. I often say that e-governance is easy and effective governance: PM Modi Over last two-and-a-half years, we've also evolved a culture of healthy competition among states, being rated on parameters on good governance: PM Modi Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also represents the business spirit of India: PM Modi (WION with inputs from agencies)

India a bright spot in the global economy, fastest growing economy in world: PM Modi at summit

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament can call Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of demonetisation if it is not satisfied with the answers given by top finance ministry officials and the RBI Governor Urjit Patel, to whom a detailed questionnaire has been sent.

A PAC meeting on this issue has been called on January 20th, in which the Reserve Bank of Indian (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel, Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa and Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das will be present.

&quot;We have not yet received answers for the questions we have sent to them. They will reply few days before the January 20th meeting. Their replies will be discussed in detail,&quot; PAC Chairman and senior Congress leader K V Thomas told PTI.

Asked if the PAC would call the Prime Minister if replies were not satisfactory, he said: &quot;The committee has all right to 
call anybody involved in the matter. But that will depend on the outcome of the January 20th meeting. We can call PM on demonetisation issue if members unanimously decide.&quot;

In a meeting with the PM after demonetisation announcement made on November 8, Thomas said, &quot;I had met him and he said that the situation will be normal after 50 days by December-end. But it does not looks like&quot;.

So, PAC decided to call the top officials involved in the decision making process this month, he said, adding that the demonetisation has impacted the country&#39;s economy.

&quot;The PM is misleading the country to satisfy his ego. He is trying to justify his wrong decisions. He has done in a callous manner by introducing Rs 2,000 notes,&quot; he said.

&quot;In a country where there is a call drop problem and telecom facilities are not smooth, how can PM expect e-transactions would take place on mobiles. Do we have sufficient infrastructure?&quot; he questioned.

Asked what kind of questionnaire been sent to the RBI chief and top finance ministry officials, Thomas said that the PAC has raised questions on all aspects of demonetisation.

Among key questions sought are:&nbsp;Who were involved in the decision-making, how much money has come back into banks after demonetisation, is there a law that can restrict people&#39;s access their money, how much money has been pumped back into the system, if black money issue has been addressed and the impact on the economy and poor.

The PAC, which scrutinises the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), takes suo motu note of the important matters.

(PTI)

If unsatisfied with answers given by RBI Governor Urjit Patel to a detailed questionnaire on demonetisation, Modi himself will be called on

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament can call Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of demonetisation if it is not satisfied with the answers given by top finance ministry officials and the RBI Governor Urjit Patel, to whom a detailed questionnaire has been sent. A PAC meeting on this issue has been called on January 20th, in which the Reserve Bank of Indian (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel, Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa and Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das will be present. "We have not yet received answers for the questions we have sent to them. They will reply few days before the January 20th meeting. Their replies will be discussed in detail," PAC Chairman and senior Congress leader K V Thomas told PTI. Asked if the PAC would call the Prime Minister if replies were not satisfactory, he said: "The committee has all right to call anybody involved in the matter. But that will depend on the outcome of the January 20th meeting. We can call PM on demonetisation issue if members unanimously decide." In a meeting with the PM after demonetisation announcement made on November 8, Thomas said, "I had met him and he said that the situation will be normal after 50 days by December-end. But it does not looks like". So, PAC decided to call the top officials involved in the decision making process this month, he said, adding that the demonetisation has impacted the country's economy. "The PM is misleading the country to satisfy his ego. He is trying to justify his wrong decisions. He has done in a callous manner by introducing Rs 2,000 notes," he said. "In a country where there is a call drop problem and telecom facilities are not smooth, how can PM expect e-transactions would take place on mobiles. Do we have sufficient infrastructure?" he questioned. Asked what kind of questionnaire been sent to the RBI chief and top finance ministry officials, Thomas said that the PAC has raised questions on all aspects of demonetisation. Among key questions sought are: Who were involved in the decision-making, how much money has come back into banks after demonetisation, is there a law that can restrict people's access their money, how much money has been pumped back into the system, if black money issue has been addressed and the impact on the economy and poor. The PAC, which scrutinises the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), takes suo motu note of the important matters. (PTI)

Demonetisation: Parliamentary committee may summon Indian PM Narendra Modi

India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasised the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of the country and thanked them for supporting the Indian government in its steps against corruption and black money.

PM Modi, who was speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, lauded&nbsp;overseas Indians for their role in the country&#39;s development. He&nbsp;said they had made an &quot;invaluable contribution&quot; to the Indian economy by investing over 69 billion US dollars by way of remittances.

&quot;We welcome all your efforts that seek to strengthen India&#39;s partnership with the overseas Indian community,&quot; he said.

&quot;For me, FDI has two definitions &mdash; one is &#39;Foreign Direct Investment&#39; and the other is &#39;First Develop India&#39;,&quot; the prime minister added. &quot;I can say with full confidence that 21st century belongs to India.&quot;

Modi also said engagement with overseas Indian community was a key area of priority for the government. &quot;We want to change brain drain to brain gain,&quot; the PM said. He said the government will soon launch a skill development programme, &quot;Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojna,&quot; for the Indian youth seeking employment abroad.

The prime minister also welcomed efforts of the Indian diaspora to strengthen the country&#39;s partnership with the overseas Indian community.&quot;We don&#39;t see the colour of the passports, but the relations written by blood which matter the most.&quot;&nbsp;

Modi said the Indian diaspora represented the best of Indian culture, ethos and values.

&quot;The true identity of this event is you, the overseas Indians. It is a matter of pride for us that you all are here to attend this. There are over 30 million overseas Indians living abroad. They are not just respected for their numbers, but for the contributions they make,&quot; he said.

&quot;They are role models for immigrants from other backgrounds and countries. They take our values and culture wherever they go. The Indian diaspora have contributed their best towards progress in that country,&quot; he added.

PM Modi said those terming the government&#39;s demonetisation move as anti-people&#39; were the &quot;political worshippers&quot; of graft and black money which were making the economy, polity and society hollow.

&quot;Friends you know we have undertaken a big responsibilty in fighting black money and corruption... Black money and corruption have gradually made our polity, economy, society and the country hollow.

&quot;It is unfortunate that there are some &quot;political worshippers&quot;&nbsp;(rajnaitik pujari) of black money who term our actions against it as anti-people,&quot; Modi said at the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an annual event to mark the contribution of the overseas Indians.

&quot;It is very saddening to see some black money supporters maligning the moves against corruption,&quot; he added.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas provides a platform to overseas Indians to engage with the government on issues of concern to the diaspora and to explore opportunities for investment in India. The event also provides an opportunity to overseas Indians to network with other overseas Indians residing in various parts of the world.

Modi also encouraged Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) to convert their PIO Cards into OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards.&quot;We have extended the deadline for PIO card conversions to OCI from 31 December 2016, until June 30, 2017 without any penalty,&quot; PM Modi said.&nbsp;

He also said that, starting with Mauritius, the government was working to put in place procedures so that descendants of various Indian communities could become eligible for OCI cards, by addressing the difficulties of PIOs in Fiji, Reunion Islands, Suriname, Guyana and other Caribbean States.

Noting that the Indian diaspora represented the best of Indian culture, ethos and values and was respected for its contributions, Modi said the welfare and safety of all Indians abroad was his government&#39;s &quot;top priority&quot;.

&quot;The security of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost importance to us...Security of all Indians abroad is top priority,&quot; he said.

More than 6,000 delegates from across the world registered for the event at India&#39;s IT capital.&nbsp;

The convention is being held biennially for the first time instead of earlier annual versions.&nbsp;

President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on January 9, the concluding day.

Vice-President of Suriname Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin was the special guest at the Youth PBD yesterday, in which he highlighted India&#39;s potential to be a &quot;Vishwa Guru&quot; (world leader) once again. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Modi, who was speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, said overseas Indians remitted $69 bn annually to the Indian economy

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasised the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of the country and thanked them for supporting the Indian government in its steps against corruption and black money. PM Modi, who was speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, lauded overseas Indians for their role in the country's development. He said they had made an "invaluable contribution" to the Indian economy by investing over 69 billion US dollars by way of remittances. "We welcome all your efforts that seek to strengthen India's partnership with the overseas Indian community," he said. "For me, FDI has two definitions — one is 'Foreign Direct Investment' and the other is 'First Develop India'," the prime minister added. "I can say with full confidence that 21st century belongs to India." Modi also said engagement with overseas Indian community was a key area of priority for the government. "We want to change brain drain to brain gain," the PM said. He said the government will soon launch a skill development programme, "Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojna," for the Indian youth seeking employment abroad. The prime minister also welcomed efforts of the Indian diaspora to strengthen the country's partnership with the overseas Indian community."We don't see the colour of the passports, but the relations written by blood which matter the most." Modi said the Indian diaspora represented the best of Indian culture, ethos and values. "The true identity of this event is you, the overseas Indians. It is a matter of pride for us that you all are here to attend this. There are over 30 million overseas Indians living abroad. They are not just respected for their numbers, but for the contributions they make," he said. "They are role models for immigrants from other backgrounds and countries. They take our values and culture wherever they go. The Indian diaspora have contributed their best towards progress in that country," he added. PM Modi said those terming the government's demonetisation move as anti-people' were the "political worshippers" of graft and black money which were making the economy, polity and society hollow. "Friends you know we have undertaken a big responsibilty in fighting black money and corruption... Black money and corruption have gradually made our polity, economy, society and the country hollow. "It is unfortunate that there are some "political worshippers" (rajnaitik pujari) of black money who term our actions against it as anti-people," Modi said at the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an annual event to mark the contribution of the overseas Indians. "It is very saddening to see some black money supporters maligning the moves against corruption," he added. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas provides a platform to overseas Indians to engage with the government on issues of concern to the diaspora and to explore opportunities for investment in India. The event also provides an opportunity to overseas Indians to network with other overseas Indians residing in various parts of the world. Modi also encouraged Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) to convert their PIO Cards into OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards."We have extended the deadline for PIO card conversions to OCI from 31 December 2016, until June 30, 2017 without any penalty," PM Modi said. He also said that, starting with Mauritius, the government was working to put in place procedures so that descendants of various Indian communities could become eligible for OCI cards, by addressing the difficulties of PIOs in Fiji, Reunion Islands, Suriname, Guyana and other Caribbean States. Noting that the Indian diaspora represented the best of Indian culture, ethos and values and was respected for its contributions, Modi said the welfare and safety of all Indians abroad was his government's "top priority". "The security of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost importance to us...Security of all Indians abroad is top priority," he said. More than 6,000 delegates from across the world registered for the event at India's IT capital. The convention is being held biennially for the first time instead of earlier annual versions. President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on January 9, the concluding day. Vice-President of Suriname Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin was the special guest at the Youth PBD yesterday, in which he highlighted India's potential to be a "Vishwa Guru" (world leader) once again. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Overseas Indians respected for contributions they make: PM Modi to Indian diaspora

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s office has decided to make public the decisions taken by the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council (NAC) set up by the first UPA government in 2004 to advise then PM Manmohan Singh, Indian daily <a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/590434/centre-make-nac-files-public.html">Deccan Herrald</a> reported.

Around 700 files containing details of the NAC meetings will &quot;establish&quot; that it was Congress president Sonia Gandhi who was running the UPA government and not former prime minister Manmohan Singh, highly placed sources told Deccan Herrald.

The files will contain the minutes of the NAC meetings, details of foreign and domestic tours undertaken by its members, and other sensitive government matters handled by the council and will be made public shortly, the sources said.

The Deccan Herrald report says that one of the files accessed by Sonia Gandhi was on the drafting of a real estate regulation bill in 2011.

The files show that union minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Shelja, wrote to &ldquo;Madam&rdquo;&mdash; as Sonia Gandhi is popularly called &mdash; &nbsp;on November 16, 2011, &ldquo;informing&rdquo; and seeking her &ldquo;guidance&rdquo; on the &ldquo;Real Estate (Regulation &amp; Development) Bill 2011.&rdquo; At that time, the bill had been circulated among the chief ministers and Central ministers for their feedback, Shelja&rsquo;s communication revealed.

The files establish that suggestions on the draft legislation were made by private real estate developers associations and a leading real estate developer. They also contain a note dated December 2, 2011, from Rita Sharma, who was secretary to the advisory body, giving the salient features of the bill and marked to the Congress president.

The NAC, set up by PM Manmohan Singh in 2004, was criticised by the BJP as an &ldquo;extra-Constitutional authority&rdquo; designed to equip Sonia with remote control to run the UPA government.&nbsp;

Modi, a critic of the NAC, had accused it of drafting a &ldquo;perverse&rdquo; and &ldquo;ill-conceived&rdquo; bill to tackle communal violence while he was chief minister of Gujarat.The bill was seen by the BJP as a tool to target the BJP government in the state.

The NAC was dissolved after the NDA government came to power in 2014.

The Congress defended it as being an advisory body set up to implement the UPA coalition&#39;s Common Minimum Programme. The party argued that its existence marked signs of a healthy democracy, facilitating greater pre-policy deliberations.

Around 700 files will 'establish' that it was the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council which was running the UPA government

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office has decided to make public the decisions taken by the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council (NAC) set up by the first UPA government in 2004 to advise then PM Manmohan Singh, Indian daily Deccan Herrald reported. Around 700 files containing details of the NAC meetings will "establish" that it was Congress president Sonia Gandhi who was running the UPA government and not former prime minister Manmohan Singh, highly placed sources told Deccan Herrald. The files will contain the minutes of the NAC meetings, details of foreign and domestic tours undertaken by its members, and other sensitive government matters handled by the council and will be made public shortly, the sources said. The Deccan Herrald report says that one of the files accessed by Sonia Gandhi was on the drafting of a real estate regulation bill in 2011. The files show that union minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Shelja, wrote to “Madam”— as Sonia Gandhi is popularly called — on November 16, 2011, “informing” and seeking her “guidance” on the “Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Bill 2011.” At that time, the bill had been circulated among the chief ministers and Central ministers for their feedback, Shelja’s communication revealed. The files establish that suggestions on the draft legislation were made by private real estate developers associations and a leading real estate developer. They also contain a note dated December 2, 2011, from Rita Sharma, who was secretary to the advisory body, giving the salient features of the bill and marked to the Congress president. The NAC, set up by PM Manmohan Singh in 2004, was criticised by the BJP as an “extra-Constitutional authority” designed to equip Sonia with remote control to run the UPA government. Modi, a critic of the NAC, had accused it of drafting a “perverse” and “ill-conceived” bill to tackle communal violence while he was chief minister of Gujarat.The bill was seen by the BJP as a tool to target the BJP government in the state. The NAC was dissolved after the NDA government came to power in 2014. The Congress defended it as being an advisory body set up to implement the UPA coalition's Common Minimum Programme. The party argued that its existence marked signs of a healthy democracy, facilitating greater pre-policy deliberations.

PM Modi to make files public that show Sonia Gandhi-led advisory body ran UPA govt: Report

&quot;It&#39;s a tax code that says you should pay lower taxes if you create a job in Bangalore, India, than if you create one in Buffalo, New York.&rdquo; That was Barack Obama for you in May 2009. &#39;Say no to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo,&#39; or so went the slogan at the time, intended to discourage outsourcing of jobs away from American cities such as Buffalo to Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, in India. But, by the end of October of the same year, Obama, the first Black president in the history of the United States, had already become the first American president ever to personally celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, at the White House.

For an American president whose two consecutive terms in office straddled two governments in India, one led by Manmohan Singh and the other by Narendra Modi, Obama struck a rapport with both the Indian leaders. He held the elderly Manmohan Singh in respect for his sagacity and economic insights while he considered the relatively younger Narendra Modi as a good friend, to quote White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz. This, for someone, who, until then, had remained persona non grata for successive American administrations. And Modi reciprocated in equal measure, investing in personalised diplomacy with Obama, and meeting him on at least eight occasions since he came to power in India in 2014. Commentators couldn&#39;t stop gushing about a bromance when Obama visited India as the chief guest for India&#39;s 66th Republic Day celebrations; Modi dropped all honorifics to refer to Obama as Barack.

Obama&#39;s wooing of India, and Indians, continued through his presidency, except on occasions when he got on the wrong side of India. For instance, barely a few weeks after celebrating Diwali at the White House, Obama visited China where he agreed to a joint statement which read, &quot;... two sides welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, stability and development in South Asia. They support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan.&quot; It was a red rag for New Delhi, which opposed the implicit recognition of China as a regional hegemon or a Group of Two (G2) comprising the US and China.

That was not all. Before his China visit, Obama became the first US president not to welcome Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama to the White House, in deference to his Chinese hosts. But the bonhomie would diminish soon, as subsequent developments suggest, including Obama&#39;s pivot, which was subsequently renamed as rebalance, to Asia and the Hague verdict on the&nbsp;South China Sea. And, to boot, Obama hosted the Dalai Lama on at least four occasions at the White House, most recently in June 2016, drawing vehement protests from Beijing. The Americans defended it by saying that the Dalai Lama was received for a personal meeting with Obama in the Map Room of the White House, and not the Oval Office, which generally is reserved for heads of state or government.

In fact, even before he was sworn in as the 44th president of the US in January 2009, Obama raised New Delhi&#39;s hackles by talking about Kashmir and how he wanted to appoint someone such as former US president Bill Clinton to mediate between India and Pakistan. India also vociferously protested any move by the US to appoint a special envoy for the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan region. Obama has the distinction of introducing Af-Pak into the lexicon, when he appointed the late Richard Holbrooke as the first special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The &quot;breakthrough understanding&quot; reached between Obama and Modi was another milestone in India-US relations under Obama. It accelerated the process of allowing nuclear contracts to be signed between US firms and India. This, in spite of the fact that Obama, when he was a Senator, had raised potential non-proliferation consequences of this deal and pushed two amendments that changed the terms of the agreement.

An indication of the deepening strategic ties between India and the US can be had from Obama&#39;s description of the bilateral relationship as &quot;one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century&quot;. And it manifested itself in Obama&#39;s becoming the first US president to visit India twice while in office. Towards the end of his second term, Obama approved a legislation that designated India as a &quot;major defence partner&quot;, a definition the US has not used for any other country.

Modi best summed up the blossoming of the India-US relations under Obama when he told the US Congress, &quot;Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations.&quot;

(WION)

For an American president whose two terms in office straddled two governments in India, Obama struck a rapport with both the Indian leaders

"It's a tax code that says you should pay lower taxes if you create a job in Bangalore, India, than if you create one in Buffalo, New York.” That was Barack Obama for you in May 2009. 'Say no to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo,' or so went the slogan at the time, intended to discourage outsourcing of jobs away from American cities such as Buffalo to Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, in India. But, by the end of October of the same year, Obama, the first Black president in the history of the United States, had already become the first American president ever to personally celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, at the White House. For an American president whose two consecutive terms in office straddled two governments in India, one led by Manmohan Singh and the other by Narendra Modi, Obama struck a rapport with both the Indian leaders. He held the elderly Manmohan Singh in respect for his sagacity and economic insights while he considered the relatively younger Narendra Modi as a good friend, to quote White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz. This, for someone, who, until then, had remained persona non grata for successive American administrations. And Modi reciprocated in equal measure, investing in personalised diplomacy with Obama, and meeting him on at least eight occasions since he came to power in India in 2014. Commentators couldn't stop gushing about a bromance when Obama visited India as the chief guest for India's 66th Republic Day celebrations; Modi dropped all honorifics to refer to Obama as Barack. Obama's wooing of India, and Indians, continued through his presidency, except on occasions when he got on the wrong side of India. For instance, barely a few weeks after celebrating Diwali at the White House, Obama visited China where he agreed to a joint statement which read, "... two sides welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, stability and development in South Asia. They support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan." It was a red rag for New Delhi, which opposed the implicit recognition of China as a regional hegemon or a Group of Two (G2) comprising the US and China. That was not all. Before his China visit, Obama became the first US president not to welcome Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama to the White House, in deference to his Chinese hosts. But the bonhomie would diminish soon, as subsequent developments suggest, including Obama's pivot, which was subsequently renamed as rebalance, to Asia and the Hague verdict on the South China Sea. And, to boot, Obama hosted the Dalai Lama on at least four occasions at the White House, most recently in June 2016, drawing vehement protests from Beijing. The Americans defended it by saying that the Dalai Lama was received for a personal meeting with Obama in the Map Room of the White House, and not the Oval Office, which generally is reserved for heads of state or government. In fact, even before he was sworn in as the 44th president of the US in January 2009, Obama raised New Delhi's hackles by talking about Kashmir and how he wanted to appoint someone such as former US president Bill Clinton to mediate between India and Pakistan. India also vociferously protested any move by the US to appoint a special envoy for the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan region. Obama has the distinction of introducing Af-Pak into the lexicon, when he appointed the late Richard Holbrooke as the first special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The "breakthrough understanding" reached between Obama and Modi was another milestone in India-US relations under Obama. It accelerated the process of allowing nuclear contracts to be signed between US firms and India. This, in spite of the fact that Obama, when he was a Senator, had raised potential non-proliferation consequences of this deal and pushed two amendments that changed the terms of the agreement. An indication of the deepening strategic ties between India and the US can be had from Obama's description of the bilateral relationship as "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century". And it manifested itself in Obama's becoming the first US president to visit India twice while in office. Towards the end of his second term, Obama approved a legislation that designated India as a "major defence partner", a definition the US has not used for any other country. Modi best summed up the blossoming of the India-US relations under Obama when he told the US Congress, "Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations." (WION)

A new symphony in play

14.97 trillion rupees out of a total of 15.4 trillion in old notes have been deposited in banks, a Bloomberg report said

Nearly 97 per cent of the 500- and 1,000-rupee notes demonetised by the government on November 8 have been deposited in banks, Bloomberg reported. The last date for depositing the old notes was December 30. Banks have received 14.97 trillion rupees ($220 billion), sources "with knowledge of the matter" told Bloomberg. The Indian government had estimated around 5 trillion rupees out of a total of 15.4 trillion rupees, outlawed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise demonetisation move, would not make its way back to the banks and remain undeclared for fear of coming under the tax scanner. A near-full validation of the old notes, the Bloomberg report added, would deal a blow to Mr Modi's plans of getting at the country's "black money", the local term for undeclared or untaxed money. Mr Modi's surprise demonetisation has made things difficult for millions of people. It has forced them into long queues, people have found it difficult -- without cash -- to get hold of food and medicines, and farmers -- again without cash to buy seed and fertiliser -- have been unable to sow their winter crop. And the demonetisation might also have hurt the economy. According to Bloomberg, private indicators published over the past week signal that the $2 trillion economy will be hurt by the clampdown on cash. The Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers' Index shrank in December, the second straight month of contraction, Bloomberg said citing a report. The Bloomberg report added that since the demonetisation, banks have doled out 8 trillion rupees in new currency notes. The figures of bank notes deposited are provisional and may change, it also added. (WION)

Demonetisation: Nearly 97% of old notes back in banks, says report

Amid a chill in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country&#39;s ties with its neighbours and strategic partners, according to an official statement.

Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish with them strong and mutually beneficial relations.

&quot;Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective. This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity,&quot; Sharif said during the meeting.

His remarks come amid severe low&nbsp;in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September. 
Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor&nbsp;was a &quot;cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity&quot;.

The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation.

It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen&nbsp;Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt&nbsp;Gen&nbsp;(R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting.

(PTI)

'Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective...' said the Pakistani prime minister

Amid a chill in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country's ties with its neighbours and strategic partners, according to an official statement. Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish with them strong and mutually beneficial relations. "Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective. This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity," Sharif said during the meeting. His remarks come amid severe low in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September. Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was a "cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity". The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation. It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting. (PTI)

Pakistan seeks peaceful ties with neighbours: Sharif

Over 50 days after announcing demonetisation, with the situation yet to return to normalcy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss the impact of the note-ban with senior ministers on Tuesday, the Hindustan Times reported.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister will discuss the steps taken by the government so far. &nbsp;

&ldquo;The focus will be more on the slew of measures announced by the PM on the eve of the new year,&rdquo; a minister told the daily.

The report added that Modi will start a five day-long series of meetings with the secretaries of 10 ministries.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the new year, the Prime Minister had announced a slew of sops and praised the efforts of bankers post demonetistion.&nbsp;

&quot;My effort is to take the banking system to normalcy as fast as possible in the new year. I have asked all concerned officers in government to focus their attention to this task,&quot; he had said.

He also asked banks to work proactively, especially in rural and remote areas, to ease people&#39;s difficulties.

Meanwhile, a day ago, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation.&nbsp;

&quot;On the day of announcement of demonetization, Modi was saying with great confidence and telling people to see what happens on December 30, but nothing has happened,&quot; he told reporters.

(This report first appeared in DNA)

Modi will reportedly also start a five day-long series of meetings with the secretaries of 10 ministries

Over 50 days after announcing demonetisation, with the situation yet to return to normalcy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss the impact of the note-ban with senior ministers on Tuesday, the Hindustan Times reported. At the meeting, the Prime Minister will discuss the steps taken by the government so far. “The focus will be more on the slew of measures announced by the PM on the eve of the new year,” a minister told the daily. The report added that Modi will start a five day-long series of meetings with the secretaries of 10 ministries. Addressing the nation on the eve of the new year, the Prime Minister had announced a slew of sops and praised the efforts of bankers post demonetistion. "My effort is to take the banking system to normalcy as fast as possible in the new year. I have asked all concerned officers in government to focus their attention to this task," he had said. He also asked banks to work proactively, especially in rural and remote areas, to ease people's difficulties. Meanwhile, a day ago, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation. "On the day of announcement of demonetization, Modi was saying with great confidence and telling people to see what happens on December 30, but nothing has happened," he told reporters. (This report first appeared in DNA)

Demonetisation: To review impact, PM Modi calls meeting of senior ministers

India&#39;s elite counter-terror and counter-hijack force National Security Guards&#39; (NSG) website was hacked and defaced with anti-India content by suspected Pakistan-affiliated operatives, PTI reported.

The hackers also posted a derogatory message against the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the website.

The website was blocked by the officials after noticing that it has been hacked, reported PTI.

Official sources pointed that it could be the work of Pakistan-affiliated hackers. The hackers identified themselves as &quot;Alone Injector&quot;.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been informed about the hacking event and &quot;remedial action&quot; is in process, a report in the PTI stated.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The commando force was raised in 1984 to undertake counter-terror and counter-hijack operations

India's elite counter-terror and counter-hijack force National Security Guards' (NSG) website was hacked and defaced with anti-India content by suspected Pakistan-affiliated operatives, PTI reported. The hackers also posted a derogatory message against the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the website. The website was blocked by the officials after noticing that it has been hacked, reported PTI. Official sources pointed that it could be the work of Pakistan-affiliated hackers. The hackers identified themselves as "Alone Injector". The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been informed about the hacking event and "remedial action" is in process, a report in the PTI stated. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Hackers deface National Security Guard website with anti-India content

India&#39;s largest lender State Bank of India slashed its benchmark lending rates by 90 basis points or 0.9% across various maturities effective January 1, 2017, reported PTI.

The decision comes on the back of the Indian Prime Minister&#39;s announcement on the New Year&#39;s eve to offer sops to the home buyer&#39;s under the PM Awas Yojana.&nbsp;

After demonetisation, the banks are flush with funds which has contributed towards lowering the cost of funds.&nbsp;

The bank has reduced marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) from 8.90 per cent to 8 per cent for 1-year tenure, SBI said in a statement.

The MCLR on overnight borrowings has been reduced to 7.75 per cent from 8.65 per cent, while the lending rate for three-year tenure has been cut from 9.05 per cent to 8.15 per cent.

Similarly, the bank reduced the lending rate by similar percentage point for tenures including one month, three months, six months and two years.

&quot;With this, the bank has reduced its benchmark rate by 2 per cent from January, 2015,&quot; it said.

Banks have moved to MCLR as their new benchmark lending rate from June, replacing the base rate system for new borrowers.

It is calculated on the marginal cost of borrowing and return on net worth for banks. It was introduced by RBI to ensure fair interest rates to borrowers as well as banks.

Last week SBI&#39;s subsidiary State Bank of Travancore also cut rates by upto 0.3 per cent, while IDBI Bank cut its lending rate by upto 0.6 per cent across various loan tenors.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

After demonetisation, the banks are flush with funds which has contributed towards lowering the cost of funds

India's largest lender State Bank of India slashed its benchmark lending rates by 90 basis points or 0.9% across various maturities effective January 1, 2017, reported PTI. The decision comes on the back of the Indian Prime Minister's announcement on the New Year's eve to offer sops to the home buyer's under the PM Awas Yojana. After demonetisation, the banks are flush with funds which has contributed towards lowering the cost of funds. The bank has reduced marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) from 8.90 per cent to 8 per cent for 1-year tenure, SBI said in a statement. The MCLR on overnight borrowings has been reduced to 7.75 per cent from 8.65 per cent, while the lending rate for three-year tenure has been cut from 9.05 per cent to 8.15 per cent. Similarly, the bank reduced the lending rate by similar percentage point for tenures including one month, three months, six months and two years. "With this, the bank has reduced its benchmark rate by 2 per cent from January, 2015," it said. Banks have moved to MCLR as their new benchmark lending rate from June, replacing the base rate system for new borrowers. It is calculated on the marginal cost of borrowing and return on net worth for banks. It was introduced by RBI to ensure fair interest rates to borrowers as well as banks. Last week SBI's subsidiary State Bank of Travancore also cut rates by upto 0.3 per cent, while IDBI Bank cut its lending rate by upto 0.6 per cent across various loan tenors. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Demonetisation: India's largest lender State Bank of India cuts lending rate by 0.9%

India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a raft of measures for the lower income group, senior citizens and pregnant women.

New housing schemes targeting the poor and lower middle class and&nbsp;new initiatives to encourage the farming sector and&nbsp;micro, small and medium enterprises in the country were also a part of the prime minister&#39;s New Year sops. 
 
&quot;The Prime Minister has congratulated people on having ensured that the world&#39;s largest drive against corruption and black money is a huge success. A series of welfare measures for women, senior citizens, farmers and middle classes are his way of thanking the people for their unstinted support,&quot; BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said.

The prime minister&nbsp;also assuaged the honest people that the government will act as a friend to them so that their difficulties are eased. 
 
Among the sops announced in his address to the nation at the end of 50-day demonetisation period, Modi said senior citizens will get 8 per cent interest on deposits of upto Rs 7.5 lakh for 10 years and deposit of Rs 6000 into accounts of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas to meet medical expenses. 
 
For farmers, he announced that banks will not charge interest for 60 days on loans taken from district cooperative central bank and primary societies for rabi crop. 
 
For construction or expansion of a rural house, 3 per cent interest will be waived on loan of upto Rs 2 lakh. 
 
Announcing two new schemes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he said 4 per cent interest subvention on loans upto Rs 9 lakh and 3 per cent on loan upto Rs 12 lakh. 
 
&quot;The law will take its course with full force. The government will help the honest and protect them and see their difficulties are eased. How honest will gain from the government. This government is a friend of good people and wants to build on the good environment for the people to return to goodness,&quot; he said. 
 
Acknowledging that &quot;serious offences&quot; have been committed by some bank and government officials taking advantage of situation, he said &quot;they will not be spared&quot;.

Here are the key points from PM Modi&#39;s speech:

8.12pm: The prime minister also took a swipe at his critics, saying that the farming sector has not been hit hard by demonetisation. He said fertiliser sales are up by 9 per cent and rabi sowing has seen a 6 per cent increase

8.10pm: Modi has doubled the credit guarantee for MSMEs from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. That means micro, small and medium enterprises can take loan up to Rs 2 crore without any collateral

8.08pm: People prefer digital transactions. Also reiterates the BHIM app that was launched on December 30. The app will assist the poor in making digital transactions

8.05pm: Cash credit limit to be increased from 20 to 25 per cent on turnover of small enterprises

8.03pm: Modi also announces sops for pregnant women and senior citizens. For senior citizens, fixed deposit up to Rs 7.5 lakh will remain at 8 per cent for the next ten years. He has also promised Rs 6,000 cash assistance to pregnant women. The money will be transferred to their accounts directly. Earlier, pregnant women in 53 districts were given financial assistance of Rs 4,000 as part of pilot project

7.58: Three crore kisan (farmer)&nbsp;cards will be converted into Rupay cards in the next three months

7.56pm: Modi offers a raft of sops for the lower income group to purchase property

7.54pm: The poor and the lower income group can avail up to&nbsp;Rs 9 lakh loan will get 4 per cent exemption on interest. Those who look to avail Rs 12 lakh will get 3 per cent&nbsp;interest rebate

7.53pm: Modi announces two housing schemes for the poor people

7.51pm: Twenty four lakh people have declared their income to be above Rs 10 lakh per annum, says the Prime MInister

7.49pm: Modi also lauds the efforts put in by the banks and post offices across the country, but also chastises some bank officials of trying to help the corrupt skirt the demonetisation policy. Promises to act tough on them

7.47pm: The Naxals, arm dealers were all dealing in black money. But demonetisation has curbed&nbsp;their activities: Modi

7.46pm: The Indian premier promises to crack down on those found guilty of perpetrating the show economy

7.44pm: Plan to scrap cash was to corner the corrupt. Wanted to bolster the honest of the country. Wanted to ease the pain of the common man: PM

7.40pm: It was important to battle the scourge of&nbsp;black money. The rich were amassing money while the poor continued struggling: Modi

7.34pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanks the people of India for supporting demonetisation of old currency notes. Says the country witnessed a cleansing ritual since November 8 -- the date the Indian government announced its plan to scrap old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

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The Indian prime minister also urged political parties to take steps to end black money in funding and corruption

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a raft of measures for the lower income group, senior citizens and pregnant women. New housing schemes targeting the poor and lower middle class and new initiatives to encourage the farming sector and micro, small and medium enterprises in the country were also a part of the prime minister's New Year sops. "The Prime Minister has congratulated people on having ensured that the world's largest drive against corruption and black money is a huge success. A series of welfare measures for women, senior citizens, farmers and middle classes are his way of thanking the people for their unstinted support," BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said. The prime minister also assuaged the honest people that the government will act as a friend to them so that their difficulties are eased. Among the sops announced in his address to the nation at the end of 50-day demonetisation period, Modi said senior citizens will get 8 per cent interest on deposits of upto Rs 7.5 lakh for 10 years and deposit of Rs 6000 into accounts of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas to meet medical expenses. For farmers, he announced that banks will not charge interest for 60 days on loans taken from district cooperative central bank and primary societies for rabi crop. For construction or expansion of a rural house, 3 per cent interest will be waived on loan of upto Rs 2 lakh. Announcing two new schemes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he said 4 per cent interest subvention on loans upto Rs 9 lakh and 3 per cent on loan upto Rs 12 lakh. "The law will take its course with full force. The government will help the honest and protect them and see their difficulties are eased. How honest will gain from the government. This government is a friend of good people and wants to build on the good environment for the people to return to goodness," he said. Acknowledging that "serious offences" have been committed by some bank and government officials taking advantage of situation, he said "they will not be spared". Here are the key points from PM Modi's speech: 8.12pm: The prime minister also took a swipe at his critics, saying that the farming sector has not been hit hard by demonetisation. He said fertiliser sales are up by 9 per cent and rabi sowing has seen a 6 per cent increase 8.10pm: Modi has doubled the credit guarantee for MSMEs from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. That means micro, small and medium enterprises can take loan up to Rs 2 crore without any collateral 8.08pm: People prefer digital transactions. Also reiterates the BHIM app that was launched on December 30. The app will assist the poor in making digital transactions 8.05pm: Cash credit limit to be increased from 20 to 25 per cent on turnover of small enterprises 8.03pm: Modi also announces sops for pregnant women and senior citizens. For senior citizens, fixed deposit up to Rs 7.5 lakh will remain at 8 per cent for the next ten years. He has also promised Rs 6,000 cash assistance to pregnant women. The money will be transferred to their accounts directly. Earlier, pregnant women in 53 districts were given financial assistance of Rs 4,000 as part of pilot project 7.58: Three crore kisan (farmer) cards will be converted into Rupay cards in the next three months 7.56pm: Modi offers a raft of sops for the lower income group to purchase property 7.54pm: The poor and the lower income group can avail up to Rs 9 lakh loan will get 4 per cent exemption on interest. Those who look to avail Rs 12 lakh will get 3 per cent interest rebate 7.53pm: Modi announces two housing schemes for the poor people 7.51pm: Twenty four lakh people have declared their income to be above Rs 10 lakh per annum, says the Prime MInister 7.49pm: Modi also lauds the efforts put in by the banks and post offices across the country, but also chastises some bank officials of trying to help the corrupt skirt the demonetisation policy. Promises to act tough on them 7.47pm: The Naxals, arm dealers were all dealing in black money. But demonetisation has curbed their activities: Modi 7.46pm: The Indian premier promises to crack down on those found guilty of perpetrating the show economy 7.44pm: Plan to scrap cash was to corner the corrupt. Wanted to bolster the honest of the country. Wanted to ease the pain of the common man: PM 7.40pm: It was important to battle the scourge of black money. The rich were amassing money while the poor continued struggling: Modi 7.34pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanks the people of India for supporting demonetisation of old currency notes. Says the country witnessed a cleansing ritual since November 8 -- the date the Indian government announced its plan to scrap old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Demonetisation: Indian PM's thank you note ? Schemes for farmers, women, small businesses

7.34pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the country has witnessed a cleansing ritual ever since the government announced demonetisation of currency notes on November 8.

The Indian prime minister will make a televised speech

7.34pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the country has witnessed a cleansing ritual ever since the government announced demonetisation of currency notes on November 8.

Live: India PM Narendra Modi's New Year's Eve public address

December 30 marks the end of the 50-day period Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought to ease the initial pain of demonetisation. It also marks the end of the deadline to deposit the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes or to exchange them at the banks for legal tenders.

However, people will still be allowed to deposit the old bank notes at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The ordinance on demonetised currency does not propose a jail term for those holding more than 10 junked notes after the final March 31, 2017, deadline, but imposes a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.

The draft ordinance, which will be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee for his assent, will come into force from December 31.

There was a proposal for prescribing a four-year jail term, but the draft ordinance does not contain any such provision.

Those keeping the junked notes for &quot;study, research or numismatics&quot; purposes would be exempt from penalty provided they hold not more than 25 number of such notes irrespective of the denomination.

Besides, people authorised by RBI or its agencies or those holding junked notes under directions of a court would also not be penalised, as per Section 5 of the draft ordinance.

It provides for making holding of old Rs 1,000 and 500 notes after March 31 a criminal offence that will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 or five times the cash held, whichever is higher.

According to Section 6 of the &#39;Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance, 2016&#39;, whoever knowingly and wilfully makes any false declarations regarding junked notes would be liable for a fine &quot;which may extend to Rs 50,000 or five times the amount of the face value of specified bank notes tendered, whichever is higher&quot;.

The ordinance also provides for amending the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 to provide legislative support for extinguishing the central bank and government&#39;s liability on the demonetised banknotes that are not returned.

While the deadline for the deposit of old currency in bank or post office accounts expires on Friday, there is time till March 31 for depositing them at select RBI counters with stiff conditions.

Sources said a proposal for a four-year jail term for anyone possessing large number of demonetised currency after March 31, 2017 was not approved by the Cabinet.

As per the draft ordinance, citizens who were abroad between November 9 and December 30 are entitled to deposit the junked notes till March 31 with RBI.

The government would also bring out a separate notification for &quot;such class of persons and for such reasons as may be specified&quot; to ensure that people are not harassed and those with genuine reasons can deposit the cancelled notes.

At the time of announcing demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, the government had allowed holders to either exchange them or deposit in bank and post office accounts.

According to the government, the main reason for bringing out the ordinance is to &quot;have clarity and finality to the liabilities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central government&quot; arising from the demonetisation of high value currency notes.

In case of companies found holding more than 10 junked notes, action would be taken against the officials concerned.

Proceedings could be initiated against &quot;any director, manager, secretary, or other officer or employee&quot; of the particular company.

The ordinance also provides safeguard for the government and the central bank from facing any legal proceedings.

&quot;No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against government, RBI or any of their officers for anything or intended to be done in good faith under this ordinance,&quot; it noted.

In 1978, a similar Ordinance was issued to end the government&#39;s liability after Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 notes were demonetised by the Morarji Desai-led government.

Sources said the legal amendments are needed every time the government decides to scrap any legal tender to put an end to its promissory note.

Of the Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth of currency that was scrapped, about Rs 14 lakh crore has been deposited in banks or exchanged.

&nbsp;

(PTI)

December 30 is the last day to deposit old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes

December 30 marks the end of the 50-day period Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought to ease the initial pain of demonetisation. It also marks the end of the deadline to deposit the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes or to exchange them at the banks for legal tenders. However, people will still be allowed to deposit the old bank notes at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The ordinance on demonetised currency does not propose a jail term for those holding more than 10 junked notes after the final March 31, 2017, deadline, but imposes a minimum fine of Rs 10,000. The draft ordinance, which will be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee for his assent, will come into force from December 31. There was a proposal for prescribing a four-year jail term, but the draft ordinance does not contain any such provision. Those keeping the junked notes for "study, research or numismatics" purposes would be exempt from penalty provided they hold not more than 25 number of such notes irrespective of the denomination. Besides, people authorised by RBI or its agencies or those holding junked notes under directions of a court would also not be penalised, as per Section 5 of the draft ordinance. It provides for making holding of old Rs 1,000 and 500 notes after March 31 a criminal offence that will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 or five times the cash held, whichever is higher. According to Section 6 of the 'Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance, 2016', whoever knowingly and wilfully makes any false declarations regarding junked notes would be liable for a fine "which may extend to Rs 50,000 or five times the amount of the face value of specified bank notes tendered, whichever is higher". The ordinance also provides for amending the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 to provide legislative support for extinguishing the central bank and government's liability on the demonetised banknotes that are not returned. While the deadline for the deposit of old currency in bank or post office accounts expires on Friday, there is time till March 31 for depositing them at select RBI counters with stiff conditions. Sources said a proposal for a four-year jail term for anyone possessing large number of demonetised currency after March 31, 2017 was not approved by the Cabinet. As per the draft ordinance, citizens who were abroad between November 9 and December 30 are entitled to deposit the junked notes till March 31 with RBI. The government would also bring out a separate notification for "such class of persons and for such reasons as may be specified" to ensure that people are not harassed and those with genuine reasons can deposit the cancelled notes. At the time of announcing demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, the government had allowed holders to either exchange them or deposit in bank and post office accounts. According to the government, the main reason for bringing out the ordinance is to "have clarity and finality to the liabilities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central government" arising from the demonetisation of high value currency notes. In case of companies found holding more than 10 junked notes, action would be taken against the officials concerned. Proceedings could be initiated against "any director, manager, secretary, or other officer or employee" of the particular company. The ordinance also provides safeguard for the government and the central bank from facing any legal proceedings. "No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against government, RBI or any of their officers for anything or intended to be done in good faith under this ordinance," it noted. In 1978, a similar Ordinance was issued to end the government's liability after Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 notes were demonetised by the Morarji Desai-led government. Sources said the legal amendments are needed every time the government decides to scrap any legal tender to put an end to its promissory note. Of the Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth of currency that was scrapped, about Rs 14 lakh crore has been deposited in banks or exchanged. (PTI)

Demonetisation: Prime Minister Modi's 50-day promise ends today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation on New Year eve.

Sources said the Prime Minister, who has come under sharp criticism post the November 8 demonetisation drive, is likely to put forth his views in this regard before the nation.

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<h5>On November 8, Modi had said, &#39;The magnitude of cash in circulation is directly linked to the level of corruption&#39;</h5>
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Prime Minister Modi had earlier urged the nation to give him 50 days post the demonetisation decision to get things back on track.

After demonetisation, the government has taken a number of steps to ensure that no hardship is faced by tourists and the industry is not affected.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) smoothly transitioned to cashless mode of payment by simplifying&nbsp;process of e - tickets.

The government`s efforts have paid dividend as there has been a notable growth in the comparative figures of Foreign Tourists Arrival (FTA), Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) and online sale of e - tickets after demonetisation.

In a television address to the nation on November 8, Prime Minister Modi said, &quot;The magnitude of cash in circulation is directly linked to the level of corruption.&quot;

Inflation becomes worse through the deployment of cash earned in corrupt ways.

&quot;He said to break the grip of corruption and black money, the government has decided that from midnight Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes will cease to be legal tender.&quot;

The Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become just worthless pieces of paper,&quot; he added.

Till date, the government has made several changes to the norms.

After reports on crop sowing taking a hit due to no availability of cash, the government allowed farmers to buy seeds with old Rs. 500 currency notes.

A November 17 announcement allowed the farmers to withdraw up to Rs. 25,000 per week from their KYC-compliant account.

Following reports on abuse of Jan Dhan accounts, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) capped the withdrawal limit to Rs. 10,000 per month.

On November 17, the government made more modifications to the existing rules.

Families could now withdraw up to Rs. 2.5 lakh for weddings.

The currency exchange limit was reduced from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 2,000 per person.

The traders in agricultural mandis were permitted to draw up to Rs. 50,000 in cash per week to pay for sundry expenses like wages.

Also, government employees up to Group C could draw Rs. 10,000 salary in advance in cash.

The demonetisation decision has also taken a toll on the common man, with reports of some dying while standing in queues to collect money.

In between all this, Prime Minister Modi has continued to address the nation at various public gatherings and his `Mann ki Baat` radio programme.

Making an emotional appeal at an event in Goa on November 13, Prime Minister Modi asked the &quot;honest&quot; people of the country to bear the hardships for another 50 days.

Exactly two weeks later on November 27, the Prime Minister urged the farmers and small traders to go cashless at his monthly `Mann ki Baat` address.

&quot;The common man will be trouble free if they are made aware of the digital financial transaction options,&quot; he said asking the youth to lead the change.

The opposition cornered the government in the Winter Session of Parliament over the inconvenience faced by the nation post demonetisation.

(ANI)&nbsp;

He will probably talk about demonetisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation on New Year eve. Sources said the Prime Minister, who has come under sharp criticism post the November 8 demonetisation drive, is likely to put forth his views in this regard before the nation. On November 8, Modi had said, 'The magnitude of cash in circulation is directly linked to the level of corruption' × Prime Minister Modi had earlier urged the nation to give him 50 days post the demonetisation decision to get things back on track. After demonetisation, the government has taken a number of steps to ensure that no hardship is faced by tourists and the industry is not affected. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) smoothly transitioned to cashless mode of payment by simplifying process of e - tickets. The government`s efforts have paid dividend as there has been a notable growth in the comparative figures of Foreign Tourists Arrival (FTA), Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) and online sale of e - tickets after demonetisation. In a television address to the nation on November 8, Prime Minister Modi said, "The magnitude of cash in circulation is directly linked to the level of corruption." Inflation becomes worse through the deployment of cash earned in corrupt ways. "He said to break the grip of corruption and black money, the government has decided that from midnight Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes will cease to be legal tender." The Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become just worthless pieces of paper," he added. Till date, the government has made several changes to the norms. After reports on crop sowing taking a hit due to no availability of cash, the government allowed farmers to buy seeds with old Rs. 500 currency notes. A November 17 announcement allowed the farmers to withdraw up to Rs. 25,000 per week from their KYC-compliant account. Following reports on abuse of Jan Dhan accounts, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) capped the withdrawal limit to Rs. 10,000 per month. On November 17, the government made more modifications to the existing rules. Families could now withdraw up to Rs. 2.5 lakh for weddings. The currency exchange limit was reduced from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 2,000 per person. The traders in agricultural mandis were permitted to draw up to Rs. 50,000 in cash per week to pay for sundry expenses like wages. Also, government employees up to Group C could draw Rs. 10,000 salary in advance in cash. The demonetisation decision has also taken a toll on the common man, with reports of some dying while standing in queues to collect money. In between all this, Prime Minister Modi has continued to address the nation at various public gatherings and his `Mann ki Baat` radio programme. Making an emotional appeal at an event in Goa on November 13, Prime Minister Modi asked the "honest" people of the country to bear the hardships for another 50 days. Exactly two weeks later on November 27, the Prime Minister urged the farmers and small traders to go cashless at his monthly `Mann ki Baat` address. "The common man will be trouble free if they are made aware of the digital financial transaction options," he said asking the youth to lead the change. The opposition cornered the government in the Winter Session of Parliament over the inconvenience faced by the nation post demonetisation. (ANI)

Indian PM Modi likely to address country on New Year's eve: Sources

India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the decision to scrap high-value bank notes will give the economy a further boost, and would provide long-term benefits, including forcing the country&#39;s vast shadow economy into the open.

The defence of his radical move to abolish 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, in an interview to India Today magazine released on Thursday, comes after the decision has disrupted the daily lives of hundreds of millions of Indians as banks have struggled to swiftly expand the circulation of new bills.

India&#39;s gross domestic product grew an annual 7.3 per cent growth between July and September, making it the world&#39;s fastest growing large economy, but many economists say expansion will slow substantially in the current quarter.

&quot;We took the demonetisation decision not for some short-term windfall gain, but for a long term structural transformation,&quot; Modi was quoted as saying by India Today.

Modi added the move would bring cash from the shadow economy into the mainstream. The Prime Minister had said the demonetisation action was needed to fight corruption and fraud and cut off financing for attacks by militants who target India.

&quot;The multiplier effect of introduction of money which was, till now, uselessly hoarded and stocked away as cash into the active economic system will give the economy a further boost,&quot; he said according to India Today.

Economists and some businesses say demonetisation could ultimately help broaden the formal economy and improve tax compliance.

Both 500 and 1,000 rupee notes will cease to be legal tenders after December&nbsp;31, and Modi has scheduled a speech to the nation on that day.

(Reuters)

Narendra Modi defended his plan to scrap old cash, saying it will bring cash from the shadow economy into the mainstream

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the decision to scrap high-value bank notes will give the economy a further boost, and would provide long-term benefits, including forcing the country's vast shadow economy into the open. The defence of his radical move to abolish 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, in an interview to India Today magazine released on Thursday, comes after the decision has disrupted the daily lives of hundreds of millions of Indians as banks have struggled to swiftly expand the circulation of new bills. India's gross domestic product grew an annual 7.3 per cent growth between July and September, making it the world's fastest growing large economy, but many economists say expansion will slow substantially in the current quarter. "We took the demonetisation decision not for some short-term windfall gain, but for a long term structural transformation," Modi was quoted as saying by India Today. Modi added the move would bring cash from the shadow economy into the mainstream. The Prime Minister had said the demonetisation action was needed to fight corruption and fraud and cut off financing for attacks by militants who target India. "The multiplier effect of introduction of money which was, till now, uselessly hoarded and stocked away as cash into the active economic system will give the economy a further boost," he said according to India Today. Economists and some businesses say demonetisation could ultimately help broaden the formal economy and improve tax compliance. Both 500 and 1,000 rupee notes will cease to be legal tenders after December 31, and Modi has scheduled a speech to the nation on that day. (Reuters)

Demonetisation will spur Indian economy in long run: India's PM Modi

Lashing out yet again at the demonetisation drive,Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sacrificed the common man in &#39;yagna&#39; against black money.

&quot;Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is performing a yagna against black money and corruption. As animals are slaughtered in yagnas, similarly Prime Minister Modi has sacrificed the common man in yagna against black money,&quot; said Gandhi, while speaking at the 132nd foundation day of the Indian National Congress.

He went on to add that that demonetisation &#39;yagna&#39; is aimed at benefitting the rich

The Congress vice-president&#39;s comments came a day after the anti-demonetisation meeting, which was attended by all opposition parties except the Left, Janata Dal (United) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Taking on the opposition for raising objections to the demonetisation drive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday described the move as a &#39;safayi abhiyan&#39; aimed to curb black money and corruption.

At a rally in Congress-ruled Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister said that the country has suffered in the past not just because of black money but also due to leadership with &#39;malicious heart&#39;.

Gandhi also talked about the grand old party&rsquo;s achievements and commitment towards the nation.

&quot;What is the Congress? It means listening to you, understanding others. It made us understand the meaning of freedom,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from ANI)

He also said demonetisation is aimed at benefitting the rich

Lashing out yet again at the demonetisation drive,Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sacrificed the common man in 'yagna' against black money. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is performing a yagna against black money and corruption. As animals are slaughtered in yagnas, similarly Prime Minister Modi has sacrificed the common man in yagna against black money," said Gandhi, while speaking at the 132nd foundation day of the Indian National Congress. He went on to add that that demonetisation 'yagna' is aimed at benefitting the rich The Congress vice-president's comments came a day after the anti-demonetisation meeting, which was attended by all opposition parties except the Left, Janata Dal (United) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Taking on the opposition for raising objections to the demonetisation drive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday described the move as a 'safayi abhiyan' aimed to curb black money and corruption. At a rally in Congress-ruled Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister said that the country has suffered in the past not just because of black money but also due to leadership with 'malicious heart'. Gandhi also talked about the grand old party’s achievements and commitment towards the nation. "What is the Congress? It means listening to you, understanding others. It made us understand the meaning of freedom," he said. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Rahul Gandhi: Common man sacrificed in 'yagna' against black money

In a fresh crackdown on black money, the government is mulling over an ordinance that will seek to impose fines on people in possession of banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes beyond December 30.

The maximum number of banned notes one can possess regardless of denomination will be 10.

The transfer of over Rs 10,000 in old notes may even result in a punishment and a minimum fine of Rs 50,000 or five times the amount in question, whichever is higher.

Violations of the rule will carry a criminal liability and municipal magistrates will hear cases on violations, said the NDTV report.

However, there was no official word on the act which is likely to come up before the Cabinet on Wednesday.

The ordinance may extinguish the liability of the government and RBI towards the promise to pay the bearer of these notes their value because of a statutory requirement.

In 1978, a similar ordinance was issued to end the government&#39;s liability after Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 notes were demonetised by the Janata Party government under Morarji Desai.

The ordinance also includes recommendations of the central board of directors of the RBI.

The period to deposit old notes in banks ends on December 30, after which the banned notes have to be directly deposited in the RBI.

The RBI had earlier this month issued an order stating that an amount exceeding Rs 5000 in demonetised notes cannot be deposited in the banks more than once till December 30.

But later, the order was withdrawn.

To flush out black money from the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had banned 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on November 8.

(WION)

Govt is mulling over an ordinance that will seek to impose fines on people in possession of banned notes beyond December 30

In a fresh crackdown on black money, the government is mulling over an ordinance that will seek to impose fines on people in possession of banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes beyond December 30. The maximum number of banned notes one can possess regardless of denomination will be 10. The transfer of over Rs 10,000 in old notes may even result in a punishment and a minimum fine of Rs 50,000 or five times the amount in question, whichever is higher. Violations of the rule will carry a criminal liability and municipal magistrates will hear cases on violations, said the NDTV report. However, there was no official word on the act which is likely to come up before the Cabinet on Wednesday. The ordinance may extinguish the liability of the government and RBI towards the promise to pay the bearer of these notes their value because of a statutory requirement. In 1978, a similar ordinance was issued to end the government's liability after Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 notes were demonetised by the Janata Party government under Morarji Desai. The ordinance also includes recommendations of the central board of directors of the RBI. The period to deposit old notes in banks ends on December 30, after which the banned notes have to be directly deposited in the RBI. The RBI had earlier this month issued an order stating that an amount exceeding Rs 5000 in demonetised notes cannot be deposited in the banks more than once till December 30. But later, the order was withdrawn. To flush out black money from the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had banned 500 and 1,000 rupee notes on November 8. (WION)

Govt mulls over imposing heavy fine on possession of banned notes above Rs 10,000

India&#39;s Congress party vice president Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee slammed prime minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, saying it had failed to reduce corruption and arrest the laundering of black money.

The Congress vice-president slammed the Modi government for failing to tackle the problem of cash crunch following demonetisation and said the measure had only made things more miserable for the poor and had increased unemployment in the country. Calling demonetisation a &quot;mega scam,&quot; Mamata Banerjee said the Modi government had lost its credibility and become &quot;baseless&quot; and &quot;faceless&quot; in the name of cashlessness.

Here are the key points from their joint press conference:

<ul>
	<li>December 30 is about to come and the situation is the same. The motive of demonetisation has failed completely: Rahul Gandhi 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>PM should answer the nation, that was the real motive of demonetisation and what will he do for those affected by it: Rahul Gandhi 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Demonetisation had no impact on corruption and black money. A new black market has emerged to convert black money into white: Rahul Gandhi 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Modi had said good days (acche din) will come, is this his idea of good days : Mamata Banerjee 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>All opposition parties will make a common minimum agenda programme: Mamata Banerjee 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Modi government has become baseless and faceless in the name of cashlessness: Mamata Banerjee&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Demonetisation is a mega scam and the biggest one after independence: Mamata Banerjee 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>They do whatever they feel like, federal structure has been totally destroyed. It is not an emergency, it is a super emergency: Mamata Banerjee 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>This is a fearless government, they do not care about anything: Mamata Banerjee 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If things remain unresolved even after 50 days, will PM Modi take responsibility to resign as PM of the country?: Mamata Banerjee 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>This has sent the country 20 years back in time: Mamata Banerjee&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

 
(WION)

Rahul Gandhi alleged demonetisation had no impact on corruption and black money

India's Congress party vice president Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee slammed prime minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, saying it had failed to reduce corruption and arrest the laundering of black money. The Congress vice-president slammed the Modi government for failing to tackle the problem of cash crunch following demonetisation and said the measure had only made things more miserable for the poor and had increased unemployment in the country. Calling demonetisation a "mega scam," Mamata Banerjee said the Modi government had lost its credibility and become "baseless" and "faceless" in the name of cashlessness. Here are the key points from their joint press conference: December 30 is about to come and the situation is the same. The motive of demonetisation has failed completely: Rahul Gandhi PM should answer the nation, that was the real motive of demonetisation and what will he do for those affected by it: Rahul Gandhi Demonetisation had no impact on corruption and black money. A new black market has emerged to convert black money into white: Rahul Gandhi Modi had said good days (acche din) will come, is this his idea of good days : Mamata Banerjee All opposition parties will make a common minimum agenda programme: Mamata Banerjee The Modi government has become baseless and faceless in the name of cashlessness: Mamata Banerjee Demonetisation is a mega scam and the biggest one after independence: Mamata Banerjee They do whatever they feel like, federal structure has been totally destroyed. It is not an emergency, it is a super emergency: Mamata Banerjee This is a fearless government, they do not care about anything: Mamata Banerjee If things remain unresolved even after 50 days, will PM Modi take responsibility to resign as PM of the country?: Mamata Banerjee This has sent the country 20 years back in time: Mamata Banerjee (WION)

Demonetisation has failed: Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee slam PM Modi's initiative

Vowing to carry forward the war against corruption and black money post-demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government would soon operationalise a strong law to effectively deal with &#39;benami&#39; properties and this was just the beginning.

Making his last monthly address this year in his &quot;Mann ki Baat&quot; programme, the prime minister defended the frequent changes in the rules of demonetisation, saying these have been done to reduce the people&#39;s problems and defeat such forces who are out to thwart his government&#39;s fight against black money and corruption.

Modi sought the cooperation of public in making the &quot;war on corruption&quot; a success and said the wrongdoings of some are being caught only with the support of common people who are coming forward with concrete information about hoarders.

&quot;I assure you that this is not the end. This is just the beginning in our fight against corruption. We have to win this war against corruption and black money. There is no question of stopping or going back in this fight,&quot; he said.

The prime minister also lamented the logjam in Parliament that evoked displeasure from the president and the vice president besides all-round public indignation and ire, saying he wanted a good discussion on this campaign as well as on political funding, had both Houses run properly.

He said some people who are spreading rumours that political parties enjoy all concessions and exemptions &quot;are wrong and all are equal before law&quot; and they have to abide by it.

&quot;It was my earnest wish that the ongoing campaign against corruption and black money, including the realm of political parties and political funding, be discussed extensively in the Parliament. Had the House functioned properly, there would have been comprehensive deliberation.

&quot;Some people are spreading rumours that political parties enjoy all kinds of concessions. These people are absolutely in the wrong. The law applies equally to all. Whether it is an individual, an organisation or a political party, everyone has to abide by law and one will have to,&quot; he said, adding that people who cannot endorse corruption and black money openly resort to searching for faults of the government relentlessly.

Giving a push to his plea for cashless economy, Modi also launched two new schemes for traders and customers that will dole out 15,000 prizes every day to those making digital transactions. 
 
(PTI) 
&nbsp;

Modi also defended the frequent changes in the rules of demonetisation, saying these had been done to reduce people's problems

Vowing to carry forward the war against corruption and black money post-demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government would soon operationalise a strong law to effectively deal with 'benami' properties and this was just the beginning. Making his last monthly address this year in his "Mann ki Baat" programme, the prime minister defended the frequent changes in the rules of demonetisation, saying these have been done to reduce the people's problems and defeat such forces who are out to thwart his government's fight against black money and corruption. Modi sought the cooperation of public in making the "war on corruption" a success and said the wrongdoings of some are being caught only with the support of common people who are coming forward with concrete information about hoarders. "I assure you that this is not the end. This is just the beginning in our fight against corruption. We have to win this war against corruption and black money. There is no question of stopping or going back in this fight," he said. The prime minister also lamented the logjam in Parliament that evoked displeasure from the president and the vice president besides all-round public indignation and ire, saying he wanted a good discussion on this campaign as well as on political funding, had both Houses run properly. He said some people who are spreading rumours that political parties enjoy all concessions and exemptions "are wrong and all are equal before law" and they have to abide by it. "It was my earnest wish that the ongoing campaign against corruption and black money, including the realm of political parties and political funding, be discussed extensively in the Parliament. Had the House functioned properly, there would have been comprehensive deliberation. "Some people are spreading rumours that political parties enjoy all kinds of concessions. These people are absolutely in the wrong. The law applies equally to all. Whether it is an individual, an organisation or a political party, everyone has to abide by law and one will have to," he said, adding that people who cannot endorse corruption and black money openly resort to searching for faults of the government relentlessly. Giving a push to his plea for cashless economy, Modi also launched two new schemes for traders and customers that will dole out 15,000 prizes every day to those making digital transactions. (PTI)

PM Modi vows strong law against fictitious properties soon

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a new campus of Sebi-run National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) at Patalganga in neighbouring Raigad district near Mumbai, and said that he will not shy away from taking difficult decisions if they are in the country&#39;s interest.

Addressing a gathering, Modi said that demonetisation is a short-term pain, but it will benefit in long-term.

Stating that the government is very keen to encourage start-ups and stock markets are essential for the start-up ecosystem, Modi added,&quot;Our markets should show that they are able to successfully raise capital for projects benefiting the vast majority of our population.&quot;

Here are the 12 things PM Modi said during his address:

<ul>
	<li>This is time of slowdown in global economy; India is being seen as a bright spot with growth projected to be highest in world.</li>
	<li>India&rsquo;s place as the fastest growing large economy has not come about by accident.</li>
	<li>In less than 3 years, government has transformed economy, cut fiscal deficit, CAD; foreign exchange reserves have grown, inflation is lower.</li>
	<li>Long awaited GST will soon be a reality; FDI is at record levels.</li>
	<li>Financial markets can play an important role in the modern economy. However history has shown that financial markets can also do damage if not properly regulated.</li>
	<li>Government will continue to follow sound and prudent economic policies. We will not take decisions for short-term political point scoring.</li>
	<li>Will not shy away from taking difficult decisions if they are in country&#39;s interest.</li>
	<li>Demonetisation is a short-term pain, but will benefit in long-term.</li>
	<li>My aim is to make India a developed country in one generation.</li>
	<li>India has earned a good name for its well regulated securities markets.</li>
	<li>Government is very keen to encourage start-ups. Stock markets are essential for the start-up ecosystem.</li>
	<li>Stock markets should help in raising capital for productive purpose; bond market must become source of long-term infra finance.</li>
</ul>

(This report was first published in DNA)

Modi also said he would not hesitate in taking difficult decisions if they are in the country's interest.

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a new campus of Sebi-run National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) at Patalganga in neighbouring Raigad district near Mumbai, and said that he will not shy away from taking difficult decisions if they are in the country's interest. Addressing a gathering, Modi said that demonetisation is a short-term pain, but it will benefit in long-term. Stating that the government is very keen to encourage start-ups and stock markets are essential for the start-up ecosystem, Modi added,"Our markets should show that they are able to successfully raise capital for projects benefiting the vast majority of our population." Here are the 12 things PM Modi said during his address: This is time of slowdown in global economy; India is being seen as a bright spot with growth projected to be highest in world. India’s place as the fastest growing large economy has not come about by accident. In less than 3 years, government has transformed economy, cut fiscal deficit, CAD; foreign exchange reserves have grown, inflation is lower. Long awaited GST will soon be a reality; FDI is at record levels. Financial markets can play an important role in the modern economy. However history has shown that financial markets can also do damage if not properly regulated. Government will continue to follow sound and prudent economic policies. We will not take decisions for short-term political point scoring. Will not shy away from taking difficult decisions if they are in country's interest. Demonetisation is a short-term pain, but will benefit in long-term. My aim is to make India a developed country in one generation. India has earned a good name for its well regulated securities markets. Government is very keen to encourage start-ups. Stock markets are essential for the start-up ecosystem. Stock markets should help in raising capital for productive purpose; bond market must become source of long-term infra finance. (This report was first published in DNA)

Demonetisation short-term pain, will benefit in the long term : PM Modi

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla group, expressed his ignorance Friday about the allegations made a few days by Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had alleged Birla&#39;s firm had paid bribes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while he was Gujarat chief minister.

&quot;I don&#39;t even know about it and I do not wish to talk on that issue. The matter is subjudice,&quot; he told reporters after being asked repeatedly about the allegations.

Birla kept his responses to speaking about his new role as chairman of the Indian Insitute of Managment-Ahmedabad&#39;s board of governors while on a&nbsp;two-day visit to the institute on Friday.

Birla was at IIM-A Friday for the first time after being appointed chairman by the ministry of human resource development two months ago.

Birla said he would act as a bridge between the corporate world and the premier business school.

Reacting to Gandhi&#39;s allegations, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the charges were &quot;baseless, false, shameful and mala fide&quot; and an attempt to divert attention from the AgustaWestland probe in which the names of Congress leaders and the &quot;family&quot; -- he was referring to the Gandhi family -- were coming up.

This is not the first time such allegations have been made against the Prime Minister, although the charges date back to the time he was Gujarat chief minister.

Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan had levelled the same charges, based on the same documents, against Modi in the Supreme Court.

The court however has so far refused to entertain his PIL, which asks that a special investigation team probe the evidence.&nbsp;

(WION)

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi had alleged Birla officials gave bribes to Modi while he was Gujarat chief minister

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla group, expressed his ignorance Friday about the allegations made a few days by Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had alleged Birla's firm had paid bribes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while he was Gujarat chief minister. "I don't even know about it and I do not wish to talk on that issue. The matter is subjudice," he told reporters after being asked repeatedly about the allegations. Birla kept his responses to speaking about his new role as chairman of the Indian Insitute of Managment-Ahmedabad's board of governors while on a two-day visit to the institute on Friday. Birla was at IIM-A Friday for the first time after being appointed chairman by the ministry of human resource development two months ago. Birla said he would act as a bridge between the corporate world and the premier business school. Reacting to Gandhi's allegations, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the charges were "baseless, false, shameful and mala fide" and an attempt to divert attention from the AgustaWestland probe in which the names of Congress leaders and the "family" -- he was referring to the Gandhi family -- were coming up. This is not the first time such allegations have been made against the Prime Minister, although the charges date back to the time he was Gujarat chief minister. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan had levelled the same charges, based on the same documents, against Modi in the Supreme Court. The court however has so far refused to entertain his PIL, which asks that a special investigation team probe the evidence. (WION)

'I don't even know about it,' Birla says about alleged payments to Modi

The Congress top brass earlier this week had launched a stinging accusation against India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi of accepting kickbacks from Sahara Group -- an Indian conglomerate -- but when they tweeted the entire list of individuals who were &#39;paid&#39;&nbsp;by the business house today, they inadvertently showed one of their senior party members being one of the recipients.&nbsp;

The Congress party&#39;s list shows that the business house paid Delhi chief minister Rs 1 crore (a little over $147,000) on September 23, 2013. Congress&#39; Sheila Dikshit was the chief minister of Delhi till December 2013.

The gaffe will be embarrassing for the Congress party -- the main opposition party in India -- especially since it is trying to corner Prime Minister Modi by accusing him of corruption. It is a double whammy for the party as it projected her as Uttar Pradesh&#39;s chief ministerial candidate. Uttar Pradesh, which is the largest and the most populous state in India, is heading for polls next year.

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&mdash; INC India (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/812245279730647040">23 December 2016</a></blockquote>
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On December 22, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had claimed that Modi, who was the chief minister of India&#39;s western state of Gujarat at the time, accepted Rs 5 crore (roughly&nbsp;$737,000) and Rs 2.5 crore ($368,536) twice.

Gandhi cited documents retrieved by the taxmen when they raided various properties belonging to Sahara Group on November 22, 2014.

However, the list tweeted by Congress blamed several senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of taking bribes from Sahara Group.

The notable names include BJP leader Raman Singh, who was the chief minister of Chhattisgarh state then. The list claims that Singh received Rs 4 crore (over $589,000) from the conglomerate.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

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Congress tweeted a list of individuals' names who allegedly received kickbacks from an Indian conglomerate. The list had Dikshit's name

The Congress top brass earlier this week had launched a stinging accusation against India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi of accepting kickbacks from Sahara Group -- an Indian conglomerate -- but when they tweeted the entire list of individuals who were 'paid' by the business house today, they inadvertently showed one of their senior party members being one of the recipients. The Congress party's list shows that the business house paid Delhi chief minister Rs 1 crore (a little over $147,000) on September 23, 2013. Congress' Sheila Dikshit was the chief minister of Delhi till December 2013. The gaffe will be embarrassing for the Congress party -- the main opposition party in India -- especially since it is trying to corner Prime Minister Modi by accusing him of corruption. It is a double whammy for the party as it projected her as Uttar Pradesh's chief ministerial candidate. Uttar Pradesh, which is the largest and the most populous state in India, is heading for polls next year. ???? ??, ???? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??, ????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ?????: ????? ????? pic.twitter.com/rnICMOrr4j — INC India (@INCIndia) 23 December 2016 × On December 22, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had claimed that Modi, who was the chief minister of India's western state of Gujarat at the time, accepted Rs 5 crore (roughly $737,000) and Rs 2.5 crore ($368,536) twice. Gandhi cited documents retrieved by the taxmen when they raided various properties belonging to Sahara Group on November 22, 2014. However, the list tweeted by Congress blamed several senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of taking bribes from Sahara Group. The notable names include BJP leader Raman Singh, who was the chief minister of Chhattisgarh state then. The list claims that Singh received Rs 4 crore (over $589,000) from the conglomerate. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Congress' gaffe subsumes party leader Sheila Dikshit in graft case

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