<p>India will see a major shift in prices starting today (Monday, Sep 22) as the new GST rates kick in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Sunday (Sep 21), called it nothing less than a “Bachat Utsav” (savings festival), claiming the combined impact of tax reforms and GST cuts will put nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore back into people’s pockets.</p><h2><strong>Everyone to benefit, says Modi</strong></h2><p>According to Modi, the recent income tax changes have already helped the middle class, and the new GST revisions will now extend relief to the poor and the neo-middle class. He said that people will now be able to spend money on what they wish for. “From youth, farmers, and women to shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs—everyone will gain from this Bachat Utsav. This festive season, every family will have something to celebrate,” he said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-next-gen-gst-reforms-in-his-address-to-nation-extends-navratri-wishes-1758447609162"><strong>PM Modi hails 'next gen GST reforms' in his address to nation</strong></a></p><h2><strong>So, what exactly gets cheaper with the GST reforms? Here’s the lowdown:</strong></h2><h3><strong>Home appliances</strong></h3><p>Split air conditioners will cost between ₹2,800 and ₹5,900 less, while window units get cheaper by roughly ₹3,400. Dishwashers, once seen as luxury products, will drop by as much as ₹8,000. Big screen TVs, especially premium models above 65 inches (165.1 cm), see price cuts ranging from a few thousand rupees to over ₹85,000 for the largest sets.</p><h2><strong>Everyday grooming needs</strong></h2><p>Items like soaps, shampoos, hair oil, toothpaste, and shaving creams move to the 5 per cent tax slab. Baby diapers, nappies and feeding products also become more affordable.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621"><strong>Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</strong></a></p><h3><strong>Everyday household needs</strong></h3><p>For the kitchen, ghee, butter, paneer, chocolates, sauces, and even instant noodles will see noticeable price drops. Ultra-high temperature milk and Indian breads like chapati, roti, and parantha are now completely tax-free.</p><h3><strong>Healthcare</strong></h3><p>Thirty-three lifesaving drugs lose their tax burden entirely, while many others see rates cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Diagnostic kits, surgical tools, and medical devices also get cheaper. Perhaps the most impactful change in this reform is that life and health insurance policies are now fully exempt from GST, cutting costs for millions of families.</p><h3><strong>Vehicles</strong></h3><p>From scooters and commuter bikes to compact SUVs, price reductions stretch from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. Budget hatchbacks could be ₹40,000-75,000 cheaper, while luxury SUVs may see price cuts exceeding ₹4 lakh. Even commercial vehicles like buses and ambulances benefit, which may ease transport costs more broadly.</p><h3><strong>Other sectors</strong></h3><p>Cement prices fall as the GST rate drops to 18 per cent, a big relief for home builders and infrastructure projects. Farmers benefit from cheaper tractors and fertiliser components.</p><h3><strong>Hotels</strong></h3><p>Hotel rooms priced below ₹7,500 a night now attract only 5 per cent GST.</p><p>School supplies: Students will also save on essentials like pencils, crayons, sharpeners, and exercise books, all of which are moved to the tax-free slab.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Effective today, new GST rates will make many products and services cheaper. Calling it a "Bachat Utsav," or savings festival, Prime Minister Modi said that it will put ₹2.5 lakh crore back in people's pockets. Here's what will get cheaper.

India will see a major shift in prices starting today (Monday, Sep 22) as the new GST rates kick in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Sunday (Sep 21), called it nothing less than a “Bachat Utsav” (savings festival), claiming the combined impact of tax reforms and GST cuts will put nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore back into people’s pockets. Everyone to benefit, says Modi According to Modi, the recent income tax changes have already helped the middle class, and the new GST revisions will now extend relief to the poor and the neo-middle class. He said that people will now be able to spend money on what they wish for. “From youth, farmers, and women to shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs—everyone will gain from this Bachat Utsav. This festive season, every family will have something to celebrate,” he said. Also read | PM Modi hails 'next gen GST reforms' in his address to nation So, what exactly gets cheaper with the GST reforms? Here’s the lowdown: Home appliances Split air conditioners will cost between ₹2,800 and ₹5,900 less, while window units get cheaper by roughly ₹3,400. Dishwashers, once seen as luxury products, will drop by as much as ₹8,000. Big screen TVs, especially premium models above 65 inches (165.1 cm), see price cuts ranging from a few thousand rupees to over ₹85,000 for the largest sets. Everyday grooming needs Items like soaps, shampoos, hair oil, toothpaste, and shaving creams move to the 5 per cent tax slab. Baby diapers, nappies and feeding products also become more affordable. Also read | Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how Everyday household needs For the kitchen, ghee, butter, paneer, chocolates, sauces, and even instant noodles will see noticeable price drops. Ultra-high temperature milk and Indian breads like chapati, roti, and parantha are now completely tax-free. Healthcare Thirty-three lifesaving drugs lose their tax burden entirely, while many others see rates cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Diagnostic kits, surgical tools, and medical devices also get cheaper. Perhaps the most impactful change in this reform is that life and health insurance policies are now fully exempt from GST, cutting costs for millions of families. Vehicles From scooters and commuter bikes to compact SUVs, price reductions stretch from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. Budget hatchbacks could be ₹40,000-75,000 cheaper, while luxury SUVs may see price cuts exceeding ₹4 lakh. Even commercial vehicles like buses and ambulances benefit, which may ease transport costs more broadly. Other sectors Cement prices fall as the GST rate drops to 18 per cent, a big relief for home builders and infrastructure projects. Farmers benefit from cheaper tractors and fertiliser components. Hotels Hotel rooms priced below ₹7,500 a night now attract only 5 per cent GST. School supplies: Students will also save on essentials like pencils, crayons, sharpeners, and exercise books, all of which are moved to the tax-free slab.

<p>Effective today, new GST rates will make many products and services cheaper. Calling it a "Bachat Utsav," or savings festival, Prime Minister Modi said that it will put ₹2.5 lakh crore back in people's pockets. Here's what will get cheaper.</p>

PM Modi calls GST cuts a ‘Bachat Utsav’: From food to cars, what gets cheaper in India. All you need to know

<p><br>The news of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s death has sent shockwaves across the country and among his fans. Garg tragically died at the age of 52 after a scuba diving accident in Singapore.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The singer reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Although he was rescued quickly and rushed to the hospital, doctors were unable to save him. He was in Singapore to attend the North East Festival.</p><h2>Zubeen Garg's death: PM Modi and other singers pay tribute</h2><p>After the tragic death of the renowned Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood singer, tributes began pouring in from across the nation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/assamese-singer-zubeen-garg-best-known-for-songs-in-gangster-krrish-3-dies-in-accident-at-52-1758275737972">Zubeen Garg, best known for songs in Gangster, Krrish 3, dies in accident at 52</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his condolences. In a post shared on X, PM Modi wrote:<br>&nbsp;</p><p>''Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.''</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.</p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1969011616575349034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Several revered singers, including Pritam, Papon and Vishal Dadlani, remembered the late artist.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read : </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-b-ds-of-bollywood-review-aryan-khan-s-show-is-fun-but-raghav-juyal-makes-it-unmissable-1758274342832"><strong>The Ba***ds of Bollywood review: Raghav Juyal makes this show unmissable</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Popular Assamese singer Papon called Zubeen, ''the voice of the generation.''</p>

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<p>“This is so shocking! The voice of a generation! Gone too soon. At a loss of words! Lost a friend. Lost a brother. A big void. Praying for a peaceful journey of his soul," he wrote in a post along with a black and white photo of Zubeen.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mourning the singer's death, Vishal Dadlani wrote in a post shared on Instagram stories, ''I can’t believe this. My brain is in shock, my heart is shattered! #ZubeenGarg has left a void I don’t think anyone else can ever fill. He was a true megastar, a man of his people, a true lover of Assam, loved by fans to a level where their pain today is just unimaginable. My deepest condolences to his family and to everyone who was touched by this larger-than-life legend. If anyone really LIVED Rock and Roll, it was Zubeen."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Music composer Pritam, who worked with Zubeen for his superhit song Ya Ali in Gangster, in a post wrote, “Zubeen Garg, losing his life in an accident is just the most terrible and saddest news. Still trying to come to terms with it. My deepest condolences to Garima and his family. Om Shanti."</p>

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<h2>Who was Zubeen Gard, and how did he die?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Zubeen, who had a massive fan following in the North East, rose to fame in Bollywood among Hindi audiences with his hit song ''Ya Ali'' from the film Gangster, featuring Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut. The song became his breakthrough in Bollywood.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He went on to sing several other notable songs in films such as Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Kaante, and Dil Se, among others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to reports, the singer fell into the sea during a scuba diving session. Though he was rescued and admitted to the ICU, he could not survive.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Assam Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal confirmed the singer’s death on his official X &nbsp;handle. He wrote,"Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer, he was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world".</p>

Zubeen Garg, a well-known Assamese singer, died in Singapore during a scuba diving accident. He was 52 years old. 

The news of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s death has sent shockwaves across the country and among his fans. Garg tragically died at the age of 52 after a scuba diving accident in Singapore. The singer reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Although he was rescued quickly and rushed to the hospital, doctors were unable to save him. He was in Singapore to attend the North East Festival. Zubeen Garg's death: PM Modi and other singers pay tribute After the tragic death of the renowned Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood singer, tributes began pouring in from across the nation. Also read: Zubeen Garg, best known for songs in Gangster, Krrish 3, dies in accident at 52 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his condolences. In a post shared on X, PM Modi wrote: ''Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.''

<p>Zubeen Garg, a well-known Assamese singer, died in Singapore during a scuba diving accident. He was 52 years old. Since the news of his death broke, tributes have been pouring.&nbsp;</p>

Zubeen Garg dies at 52: PM Modi mourns singer's demise in a tragic incident

<p>Argentina football team captain and legendary star Lionel Messi wished Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Modi, who turned 75 on Wednesday (Sep 17) received a signed jersey from Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. The duo of Messi and Modi could potentially meet at the end of the year when the former will be in India for a promotional event.</p><h2><strong>Messi gifts Modi signed jersey</strong></h2><p>“Messi has sent a signed jersey for PM Modi’s 75th birthday. When he comes to India, we will try to arrange his meeting with the PM. He has wished well for the Indian fans, and he is happy to come to New Delhi and Mumbai for the first time and meet his fans there,” Satadru Dutta, the sports entrepreneur and promoter of Messi’s tour, told IANS on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Modi, who is in his third term as Prime Minister of India, is one of the longest-serving administrators in the nation’s history. He first became PM in 2014 when his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious. Ever since, Modi has been one of the influential figures in world politics, while Messi also added another feather to his impressive hat by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834"><strong>Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Messi to visit India</strong></h2><p>While the opponents are yet to be confirmed, Messi’s visit to India will have millions of Indian football fans on the edge of their seats. Argentina are heavy favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will look to face a top opponent in India to prepare for the showpiece in the United States.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628"><strong>From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Messi to be on four-city India tour in December</strong></h2><p>The November visit will be part of an international assignment, Messi will be in India in December, where he will visit Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. He is set to play an exhibition match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium before concluding the trip in Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Modi.</p>

Narendra Modi, who turned 75 on Wednesday (Sep 17) received a signed jersey from Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. 

Argentina football team captain and legendary star Lionel Messi wished Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Modi, who turned 75 on Wednesday (Sep 17) received a signed jersey from Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. The duo of Messi and Modi could potentially meet at the end of the year when the former will be in India for a promotional event. Messi gifts Modi signed jersey “Messi has sent a signed jersey for PM Modi’s 75th birthday. When he comes to India, we will try to arrange his meeting with the PM. He has wished well for the Indian fans, and he is happy to come to New Delhi and Mumbai for the first time and meet his fans there,” Satadru Dutta, the sports entrepreneur and promoter of Messi’s tour, told IANS on Monday. Modi, who is in his third term as Prime Minister of India, is one of the longest-serving administrators in the nation’s history. He first became PM in 2014 when his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious. Ever since, Modi has been one of the influential figures in world politics, while Messi also added another feather to his impressive hat by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Messi to visit India While the opponents are yet to be confirmed, Messi’s visit to India will have millions of Indian football fans on the edge of their seats. Argentina are heavy favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will look to face a top opponent in India to prepare for the showpiece in the United States. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Messi to be on four-city India tour in December The November visit will be part of an international assignment, Messi will be in India in December, where he will visit Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. He is set to play an exhibition match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium before concluding the trip in Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Modi.

<p>Narendra Modi, who turned 75 on Wednesday (Sep 17) received a signed jersey from Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is considered one of the greatest football players of all time.&nbsp;</p>

Lionel Messi sends signed jersey to Indian PM Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life will be adapted for the big screen soon. As PM Modi turned 75&nbsp;on September 17, a new biopic on his life titled Maa Vande was announced. Backed by Silver Cast Creations, the film, which will chronicle his life, will release in 2026 in multiple languages, including English. On Wednesday, to mark the special day, the first poster of the film was unveiled.&nbsp;</p><h2>Who will play Narendra Modi in Maa Vande?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to reports, Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan will play the Indian Prime Minister in the film. Maa Vande will be directed by Kranthi Kumar and backed by Veer Reddy M.&nbsp;</p><h2>About PM Modi’s biopic Maa Vande</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The biopic will trace PM Modi’s life from childhood to his rise as a leader of the country. It will also highlight his deep bond with Modi’s mother, Heeraben Modi who was a source of unwavering inspiration in his life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The film Maa Vande also boasts of some award-winning technicians, including Cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, National Award-winning editor Sreekar Prasad, renowned production designer Sabu Cyril, and music by Ravi Basrur.</p>

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<p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-mymodistory-trends-as-leaders-industrialists-actors-share-anecdotes-ahead-of-pm-modi-s-birthday-1758041018085">#MyModiStory: Leaders, industrialists, stars share anecdotes ahead of PM’s b’day</a></p><h2>Wishes pour in for Modi as he turns 75</h2><p>Born as Narendra Damodardas Modi in Mehsana town of Gujarat, he served as the state's CM for three consecutive terms (2001-14) and is now the Prime Minister for the third time. Wishes have been pouring in for the PM from all over the world. From Indian politicians to world leaders to actors and sportsmen, PM Modi has been receiving warm wishes from all across.</p>

To mark Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, a biopic titled Maa Vande has been announced. The film's first poster was unveiled on Wednesday to mark the special day. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life will be adapted for the big screen soon. As PM Modi turned 75 on September 17, a new biopic on his life titled Maa Vande was announced. Backed by Silver Cast Creations, the film, which will chronicle his life, will release in 2026 in multiple languages, including English. On Wednesday, to mark the special day, the first poster of the film was unveiled. Who will play Narendra Modi in Maa Vande? According to reports, Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan will play the Indian Prime Minister in the film. Maa Vande will be directed by Kranthi Kumar and backed by Veer Reddy M. About PM Modi’s biopic Maa Vande The biopic will trace PM Modi’s life from childhood to his rise as a leader of the country. It will also highlight his deep bond with Modi’s mother, Heeraben Modi who was a source of unwavering inspiration in his life. The film Maa Vande also boasts of some award-winning technicians, including Cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, National Award-winning editor Sreekar Prasad, renowned production designer Sabu Cyril, and music by Ravi Basrur.

<p>To mark Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, a biopic titled Maa Vande has been announced. The film's first poster was unveiled on Wednesday to mark the special day.&nbsp;</p>

Maa Vande: Biopic on PM Modi announced on his 75th birthday; who will play the leader on big screen?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Bombay State (present-day Gujarat), where he completed his secondary education. All the leaders and the International community are celebrating PM Modi's 75th birthday. Let's have a look at it.

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Bombay State (present-day Gujarat), where he completed his secondary education. All the leaders and the International community are celebrating PM Modi's 75th birthday. Let's have a look at it.</p>

'50 yrs of serving nation': International community celebrates Indian PM Modi's 75th birthday

<p>India and the United States on Tuesday (Sep 16) will return to the negotiating table and hold trade talks, revealed commerce ministry officials. According to reports, the impending talks represent a significant reversal in bilateral ties after weeks of tensions between the two allies in the aftermath of the punitive 50 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for buying Russian oil. In a statement on Monday (Sep 15), special secretary, commerce Rajesh Agarwal, India's chief negotiator for the bilateral trade talks, said that US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch "is in India tonight".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-move-to-fire-fed-governor-lisa-cook-fails-court-lets-her-stay-for-rate-decision-1757984861281"><strong>Trump move to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook fails — court lets her stay for rate decision</strong></a></p><h2><strong>A 'positive frame of mind'</strong></h2><p>Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed that the US team would meet the Indian team on Tuesday. He said that the two sides remain in a "positive frame of mind" on trade relations.</p><p>The Tuesday talks are vital to India-US ties and may pave the way for the sixth round of the trade talks between the nations. The sixth round of talks was originally supposed to happen on August 25 in New Delhi, but was postponed after Trump, on August 7, imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India — 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs and 25 per cent punitive tariffs for the purchase of discounted US oil.</p><p>These would be the first formal face-to-face talks between the Indian and American negotiating teams. Previously, the fifth round of the talks was held from July 14 to 18 in Washington. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-aide-navarro-labels-india-and-brics-vampires-claims-they-re-sucking-us-blood-dry-in-latest-bizarre-tirade-1757378876520"><strong>Trump aide Navarro labels India and BRICS 'vampires' claims they're 'sucking US blood dry' in latest bizarre tirade</strong></a></p><h2><strong>India-US ties on the mend?</strong></h2><p>Agarwal and Barthwal described the upcoming trade talks as a "continuation of talks" between India and the US, insisting that the two sides had been "continuously and constructively" engaged in virtual talks. This comes, as earlier this month, US President Donald Trump, after weeks of criticising India, called Indian PM Narendra Modi a "great Prime Minister," and a friend. The sentiment was echoed by Modi, and signalled a thaw in the icy relations.</p><p>This was in stark contrast to Washington's earlier statement, where the Trump administration referred to India as an "oil money laundromat for the Kremlin" and accused New Delhi of financing the war in Ukraine.<br>&nbsp;</p>

India and the United States will today resume trade talks, marking a significant reversal after weeks of tension caused by the Trump administration's imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods.

India and the United States on Tuesday (Sep 16) will return to the negotiating table and hold trade talks, revealed commerce ministry officials. According to reports, the impending talks represent a significant reversal in bilateral ties after weeks of tensions between the two allies in the aftermath of the punitive 50 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for buying Russian oil. In a statement on Monday (Sep 15), special secretary, commerce Rajesh Agarwal, India's chief negotiator for the bilateral trade talks, said that US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch "is in India tonight". Also read | Trump move to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook fails — court lets her stay for rate decision A 'positive frame of mind' Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed that the US team would meet the Indian team on Tuesday. He said that the two sides remain in a "positive frame of mind" on trade relations. The Tuesday talks are vital to India-US ties and may pave the way for the sixth round of the trade talks between the nations. The sixth round of talks was originally supposed to happen on August 25 in New Delhi, but was postponed after Trump, on August 7, imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India — 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs and 25 per cent punitive tariffs for the purchase of discounted US oil. These would be the first formal face-to-face talks between the Indian and American negotiating teams. Previously, the fifth round of the talks was held from July 14 to 18 in Washington. Also read | Trump aide Navarro labels India and BRICS 'vampires' claims they're 'sucking US blood dry' in latest bizarre tirade India-US ties on the mend? Agarwal and Barthwal described the upcoming trade talks as a "continuation of talks" between India and the US, insisting that the two sides had been "continuously and constructively" engaged in virtual talks. This comes, as earlier this month, US President Donald Trump, after weeks of criticising India, called Indian PM Narendra Modi a "great Prime Minister," and a friend. The sentiment was echoed by Modi, and signalled a thaw in the icy relations. This was in stark contrast to Washington's earlier statement, where the Trump administration referred to India as an "oil money laundromat for the Kremlin" and accused New Delhi of financing the war in Ukraine.

<p>India and the United States will today resume trade talks, marking a significant reversal after weeks of tension caused by the Trump administration's imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods.</p>

From 'Kremlin laundromat' to 'friend': Trump's U-turn brings India, US back to negotiating table; trade talks in Delhi today

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on Sunday (Sept 14) hit out at the main Opposition Congress party for siding with anti-national forces and supporting terrorists backed by Pakistan. While addressing a huge rally in Assam's Darrang the PM said, “Instead of standing with our brave soldiers, Congress has chosen to back infiltrators and those who threaten India’s unity. This party has repeatedly provided cover to anti-national forces."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He also hit out at the Congress party over the alleged verbal abuse targeting him and his late mother, Heeraben Modi. While addressing the crowd the PM said that he will take any criticism or abuse that comes his way like Lord Shiva swallowed the poison.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“No matter how much abuse they hurl at me, I am a devotee of Lord Shiva; I absorb all that," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Verbal abuses were allegedly made from an RJD-Congress stage during a recent political campaign in Bihar, which is going to polls soon. The Opposition has however, denied the allegation and said that none of its leaders were on the stage when the remarks were made.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Prime Minister during his rally also highlighted how Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was "upset" when late Bhupen Hazarika, a renowned singer from Assam was being awarded the Bharat Ratna by the Centre.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The day the Indian government honoured this country's great son and Assam's pride Bhupen Hazarika with the Bharat Ratna, the Congress president said Modi was giving the award to 'singers and dancers'," the Prime Minister said alleging that Kharge is remote-controlled by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Verbal abuses were allegedly made against PM Modi from an RJD-Congress stage during a recent political campaign in Bihar, which is going to polls soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on Sunday (Sept 14) hit out at the main Opposition Congress party for siding with anti-national forces and supporting terrorists backed by Pakistan. While addressing a huge rally in Assam's Darrang the PM said, “Instead of standing with our brave soldiers, Congress has chosen to back infiltrators and those who threaten India’s unity. This party has repeatedly provided cover to anti-national forces." He also hit out at the Congress party over the alleged verbal abuse targeting him and his late mother, Heeraben Modi. While addressing the crowd the PM said that he will take any criticism or abuse that comes his way like Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. “No matter how much abuse they hurl at me, I am a devotee of Lord Shiva; I absorb all that," he said. Verbal abuses were allegedly made from an RJD-Congress stage during a recent political campaign in Bihar, which is going to polls soon. The Opposition has however, denied the allegation and said that none of its leaders were on the stage when the remarks were made. The Prime Minister during his rally also highlighted how Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was "upset" when late Bhupen Hazarika, a renowned singer from Assam was being awarded the Bharat Ratna by the Centre. "The day the Indian government honoured this country's great son and Assam's pride Bhupen Hazarika with the Bharat Ratna, the Congress president said Modi was giving the award to 'singers and dancers'," the Prime Minister said alleging that Kharge is remote-controlled by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

<p>Verbal abuses were allegedly made against PM Modi from an RJD-Congress stage during a recent political campaign in Bihar, which is going to polls soon.</p>

'Can swallow all insults' like Lord Shiva, says PM Modi hitting out at Congress on abuse row

<p>During the visit to Varanasi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Thursday. The meeting took place as the Mauritian PM is on a State Visit to India from 9–16 September. Both leaders will also be expected to hold discussions on crucial matters with particular focus on development partnership and capacity building, according to an official statement, news agency ANI reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The meeting between PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam in the historic city of Varanasi signifies the enduring civilizational connect, spiritual bonds and deep-rooted people-to-people connection that have shaped the special and unique relationship between India and Mauritius, according to the PIB release.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Varanasi.<br><br>Mauritius PM is on a State Visit to India from 9–16 September.<br><br>Video: ANI <a href="https://t.co/K9ZUgvEET4">pic.twitter.com/K9ZUgvEET4</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1966024671658459639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>PM Modi’s State Visit to Mauritius&nbsp;</h3><p>The visit of the Mauritius PM came following the positive momentum generated by PM Modi’s State Visit to the nation in March 2025. During that meeting, both leaders increased the bilateral relationship to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As a close maritime neighbour and a valued partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius holds a pivotal place in India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) Vision and its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The growing partnership between the two countries is vital, which is not only for the prosperity of the people but also for the collective aspirations of the Global South. The Varanasi Summit is set to be a landmark moment in the India-Mauritius relationship, underscoring their commitment to shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and a secure, inclusive future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mauritius PM Ramgoolam arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday. He was received by Uttar Pradesh Governor Patel and Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. Ramgoolam will also attend the Ganga 'aarti' on Thursday evening and is set to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Friday morning before his departure.</p>

The meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Ramgoolam in the historic city of Varanasi signifies the enduring civilizational connect, spiritual bonds and deep-rooted people-to-people connections shaping the unique relationship between India and Mauritius.

During the visit to Varanasi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Thursday. The meeting took place as the Mauritian PM is on a State Visit to India from 9–16 September. Both leaders will also be expected to hold discussions on crucial matters with particular focus on development partnership and capacity building, according to an official statement, news agency ANI reported. The meeting between PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam in the historic city of Varanasi signifies the enduring civilizational connect, spiritual bonds and deep-rooted people-to-people connection that have shaped the special and unique relationship between India and Mauritius, according to the PIB release.

<p>The meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Ramgoolam in the historic city of Varanasi signifies the enduring civilizational connect, spiritual bonds and deep-rooted people-to-people connections shaping the unique relationship between India and Mauritius.</p>

PM Modi Meets Mauritius PM Ramgoolam in Varanasi: What are key issues on table?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cast his vote after polling in the Vice-Presidential election began at 10 am on Tuesday. Along with PM Modi, other members of Parliament are also going to cast their vote to fill the post left vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Voted in the 2025 Vice President election. <a href="https://t.co/soCoJJmHSI">pic.twitter.com/soCoJJmHSI</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1965279055214985341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The poll is witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led ruling NDA’s nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan and the opposition INDIA bloc’s choice, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, as India is set to have a new Vice President by Tuesday night.</p><h3>Vice President's vote counting time</h3><p>Polling began at 10 am in the new Parliament building, where eligible members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will cast their votes until 5 pm. The vote counting will start at 6 pm, and the results are expected later in the evening.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, members of parliament are not required to follow party whips while casting their votes in the vice presidential election, which is conducted through a secret ballot.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The electoral college for the poll consists of 788 members — 245 from the Rajya Sabha and 543 from the Lok Sabha. In addition, the 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also entitled to participate in the voting process.</p>

The poll is witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led ruling NDA’s nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan and the opposition INDIA bloc’s choice, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, as India is set to have a new Vice President by Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cast his vote after polling in the Vice-Presidential election began at 10 am on Tuesday. Along with PM Modi, other members of Parliament are also going to cast their vote to fill the post left vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation.

<p>The poll is witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led ruling NDA’s nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan and the opposition INDIA bloc’s choice, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, as India is set to have a new Vice President by Tuesday night.</p>

CP Radhakrishnan vs B Sudershan Reddy: PM Modi casts 1st vote in vice-presidential election

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his support for US President Donald Trump's excessive tariffs on India over the nation's purchase of discounted Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky said that Trump's tariffs were the "right idea" while labelling Russian energy trade as Russian President Vladimir Putin's weapon against Ukraine. "I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea," he said when asked about the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin in China.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-peter-navarro-lashes-out-at-india-again-melts-down-after-netizens-fact-check-his-russian-oil-claim-live-musk-1757207674239"><strong>Trump aide Navarro lashes out at India again! Targets Musk in a public meltdown after netizens fact-check his Russian oil claims</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What did Zelensky say exactly?</strong></h2><p>During a conversation with ABC News, Zelensky was asked about Modi's meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China and about Trump's statement about losing India. Zelensky said that he believes that the "idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Taking a dig at Ukraine's European partners for continuing energy trade with Moscow, he said, "We all understand that we need additional pressure on Putin. We need pressure from the United States. And I said that I think that President Trump is right about the Europeans -- I am very thankful to all the partners."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-modi-s-snub-over-trump-s-nobel-peace-prize-push-lead-to-50-tariffs-for-india-shocking-report-claims-this-1756605189312"><strong>Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Some of them...continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair... So we have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia... I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This is only one... to stop the killer. You need to take off his… I mean, to take off his weapon. Energy is his weapon," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed US President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky called the tariffs the “right idea”. Here's what he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his support for US President Donald Trump's excessive tariffs on India over the nation's purchase of discounted Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky said that Trump's tariffs were the "right idea" while labelling Russian energy trade as Russian President Vladimir Putin's weapon against Ukraine. "I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea," he said when asked about the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin in China. Also read | Trump aide Navarro lashes out at India again! Targets Musk in a public meltdown after netizens fact-check his Russian oil claims What did Zelensky say exactly? During a conversation with ABC News, Zelensky was asked about Modi's meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China and about Trump's statement about losing India. Zelensky said that he believes that the "idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea". Taking a dig at Ukraine's European partners for continuing energy trade with Moscow, he said, "We all understand that we need additional pressure on Putin. We need pressure from the United States. And I said that I think that President Trump is right about the Europeans -- I am very thankful to all the partners." Also read | Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego? "Some of them...continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair... So we have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia... I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea." "This is only one... to stop the killer. You need to take off his… I mean, to take off his weapon. Energy is his weapon," he added.

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed US President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky called the tariffs the “right idea”. Here's what he said.</p>

'Energy is his weapon': Zelensky sides with Trump, says 'right idea' for India to face 50% tariffs for Russian oil trade

<p>Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Sep 6) reacted to US President Donald Trump's U-turn on his statement that Washington had "lost India and Russia to China". Responding to Trump's latest claims that his relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained strong, Jaishankar said that PM Modi also "attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US". His statement comes after Trump backtracked on his losing India to China remark, saying that while he was very "disappointed" with India for buying "so much" oil from Russia, he gets along "very well with Modi".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-backtracks-after-claiming-us-lost-india-to-china-says-ties-with-modi-very-special-1757124434506"><strong>Trump backtracks after claiming US 'lost India to China,' says ties with PM Modi 'very special'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What did Jaishankar say?</strong></h2><p>Talking to ANI news agency, the Indian foreign minister said that "PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US." He added that "Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump."</p><p>In a clear reference to the ongoing trade tensions between India and US he added that "But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can't say more than that."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump,&quot; says Indian EAM S Jaishankar.<br><br>Source: ANI <a href="https://t.co/gjKypsVNNn">pic.twitter.com/gjKypsVNNn</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1964215078821024005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>His statement follows PM Modi's. On X, the Indian PM wrote, “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump&#39;s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties.<br><br>India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/4hLo9wBpeF">https://t.co/4hLo9wBpeF</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1964180697012228163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>What did Trump say about India?</strong></h2><p>On Friday, Trump had posted a picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the caption “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” May they have a long and prosperous future together!"</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-re-going-to-lose-if-finland-president-stubb-issues-dire-warning-to-trump-over-india-standoff-watch-1756887533690"><strong>'We're going to lose if...': Finland President Stubb issues dire warning to Trump over India standoff. Watch!</strong></a></p><p>However, hours later, when asked about his post and who he blames for losing India to China, Trump told reporters, "I don't think we have (lost India)." He added, "I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India- 50 per cent, very high tariff. I get along very well with (PM) Modi, as you know. He was here a couple of months ago...".</p><p>When pressed on whether relations needed a reset, Trump struck a softer tone and said he would "always" be friends with Modi and that he just didn't "like what he is doing at this particular moment". He also said that the United States had a "special relationship" with India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was reacting to US President Donald Trump's recent backtracking on his statement that the US had "lost India and Russia to China," said PM Modi also "attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US".

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Sep 6) reacted to US President Donald Trump's U-turn on his statement that Washington had "lost India and Russia to China". Responding to Trump's latest claims that his relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained strong, Jaishankar said that PM Modi also "attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US". His statement comes after Trump backtracked on his losing India to China remark, saying that while he was very "disappointed" with India for buying "so much" oil from Russia, he gets along "very well with Modi". Also read | Trump backtracks after claiming US 'lost India to China,' says ties with PM Modi 'very special' What did Jaishankar say? Talking to ANI news agency, the Indian foreign minister said that "PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US." He added that "Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump." In a clear reference to the ongoing trade tensions between India and US he added that "But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can't say more than that."

<p>Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was reacting to US President Donald Trump's recent backtracking on his statement that the US had "lost India and Russia to China," said PM Modi also "attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US".</p>

Jaishankar breaks silence on Modi–Trump ties after POTUS's U-turn on America 'lost India to China' remark

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that he had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his talks with Donald Trump in Alaska, not in a meeting room, but during a drive in his Russian-made Aurus limousine. “This is no secret, I told him (Modi) what we talked about in Alaska,” Putin told journalists in China, according to Russian news agency TASS.</p><p>The exchange happened on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, which was held on 31 August and 1 September and attended by over 20 leaders alongside heads of ten international organisations.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-one-has-been-conspiring-no-conspiracies-at-all-russia-responds-to-trump-s-plotting-against-us-claim-about-putin-xi-and-kim-1756891592323"><strong>'No one has been conspiring, no conspiracies at all': Russia responds to Trump's ‘plotting against US’ claim about Putin, Xi and Kim</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Putin and Modi’s long car conversation</strong></h2><p>Putin reportedly waited nearly 10 minutes for Modi before the two boarded the limousine together. The short trip to their meeting venue lasted only 15 minutes, but instead of leaving the vehicle, the leaders carried on with their private talk for another 45 minutes.</p><p>“The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel, where they were to be joined by members of their teams. However, on reaching the hotel, they did not deboard the Russian president’s limousine and continued their conversation for a further 45 minutes,” Russian broadcaster VestiFM reported.</p><p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the car became an impromptu venue for a one-hour discussion. “He did not want to interrupt the important conversation. But the ‘home walls’ of the car also played a role,” Peskov told a pool TV reporter.</p><p>“They were at home. That’s the first thing. And secondly, when there’s an important discussion going on, there’s simply no time to interrupt walking and moving to different venues. They felt comfortable there, and that’s why they continued the conversation. But the (bilateral) agenda is really more than intense,” he added.</p><p>Prime Minister Modi later posted a picture of himself and Putin inside the limousine, writing, “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful.”</p><h2><strong>Putin’s limousine diplomacy</strong></h2><p>For Putin, his bulletproof Aurus has become more than just transport. His aides describe it as offering a “home court advantage,” creating a secure and familiar space for candid talks.</p><p>During his trip to China, it was not just Modi who rode with him. Reports noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also joined the Russian president in his black limousine.</p>

President Putin told journalists he briefed PM Modi about his talks with Donald Trump during a drive in his Aurus limousine at the SCO summit in China, not in a meeting room.

Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that he had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his talks with Donald Trump in Alaska, not in a meeting room, but during a drive in his Russian-made Aurus limousine. “This is no secret, I told him (Modi) what we talked about in Alaska,” Putin told journalists in China, according to Russian news agency TASS. The exchange happened on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, which was held on 31 August and 1 September and attended by over 20 leaders alongside heads of ten international organisations. Also read: 'No one has been conspiring, no conspiracies at all': Russia responds to Trump's ‘plotting against US’ claim about Putin, Xi and Kim Putin and Modi’s long car conversation Putin reportedly waited nearly 10 minutes for Modi before the two boarded the limousine together. The short trip to their meeting venue lasted only 15 minutes, but instead of leaving the vehicle, the leaders carried on with their private talk for another 45 minutes. “The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel, where they were to be joined by members of their teams. However, on reaching the hotel, they did not deboard the Russian president’s limousine and continued their conversation for a further 45 minutes,” Russian broadcaster VestiFM reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the car became an impromptu venue for a one-hour discussion. “He did not want to interrupt the important conversation. But the ‘home walls’ of the car also played a role,” Peskov told a pool TV reporter. “They were at home. That’s the first thing. And secondly, when there’s an important discussion going on, there’s simply no time to interrupt walking and moving to different venues. They felt comfortable there, and that’s why they continued the conversation. But the (bilateral) agenda is really more than intense,” he added. Prime Minister Modi later posted a picture of himself and Putin inside the limousine, writing, “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful.” Putin’s limousine diplomacy For Putin, his bulletproof Aurus has become more than just transport. His aides describe it as offering a “home court advantage,” creating a secure and familiar space for candid talks. During his trip to China, it was not just Modi who rode with him. Reports noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also joined the Russian president in his black limousine.

<p>President Putin told journalists he briefed PM Modi about his talks with Donald Trump during a drive in his Aurus limousine at the SCO summit in China, not in a meeting room.</p>

'No secret': Putin reveals what he told PM Modi during 45-minute ride in his Aurus limousine that 'feels like home'

<p>On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on 31 August. The meeting comes after India and China decided to strengthen their relationship amid global trade rows sparked by US President Donald Trump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meeting of PM Modi with Xi, China marks a significant move as it is the prime minister's first trip to China since April-May 2020, when India and China's relations became sour following a military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They also met last year at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, ending a four-year deadlock in ties over military tensions in Eastern Ladakh.</p><h3>What is the history of India-China ties?</h3><p>From Jawaharlal Nehru's 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to the 2003 visit of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with several agreements signed, India-China ties have come a long way.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Take a look at a timeline of key events in India-China relations over the last several decades:</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1949:</strong> After Burma, India becomes the second non-communist nation to recognise the People's Republic of China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1950:</strong> Diplomatic ties were established between India and China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1954:</strong> The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, or Panchsheel, was signed between India and China, assuring each other's territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1959:</strong> Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama escaped with an estimated 80,000 followers and established a "government-in-exile" in India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1962:</strong> India and China fought their first war over the border issue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1976:</strong> After a 15-year hiatus, the two nations restore full diplomatic ties.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1979: </strong>The then Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1981: </strong>Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hu visited India and began an annual dialogue with India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1988:</strong> Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi paid his visit to China and set up a joint working group on boundary disputes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1991:</strong> Chinese Premier Li Peng visited India, the first by a Chinese premier in 31 years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1993:</strong> PM PV Narasimha Rao also paid his visit to China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1995</strong>: Both nations decided to pull back their troops in the eastern sector.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1996: </strong>Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2000</strong>: India, China sign a bilateral trade pact to facilitate Beijing's early entry into the WTO.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2002:</strong> In this year, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visited India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2003:</strong> The two nations reached a de facto agreement over the status of Tibet and Sikkim after PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2005: </strong>Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao backs India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council while on his visit to India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Later, after the military standoff along the borders in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 during the Galwan clashes, India-China ties soured.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>June 2020: </strong>A deadly clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops dead after brutal hand-to-hand fighting. The incident prompted New Delhi to tighten scrutiny of Chinese investments, ban several popular mobile apps from China, and suspend direct passenger flights between the two countries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Dec 2022:</strong> Fresh tensions erupted when Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in minor scuffles in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, a region China continues to claim as part of southern Tibet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Aug 2023:</strong> On the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS grouping of nations, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping meet in Johannesburg and agreed to increase efforts to disengage and de-escalate tensions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Sep 2024: </strong>While speaking at an event in Geneva, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that about 75 per cent of the "disengagement" problems at India's border with China had been restored.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Oct 2024:</strong> India and China struck a new agreement on patrolling their contested frontier, aimed at defusing the long-running military standoff. Later that month, Modi and Xi held their first formal meeting in five years during a BRICS summit in Russia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Dec 2024: </strong>National Security Adviser Ajit Doval travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first formal engagement since the October deal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Jan 2025</strong>: Wang and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions in Beijing, agreeing to restore direct air services and to work on ironing out trade and economic differences.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>April 2025:</strong> A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy said India and China should cooperate more closely to counter challenges created by tariffs introduced under the Trump administration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>July 2025:</strong> Jaishankar made his first visit to China in five years, stressing that both countries must resolve border frictions, scale down troop deployments, and ease trade restrictions to restore normalcy in relations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Aug 2025:</strong> During a visit to New Delhi, Wang told Jaishankar that India and China should build a “correct strategic understanding” and treat each other as partners rather than rivals.</p>

From Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2003 visit that saw several agreements signed, India–China relations have come a long way.

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on 31 August. The meeting comes after India and China decided to strengthen their relationship amid global trade rows sparked by US President Donald Trump. Meeting of PM Modi with Xi, China marks a significant move as it is the prime minister's first trip to China since April-May 2020, when India and China's relations became sour following a military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They also met last year at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, ending a four-year deadlock in ties over military tensions in Eastern Ladakh. What is the history of India-China ties? From Jawaharlal Nehru's 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to the 2003 visit of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with several agreements signed, India-China ties have come a long way. Take a look at a timeline of key events in India-China relations over the last several decades: 1949: After Burma, India becomes the second non-communist nation to recognise the People's Republic of China. 1950: Diplomatic ties were established between India and China. 1954: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, or Panchsheel, was signed between India and China, assuring each other's territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence. 1959: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama escaped with an estimated 80,000 followers and established a "government-in-exile" in India. 1962: India and China fought their first war over the border issue. 1976: After a 15-year hiatus, the two nations restore full diplomatic ties. 1979: The then Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China. 1981: Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hu visited India and began an annual dialogue with India. 1988: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi paid his visit to China and set up a joint working group on boundary disputes. 1991: Chinese Premier Li Peng visited India, the first by a Chinese premier in 31 years. 1993: PM PV Narasimha Rao also paid his visit to China. 1995: Both nations decided to pull back their troops in the eastern sector. 1996: Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India 2000: India, China sign a bilateral trade pact to facilitate Beijing's early entry into the WTO. 2002: In this year, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visited India. 2003: The two nations reached a de facto agreement over the status of Tibet and Sikkim after PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China. 2005: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao backs India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council while on his visit to India. Later, after the military standoff along the borders in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 during the Galwan clashes, India-China ties soured. June 2020: A deadly clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops dead after brutal hand-to-hand fighting. The incident prompted New Delhi to tighten scrutiny of Chinese investments, ban several popular mobile apps from China, and suspend direct passenger flights between the two countries. Dec 2022: Fresh tensions erupted when Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in minor scuffles in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, a region China continues to claim as part of southern Tibet. Aug 2023: On the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS grouping of nations, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping meet in Johannesburg and agreed to increase efforts to disengage and de-escalate tensions. Sep 2024: While speaking at an event in Geneva, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that about 75 per cent of the "disengagement" problems at India's border with China had been restored. Oct 2024: India and China struck a new agreement on patrolling their contested frontier, aimed at defusing the long-running military standoff. Later that month, Modi and Xi held their first formal meeting in five years during a BRICS summit in Russia. Dec 2024: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first formal engagement since the October deal. Jan 2025: Wang and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions in Beijing, agreeing to restore direct air services and to work on ironing out trade and economic differences. April 2025: A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy said India and China should cooperate more closely to counter challenges created by tariffs introduced under the Trump administration. July 2025: Jaishankar made his first visit to China in five years, stressing that both countries must resolve border frictions, scale down troop deployments, and ease trade restrictions to restore normalcy in relations. Aug 2025: During a visit to New Delhi, Wang told Jaishankar that India and China should build a “correct strategic understanding” and treat each other as partners rather than rivals.

<p>From Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1954 visit to China, which introduced the Panchsheel principles, to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2003 visit that saw several agreements signed, India–China relations have come a long way.</p>

From Nehru to Modi: A timeline of India-China ties since Panchsheel agreement

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>President Xi thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency. India is preparing to take over the leadership of BRICS from the current president, Brazil.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi also expressed support for China's Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Summit in Tianjin, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement today.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin today. The two leaders had previously met in Russia's Kazan in 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>In July this year, Prime Minister Modi, in his intervention at the BRICS grouping's summit in Rio De Janeiro, said that India will attempt to give a "new form" to the BRICS next year.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi said BRICS will mean Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability, and just as during the G-20 chairmanship, India had given priority to the issues of the Global South in the agenda, similarly, during India's chairmanship of BRICS, it will take the forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first.<br><br>The 17th BRICS Summit held under the theme: "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance". Xi Jinping had participated in the summit virtually.<br><br>Commitments were adopted across strategic areas, including global governance, finance, health, AI, climate change, peace and security.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to the main declaration, BRICS leaders endorsed three supplementary frameworks- The BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, The BRICS Leaders' Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance is a first-of-its-kind collective BRICS commitment under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The declaration proposed mobilising USD 300 billion annually by 2035 for climate-related investments, with an explicit emphasis on ensuring that such finance is “accessible, timely and concessional.”</p><p><br>The Rio-de-Janerio summit announced the establishment of a BRICS Climate Research Platform to harmonise data, share best practices, and advance joint modelling.<br><br>The BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence emphasised that AI must serve as a tool to advance inclusive development, reduce digital inequalities, and empower the Global South through multilateral, UN-led frameworks.<br><br>The BRICS grouping is formed by eleven countries: Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. It serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South, facilitating coordination in a wide range of areas.<br><br>Meanwhile, during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations.<br><br>The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then, the MEA said in a statement.<br><br>They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts.<br><br>Both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes.<br><br>A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts, the MEA said in a statement.<br><br>The two leaders noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visa. On economic and trade relations, they recognized the role of their two economies to stabilize world trade. They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce trade deficit.<br><br>The Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms.<br><br>Prime Minister also had a meeting with Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. Prime Minister Modi shared with Cai his vision for bilateral relations and sought his support to realize the vision of the two leaders, the MEA said.<br><br>Cai reiterated the Chinese side's desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i><br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

during their bilateral meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Indian PM Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit in India in 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said. President Xi thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency. India is preparing to take over the leadership of BRICS from the current president, Brazil. PM Modi also expressed support for China's Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Summit in Tianjin, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement today. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin today. The two leaders had previously met in Russia's Kazan in 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. In July this year, Prime Minister Modi, in his intervention at the BRICS grouping's summit in Rio De Janeiro, said that India will attempt to give a "new form" to the BRICS next year. PM Modi said BRICS will mean Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability, and just as during the G-20 chairmanship, India had given priority to the issues of the Global South in the agenda, similarly, during India's chairmanship of BRICS, it will take the forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first. The 17th BRICS Summit held under the theme: "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance". Xi Jinping had participated in the summit virtually. Commitments were adopted across strategic areas, including global governance, finance, health, AI, climate change, peace and security. In addition to the main declaration, BRICS leaders endorsed three supplementary frameworks- The BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, The BRICS Leaders' Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. The Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance is a first-of-its-kind collective BRICS commitment under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The declaration proposed mobilising USD 300 billion annually by 2035 for climate-related investments, with an explicit emphasis on ensuring that such finance is “accessible, timely and concessional.” The Rio-de-Janerio summit announced the establishment of a BRICS Climate Research Platform to harmonise data, share best practices, and advance joint modelling. The BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence emphasised that AI must serve as a tool to advance inclusive development, reduce digital inequalities, and empower the Global South through multilateral, UN-led frameworks. The BRICS grouping is formed by eleven countries: Brasil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. It serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South, facilitating coordination in a wide range of areas. Meanwhile, during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then, the MEA said in a statement. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts. Both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024. They reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes. A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century. Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts, the MEA said in a statement. The two leaders noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visa. On economic and trade relations, they recognized the role of their two economies to stabilize world trade. They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce trade deficit. The Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens. The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms. Prime Minister also had a meeting with Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. Prime Minister Modi shared with Cai his vision for bilateral relations and sought his support to realize the vision of the two leaders, the MEA said. Cai reiterated the Chinese side's desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>During their bilateral meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Indian PM Modi has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit in India in 2026.</p>

Modi invites Xi to India's BRICS summit; leaders reaffirm border peace, commitment to stronger ties

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 125th episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann ki Baat' announced the launch of a new digital platform called 'Pratibha Setu'. This platform would lend support to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) aspirants who narrowly missed making it to the final merit list and achieve their UPSC dream. Here's all you need to know about Pratibha Setu and how it can help you achieve success even if your UPSC dream failed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Thousands of capable candidates, not enough jobs</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Describing UPSC as one of India's most competitive exams, PM Modi said that while stories of several aspirants were the stuff of inspiration but thousands of capable candidates don't reach the final list.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-modi-s-snub-over-trump-s-nobel-peace-prize-push-lead-to-50-tariffs-for-india-shocking-report-claims-this-1756605189312"><strong>Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"All of us have heard many inspiring stories from the toppers of the Civil Services. These youngsters study under difficult circumstances and through their hard work, get a place in this service, but friends, there is another truth about the UPSC exam."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"There are thousands of such candidates who are very capable; their hard work is no less than anyone else's, but they are unable to reach the final list by a small margin. These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams. That cost both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has been created for such sincere students and its name is 'Pratibha Setu'."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What is Pratibha Setu? How would it work?</strong></h2><p>PRATIBHA stands for 'Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants'. The Indian PM said that 'Pratibha Setu' would store the data of the candidates that clear all stages, but fail to make it to UPSC's final list. The database allows verified employers - including ministries, PSUs, autonomous bodies, and private organizations to access data of such candidates and hire them.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-becomes-ukraine-s-biggest-diesel-supplier-as-trump-wages-tariff-war-on-new-delhi-over-russian-oil-1756541739906"><strong>India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oil</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is not a new scheme; earlier, it was known as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) and has been in operation since 20 August 2018. It "provides a platform for Employer to select non-recommended willing candidates who are almost as meritorious to the recommended candidates and provides Second gateway for UPSC aspirants to shine beyond the examination."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

PM Narendra Modi, during the 125th edition of his monthly radio show, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ announced 'Pratibha Setu' for UPSC aspirants who couldn't achieve their civil service dream. Here's all you need to know about it.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 125th episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann ki Baat' announced the launch of a new digital platform called 'Pratibha Setu'. This platform would lend support to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) aspirants who narrowly missed making it to the final merit list and achieve their UPSC dream. Here's all you need to know about Pratibha Setu and how it can help you achieve success even if your UPSC dream failed. Thousands of capable candidates, not enough jobs Describing UPSC as one of India's most competitive exams, PM Modi said that while stories of several aspirants were the stuff of inspiration but thousands of capable candidates don't reach the final list. Also read | Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego? "All of us have heard many inspiring stories from the toppers of the Civil Services. These youngsters study under difficult circumstances and through their hard work, get a place in this service, but friends, there is another truth about the UPSC exam." "There are thousands of such candidates who are very capable; their hard work is no less than anyone else's, but they are unable to reach the final list by a small margin. These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams. That cost both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has been created for such sincere students and its name is 'Pratibha Setu'." What is Pratibha Setu? How would it work? PRATIBHA stands for 'Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants'. The Indian PM said that 'Pratibha Setu' would store the data of the candidates that clear all stages, but fail to make it to UPSC's final list. The database allows verified employers - including ministries, PSUs, autonomous bodies, and private organizations to access data of such candidates and hire them. Also read | India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over Russian oil This is not a new scheme; earlier, it was known as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) and has been in operation since 20 August 2018. It "provides a platform for Employer to select non-recommended willing candidates who are almost as meritorious to the recommended candidates and provides Second gateway for UPSC aspirants to shine beyond the examination."

<p>PM Narendra Modi, during the 125th edition of his monthly radio show, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ announced 'Pratibha Setu' for UPSC aspirants who couldn't achieve their civil service dream. Here's all you need to know about it.</p>

Missed UPSC by inches? PM Modi’s new ‘Pratibha Setu’ scheme could change your life. Here's how | Mann Ki Baat

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Aug 31) addressed the citizens of India in the 125th episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat'. Modi started his show by saying that in this monsoon season, "natural disasters are testing the country" and have left homes torn apart, fields submerged, and entire families destroyed. He then lauded the efforts of NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces in rescuing thousands of people trapped in unwanted situations.</p><h2><strong>Natural disasters testing India</strong></h2><p>“In the last few weeks we have witnessed massive havoc caused by floods and landslides. Homes torn apart, fields submerged, entire families destroyed. The relentless surge of water swept away bridges-roads got washed away, and people's lives were in danger. These incidents have brought grief to every Indian. The pain of the families who lost their loved ones is shared by all of us,” said PM Modi.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-modi-s-snub-over-trump-s-nobel-peace-prize-push-lead-to-50-tariffs-for-india-shocking-report-claims-this-1756605189312"><strong>Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?</strong></a></p><p>The Indian PM also hailed the contributions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and other security forces, who have been working day and night in the relief efforts following floods and landslides. He mentioned that their rescue efforts were supported and boosted by advanced technology. He also mentioned sniffer dogs and their contribution to the rescue efforts.<br>"Wherever there was a crisis, our NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces worked day and night to save people. The soldiers also took the help of technology. Efforts were made to speed up relief work with the help of thermal cameras, live detectors, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance. During this, relief material was delivered by helicopters and the injured were airlifted. Armed Forces came forward to help in times of disaster. Local people, social workers, doctors, administration - everyone made every possible effort in this hour of crisis. I heartily thank every such citizen who prioritised humanity in these difficult times," he said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-becomes-ukraine-s-biggest-diesel-supplier-as-trump-wages-tariff-war-on-new-delhi-over-russian-oil-1756541739906"><strong>India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oil</strong></a></p><h2><strong>India's monsoon troubles</strong></h2><p>In recent days, the monsoon has caused significant destruction to various parts of India. Across the nation, states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have been severely affected by heavy rainfall, leading to floods, landslides, and flash floods.</p><h2><br>&nbsp;</h2>

In the 125th episode of his monthly radio show, "Mann Ki Baat," Prime Minister Narendra Modi among other things, highlighted the challenges India is facing due to the ongoing monsoon season.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Aug 31) addressed the citizens of India in the 125th episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat'. Modi started his show by saying that in this monsoon season, "natural disasters are testing the country" and have left homes torn apart, fields submerged, and entire families destroyed. He then lauded the efforts of NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces in rescuing thousands of people trapped in unwanted situations. Natural disasters testing India “In the last few weeks we have witnessed massive havoc caused by floods and landslides. Homes torn apart, fields submerged, entire families destroyed. The relentless surge of water swept away bridges-roads got washed away, and people's lives were in danger. These incidents have brought grief to every Indian. The pain of the families who lost their loved ones is shared by all of us,” said PM Modi. Also read | Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego? The Indian PM also hailed the contributions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and other security forces, who have been working day and night in the relief efforts following floods and landslides. He mentioned that their rescue efforts were supported and boosted by advanced technology. He also mentioned sniffer dogs and their contribution to the rescue efforts. "Wherever there was a crisis, our NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces worked day and night to save people. The soldiers also took the help of technology. Efforts were made to speed up relief work with the help of thermal cameras, live detectors, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance. During this, relief material was delivered by helicopters and the injured were airlifted. Armed Forces came forward to help in times of disaster. Local people, social workers, doctors, administration - everyone made every possible effort in this hour of crisis. I heartily thank every such citizen who prioritised humanity in these difficult times," he said. Also read | India becomes Ukraine's biggest diesel supplier, as Trump wages tariff war on New Delhi over Russian oil India's monsoon troubles In recent days, the monsoon has caused significant destruction to various parts of India. Across the nation, states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have been severely affected by heavy rainfall, leading to floods, landslides, and flash floods.

<p>In the 125th episode of his monthly radio show, "Mann Ki Baat," Prime Minister Narendra Modi among other things, highlighted the challenges India is facing due to the ongoing monsoon season.</p>

'Mann Ki Baat': PM Modi hails security forces for rescuing thousands during recent floods and rains

<p>Is PM Narendra Modi's refusal that Donald Trump was behind the ceasefire between India and Pakistan the reason for the excessive tariffs imposed on New Delhi by Washington? According to a recent report, in June, US President Trump called Modi and apparently hinted that he deserved credit for halting military hostilities between neighbours India and Pakistan the previous month. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he “solved” the crisis, mentioned how Islamabad was going to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize and not-so-subtly implied that New Delhi should also endorse him.</p><h2><strong>Trump, the Nobel Peace Prize, and India's refusal to give him any credit for the ceasefire</strong></h2><p>In May, a conflict had broken out between the two neighbours after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terror bases in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. After four days of military conflict, India announced a ceasefire following talks between the two armies.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-satanic-trump-white-house-portrait-sets-internet-on-fire-netizens-call-it-his-most-honest-image-yet-compare-potus-to-hitler-1755752441076"><strong>‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler</strong></a></p><p>Ever since, POTUS Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending the hostilities between India and Pakistan. As per a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the matter, the US President reiterated his claims in a call with PM Modi on June 17, and launched a not-so-subtle bid to get India to nominate him for Nobel Peace Prize. The White House never acknowledged the June 17 call, and Trump did not post about it on social media.&nbsp;<br>However, according to the report, Modi pushed back during the call, telling Trump that the ceasefire was arranged directly between New Delhi and Islamabad without US involvement. The next day, in a statement to the press, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Modi told Trump "clearly" that during the conflict "no talks were held at any level on the mediation between India and Pakistan by America". Misri added that "The talks regarding cessation of military action were held directly between India and Pakistan under the existing channels established between both militaries".</p><p>Despite Modi’s position, the Times said Trump brushed aside the comments and emphasised his own role, even noting that Pakistan was planning to nominate him for the Nobel. The suggestion that Modi should do the same reportedly added to strains in their relationship.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/taylor-swift-engaged-to-travis-kelce-and-even-trump-is-suddenly-nice-to-her-potus-finds-love-for-popstar-after-months-of-hate-says-this-1756257878135"><strong>Taylor Swift engaged to Travis Kelce; Trump finds love for popstar after months of HATE</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Reciprocal tariffs or retaliatory tariffs?</strong></h2><p>To India's surprise, just weeks after the June 17 phone call and PM Modi's dismissal of Trump's role in solving the conflict, the US announced that India would be subject to a 25 per cent tariff. This reciprocal duty was followed by another 25 per cent penalty for New Delhi's purchase of discounted Russian oil. The moves strained bilateral ties further, even as talks on a trade agreement were still underway.</p><p>Meanwhile, Trump has continued to publicly argue that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping conflicts, including what he claims was a US-brokered halt to fighting between India and Pakistan. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,” he posted in June.</p>

A shocking new report suggests that Trump’s new 50% tariffs on India may be retaliation for PM Modi's refusal to credit him with ending military hostilities with Pakistan. During a June phone call, Trump reportedly sought a Nobel Peace Prize endorsement, which Modi denied.

Is PM Narendra Modi's refusal that Donald Trump was behind the ceasefire between India and Pakistan the reason for the excessive tariffs imposed on New Delhi by Washington? According to a recent report, in June, US President Trump called Modi and apparently hinted that he deserved credit for halting military hostilities between neighbours India and Pakistan the previous month. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he “solved” the crisis, mentioned how Islamabad was going to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize and not-so-subtly implied that New Delhi should also endorse him. Trump, the Nobel Peace Prize, and India's refusal to give him any credit for the ceasefire In May, a conflict had broken out between the two neighbours after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terror bases in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. After four days of military conflict, India announced a ceasefire following talks between the two armies. Also read | ‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler Ever since, POTUS Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending the hostilities between India and Pakistan. As per a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the matter, the US President reiterated his claims in a call with PM Modi on June 17, and launched a not-so-subtle bid to get India to nominate him for Nobel Peace Prize. The White House never acknowledged the June 17 call, and Trump did not post about it on social media. However, according to the report, Modi pushed back during the call, telling Trump that the ceasefire was arranged directly between New Delhi and Islamabad without US involvement. The next day, in a statement to the press, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Modi told Trump "clearly" that during the conflict "no talks were held at any level on the mediation between India and Pakistan by America". Misri added that "The talks regarding cessation of military action were held directly between India and Pakistan under the existing channels established between both militaries". Despite Modi’s position, the Times said Trump brushed aside the comments and emphasised his own role, even noting that Pakistan was planning to nominate him for the Nobel. The suggestion that Modi should do the same reportedly added to strains in their relationship. Also read | Taylor Swift engaged to Travis Kelce; Trump finds love for popstar after months of HATE Reciprocal tariffs or retaliatory tariffs? To India's surprise, just weeks after the June 17 phone call and PM Modi's dismissal of Trump's role in solving the conflict, the US announced that India would be subject to a 25 per cent tariff. This reciprocal duty was followed by another 25 per cent penalty for New Delhi's purchase of discounted Russian oil. The moves strained bilateral ties further, even as talks on a trade agreement were still underway. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to publicly argue that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping conflicts, including what he claims was a US-brokered halt to fighting between India and Pakistan. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do,” he posted in June.

<p>A shocking new report suggests that Trump’s new 50% tariffs on India may be retaliation for PM Modi's refusal to credit him with ending military hostilities with Pakistan. During a June phone call, Trump reportedly sought a Nobel Peace Prize endorsement, which Modi denied.</p>

Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?

<p>As the deadline for the imposition of additional tariffs on India nears, the US government has issued a notice stating that the 25 per cent tariff would kick in on Aug 27 at 12 am. The notice issued by the US Department of Homeland Security officially said that the new tariff was in response to "threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation", and India was being targeted as part of that policy. The notice also stated that increased tariffs would hit Indian products that “that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 AM eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025.”<br>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The US Department of Homeland Security released a draft notice detailing plans to impose a 50% tariff on Indian products, as previously announced by US President Donald Trump (n/1) <a href="https://t.co/ut4MuDJxN1">pic.twitter.com/ut4MuDJxN1</a></p>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1960155405851771044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-s-swadeshi-push-before-trump-s-additional-tariff-kicks-in-how-indian-pm-reacted-to-us-tariff-war-so-fa-1756173760722"><strong>PM Modi's 'swadeshi' push before Trump's additional tariff kicks in: Indian PM's three big statements on US tariff war</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the US imposed tariffs on India to end the Russia-Ukraine war. She added that additional tariffs on India were to put pressure on Russia. The Trump administration also accused India of funding Russia's war against Ukraine indirectly by buying the Russian oil despite US sanctions. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his government's commitment towards farmers and small businesses. In a bold 'swadeshi' message, he said that businessmen should keep a big board outside their establishments, saying they sell ‘swadeshi’ goods, urging citizens to buy only 'Made in India' products this festival season. He also reiterated that the country won't compromise on the interests of farmers and small businesses.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2025-pm-narendra-modi-s-big-message-to-us-amid-trump-s-tariff-trade-war-50-percent-tariff-1755228508072"><strong>'Modi standing like a wall...': PM's BOLD message to US on Independence Day amid Trump's tariff war</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-u-s-tariff-clash-india-will-not-yield-to-u-s-tariffs-says-pm-modi-1756175331236/embed"><strong>https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-u-s-tariff-clash-india-will-not-yield-to-u-s-tariffs-says-pm-modi-1756175331236/embed</strong></a></p><h2>Trump's trade war and India's response</h2><p>Trump, on July 31, imposed modified tariffs on its trading partners, citing an ongoing national emergency. The US had paused the April 2 tariffs, giving countries a window of 90 days to sign a trade deal with America. In the new tariffs, the Trump administration imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India. Trump then announced an additional tariff of 25 per cent on India for buying Russian oil and warned about doing the same with other nations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-us-nsa-john-bolton-calls-trump-s-tariffs-on-india-enormous-mistake-says-this-about-china-russia-1754720285433"><strong>Ex-US NSA John Bolton calls Trump's tariffs on India ‘enormous mistake’</strong></a></p>

The US has issued a notice to India on additional 25 per cent tariffs linking it to its policy against the Russian government. India already faced a 25 per cent tariff as part of a reciprocal tariff regime. The Trump administration has imposed an additional 25 per cent for buying Russian oil

As the deadline for the imposition of additional tariffs on India nears, the US government has issued a notice stating that the 25 per cent tariff would kick in on Aug 27 at 12 am. The notice issued by the US Department of Homeland Security officially said that the new tariff was in response to "threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation", and India was being targeted as part of that policy. The notice also stated that increased tariffs would hit Indian products that “that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 AM eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025.”

<p>The US has issued a notice to India on additional 25 per cent tariffs linking it to its policy against the Russian government. India already faced a 25 per cent tariff as part of a reciprocal tariff regime. The Trump administration has imposed an additional 25 per cent for buying Russian oil</p>

'Actions of Russia...': US issues notice to India on additional 25% tariff, explains why Trump is targeting New Delhi

<p>India is set to witness its biggest GST reform since 2007 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant decision while addressing the nation on Independence Day to simplify the GST framework by Diwali. The decision was announced to reduce taxes primarily on everyday items to boost consumer spending and cushion the economy amid trade pressures, with the aim of boosting disposable incomes for the middle class.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi has also said that taxes paid by citizens will be drastically reduced, and it will benefit small industries as well as MSMEs, along with daily-use products that will become cheaper.</p><h3>What taxes will come down, and what will get cheaper?</h3><p>The four-tier GST structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) will be streamlined into two main slabs: 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Additionally, a special 40 per cent rate for luxury goods and sin goods like tobacco, according to a report by TOI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Notably, 99 per cent of items currently taxed at 12 per cent may shift to the 5 per cent slab, dramatically reducing prices on numerous essentials. Similarly, up to 90 per cent of goods in the 28 per cent category, including consumer durables and automobiles, could be moved to the 18 per cent slab, as per the PTI report.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-pm-modi-announces-major-gst-reforms-what-does-it-mean-for-middle-class-1755252273141">PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per the Mint report, everyday essential items that will get cheaper will include groceries, medicines, and frozen veggies. Food items include dried fruits, jams, pasta, namkeens, and sausages. Household goods include utensils, carpets, furniture, and umbrellas. Lifestyle products include footwear (below ₹1,000), handbags (jute/cotton), and appliances (televisions and washing machines); Education &amp; insurance services; and the Farm sector includes agricultural equipment and bicycles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, small cars, which currently attract 28 per cent GST plus small cess rates of 1-3 per cent, might get moved into the 18 per cent tax slab in the new dispensation, government sources told The Indian Express. On the other end, the bigger luxury cars and SUVs are likely to be moved into the special rate category of 40 per cent following the removal of the 28 per cent slab, sources added.</p><h3>What will remain unchanged?</h3><p>According to the Economic Times, the GST structure will continue to feature the 5%, 18%, and 40% slabs, with no mention of further lowering of luxury items beyond the sin goods bracket. Moreover, products like petroleum and alcohol, which are outside the GST regime, are taxed as before.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While this revamp in the tax is expected to cost the exchequer significantly, officials affirmed that the revenue loss can be managed through efficient fiscal planning. In addition, economists estimate that the cuts could give a 0.6–0.7% GDP boost, as per the news agency Reuters.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The upcoming GST reform is likely to revamp the four-tier GST structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%), streamlining it into two main slabs. Taxes paid by citizens will be drastically reduced, and it will benefit small industries as well as MSMEs, along with daily-use products.

India is set to witness its biggest GST reform since 2007 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant decision while addressing the nation on Independence Day to simplify the GST framework by Diwali. The decision was announced to reduce taxes primarily on everyday items to boost consumer spending and cushion the economy amid trade pressures, with the aim of boosting disposable incomes for the middle class. PM Modi has also said that taxes paid by citizens will be drastically reduced, and it will benefit small industries as well as MSMEs, along with daily-use products that will become cheaper. What taxes will come down, and what will get cheaper? The four-tier GST structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) will be streamlined into two main slabs: 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Additionally, a special 40 per cent rate for luxury goods and sin goods like tobacco, according to a report by TOI. Notably, 99 per cent of items currently taxed at 12 per cent may shift to the 5 per cent slab, dramatically reducing prices on numerous essentials. Similarly, up to 90 per cent of goods in the 28 per cent category, including consumer durables and automobiles, could be moved to the 18 per cent slab, as per the PTI report. Also read: PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class As per the Mint report, everyday essential items that will get cheaper will include groceries, medicines, and frozen veggies. Food items include dried fruits, jams, pasta, namkeens, and sausages. Household goods include utensils, carpets, furniture, and umbrellas. Lifestyle products include footwear (below ₹1,000), handbags (jute/cotton), and appliances (televisions and washing machines); Education & insurance services; and the Farm sector includes agricultural equipment and bicycles. Additionally, small cars, which currently attract 28 per cent GST plus small cess rates of 1-3 per cent, might get moved into the 18 per cent tax slab in the new dispensation, government sources told The Indian Express. On the other end, the bigger luxury cars and SUVs are likely to be moved into the special rate category of 40 per cent following the removal of the 28 per cent slab, sources added. What will remain unchanged? According to the Economic Times, the GST structure will continue to feature the 5%, 18%, and 40% slabs, with no mention of further lowering of luxury items beyond the sin goods bracket. Moreover, products like petroleum and alcohol, which are outside the GST regime, are taxed as before. While this revamp in the tax is expected to cost the exchequer significantly, officials affirmed that the revenue loss can be managed through efficient fiscal planning. In addition, economists estimate that the cuts could give a 0.6–0.7% GDP boost, as per the news agency Reuters.

<p>The upcoming GST reform is likely to revamp the four-tier GST structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%), streamlining it into two main slabs. Taxes paid by citizens will be drastically reduced, and it will benefit small industries as well as MSMEs, along with daily-use products.</p>

GST overhaul by Diwali: What taxes will come down, what remains unchanged — Details inside

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), in Delhi on Sunday. The projects--the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)--have been developed under the Government's comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station and the Dwarka Cluster Bus Depot. This section comprises:</p><p><br>Package I: 5.9 km from the Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The 19 km long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi also inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crores. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the NCR.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters have gathered to welcome PM Modi at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Village Toll Plaza in Delhi. PM Modi had also interacted with the construction workers of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) before the inauguration. (ANI)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

The initiative of the Urban Extension Road-II project reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), in Delhi on Sunday. The projects--the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)--have been developed under the Government's comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas. These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore. The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station and the Dwarka Cluster Bus Depot. This section comprises: Package I: 5.9 km from the Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21. Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II. The 19 km long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024. PM Modi also inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crores. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the NCR. Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters have gathered to welcome PM Modi at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Village Toll Plaza in Delhi. PM Modi had also interacted with the construction workers of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) before the inauguration. (ANI) Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>The initiative of the Urban Extension Road-II project reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility.&nbsp;</p>

PM Modi inaugurates Dwarka Expressway, Urban Extension Road-II project in Delhi-NCR

<p>China on Friday (Aug 8) welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which is expected to take place later this month on August 31. The SCO currently has nine members- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. As per the PTI, PM Narendra Modi is likely to attend the SCO Summit scheduled for August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, and this will be his first trip to China in seven years (since 2018). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, told reporters that China is happy to welcome PM Modi for the Tianjin Summit.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, according to ANI.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to Guo Jiakun, leaders from over 20 countries, including all SCO member nations and heads of 10 global organisations, are expected to attend the summit. He added that this would be the largest SCO Summit since its establishment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-likely-to-join-sco-summit-in-china-as-india-china-ties-remain-tense-1752313497654">https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-likely-to-join-sco-summit-in-china-as-india-china-ties-remain-tense-1752313497654</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi’s visit to China is part of a two-nation tour, which also includes Japan. He is expected to go to Japan around August 29 before heading to Tianjin for the SCO Summit. This visit aims to improve the ties between the two countries (India and China), which deteriorated after a clash between their armies in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. So far, there has been no official confirmation of the visit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi's last visit to China was in June 2018 for the SCO summit, and Chinese President Xi Jinping last visited India in October 2019 for an informal meeting.</p>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Tianjin after a stop in Japan, where he will hold the annual India-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on August 30.

China on Friday (Aug 8) welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which is expected to take place later this month on August 31. The SCO currently has nine members- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. As per the PTI, PM Narendra Modi is likely to attend the SCO Summit scheduled for August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, and this will be his first trip to China in seven years (since 2018). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, told reporters that China is happy to welcome PM Modi for the Tianjin Summit. "China welcomes Prime Minister Modi to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, according to ANI. According to Guo Jiakun, leaders from over 20 countries, including all SCO member nations and heads of 10 global organisations, are expected to attend the summit. He added that this would be the largest SCO Summit since its establishment. Also Read - https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-likely-to-join-sco-summit-in-china-as-india-china-ties-remain-tense-1752313497654 PM Modi’s visit to China is part of a two-nation tour, which also includes Japan. He is expected to go to Japan around August 29 before heading to Tianjin for the SCO Summit. This visit aims to improve the ties between the two countries (India and China), which deteriorated after a clash between their armies in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. So far, there has been no official confirmation of the visit. PM Modi's last visit to China was in June 2018 for the SCO summit, and Chinese President Xi Jinping last visited India in October 2019 for an informal meeting.

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Tianjin after a stop in Japan, where he will hold the annual India-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on August 30.</p>

'Gathering of solidarity, friendship...': China welcomes PM Modi for SCO Summit visit

<p>Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal on Thursday weighed in on US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs against India, attributing the move to the global powers' bid to bully New Delhi. He said that these powers want India to "stay in your lane," and the only way to ward them off is to become "an unapologetic superpower" in the world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Every few years, the world reminds us of our place. A threat here, a tariff there. But the message is the same: stay in your lane, India. Global powers will always bully us, unless we take our destiny into our own hands. And the only way to do that is if we collectively decide to become the world's largest, most unapologetic superpower in the world. In the economy, in technology, in defense, and most importantly, in ambition," Deepinder Goyal wrote on X.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order levying a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the United States. He imposed the tariffs because India had been buying oil from Russia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this month, Donald Trump imposed another 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchase of weapons and discounted crude oil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Reacting to the additional tariff, India said that the US action was unreasonable and New Delhi would protect its national interests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It said that the United States chose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries had also taken to protect their national interests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A day after Donald Trump's tariff announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India wouldn't compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers even if it pays a heavy price for it.</p>

Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal on Thursday weighed in on US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs against India, attributing the move to the global powers' bid to bully New Delhi. 

Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal on Thursday weighed in on US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs against India, attributing the move to the global powers' bid to bully New Delhi. He said that these powers want India to "stay in your lane," and the only way to ward them off is to become "an unapologetic superpower" in the world. "Every few years, the world reminds us of our place. A threat here, a tariff there. But the message is the same: stay in your lane, India. Global powers will always bully us, unless we take our destiny into our own hands. And the only way to do that is if we collectively decide to become the world's largest, most unapologetic superpower in the world. In the economy, in technology, in defense, and most importantly, in ambition," Deepinder Goyal wrote on X. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order levying a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the United States. He imposed the tariffs because India had been buying oil from Russia. Earlier this month, Donald Trump imposed another 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchase of weapons and discounted crude oil. Reacting to the additional tariff, India said that the US action was unreasonable and New Delhi would protect its national interests. It said that the United States chose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries had also taken to protect their national interests. A day after Donald Trump's tariff announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India wouldn't compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers even if it pays a heavy price for it.

<p>Deepinder Goyal said India needs to become an unapologetic superpower.</p>

Zomato's Deepinder Goyal weighs in on reason behind Trump's tariffs, solution

<p>At the inauguration of the Kartavya Bhavan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the&nbsp;central government spends Rs 1500 crore as rent on properties that house ministries. Kartavya Bhavan is the first among several upcoming Common Central Secretariat buildings that aim to streamline administrative processes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The working conditions of these administrative buildings were very bad…Many ministries of the Indian government are being run from 50 different locations in Delhi. Most of these ministries are being run from rented buildings, with an annual expenditure of Rs 1.5 thousand crores. This amount is being spent by the central government just to pay rent...Many more Kartavya Bhavans are also being made,” he said at the inauguration&nbsp;event.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi said that in the newly constructed infrastructure, like the Kartavya Path, the New Parliament House, etc, will act as places where policies linked to Viksit Bharat are formulated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We are witnessing the achievements related to the creation of modern India... Kartavya Path, New Parliament House, New Raksha Bhawan, Bharat Mandapam, National War Memorial, and now Kartavya Bhavan - these are not just ordinary infrastructures. Here, policies of Viksit Bharat will be formulated, and important decisions will be made. In the times to come, the direction of the nation will be decided from here," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi further said that these projects represent the core values of India's "democracy and Constitution".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, posting about the Kartavya Bhawan on New Delhi's Kartavya Path, the Prime Minister expressed over the project.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Kartavya Bhavan, on the path of duty, is a symbol of our unwavering commitment and continuous efforts toward serving every individual. It will not only help in swiftly delivering our policies and schemes to the people but will also provide a new momentum to the country's development. I am deeply proud to dedicate this building, an example of state-of-the-art infrastructure, to the nation," PM Modi posted on X in Hindi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The office complex has an area of around 1.5 lakh square metres across two basements and seven levels (ground + six floors). It will house offices of the Ministries/Departments of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, MSME, DoPT, Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas, and the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).</p>

At the inauguration of the Kartavya Bhavan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the central government spends Rs 1500 crore as rent on properties that house ministries.

At the inauguration of the Kartavya Bhavan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the central government spends Rs 1500 crore as rent on properties that house ministries. Kartavya Bhavan is the first among several upcoming Common Central Secretariat buildings that aim to streamline administrative processes. "The working conditions of these administrative buildings were very bad…Many ministries of the Indian government are being run from 50 different locations in Delhi. Most of these ministries are being run from rented buildings, with an annual expenditure of Rs 1.5 thousand crores. This amount is being spent by the central government just to pay rent...Many more Kartavya Bhavans are also being made,” he said at the inauguration event. PM Modi said that in the newly constructed infrastructure, like the Kartavya Path, the New Parliament House, etc, will act as places where policies linked to Viksit Bharat are formulated. "We are witnessing the achievements related to the creation of modern India... Kartavya Path, New Parliament House, New Raksha Bhawan, Bharat Mandapam, National War Memorial, and now Kartavya Bhavan - these are not just ordinary infrastructures. Here, policies of Viksit Bharat will be formulated, and important decisions will be made. In the times to come, the direction of the nation will be decided from here," he added. PM Modi further said that these projects represent the core values of India's "democracy and Constitution". Earlier, posting about the Kartavya Bhawan on New Delhi's Kartavya Path, the Prime Minister expressed over the project. "Kartavya Bhavan, on the path of duty, is a symbol of our unwavering commitment and continuous efforts toward serving every individual. It will not only help in swiftly delivering our policies and schemes to the people but will also provide a new momentum to the country's development. I am deeply proud to dedicate this building, an example of state-of-the-art infrastructure, to the nation," PM Modi posted on X in Hindi. The office complex has an area of around 1.5 lakh square metres across two basements and seven levels (ground + six floors). It will house offices of the Ministries/Departments of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, MSME, DoPT, Petroleum & Natural Gas, and the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).

<p>Kartavya Bhavan inauguration: PM Narendra Modi said that in the newly constructed infrastructure, like the Kartavya Path, the New Parliament House, etc, will act as places where policies linked to Viksit Bharat are formulated.</p>

How much rent does the government pay for ministries? PM Modi reveals at Kartavya Bhavan inauguration

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China from August 31 to September&nbsp;1 to attend the&nbsp;Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between the troops of the two nations in Eastern Ladakh.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi last visited China in 2018. This will be his sixth visit as the Prime Minister of India. PM Modi will visit Japan on August 30, where he will hold bilateral&nbsp;talks with his Japanese counterpart.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India and China's bilateral&nbsp;relationship had come under severe strain after Beijing's attempts to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border, were thwarted by the Indian military.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Indian Army's 20 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Galwan Valley in a bloody hand-to-hand combat with Chinese troops. An unspecified number of Chinese troops, including officers, also perished in the clash.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Over the last few months, the two nations have shown signs of a thaw.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited China, where he met with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They talked about outstanding issues like sharing water resources data, trade sanctions, and reducing tensions on the Line of Actual Control.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Last year, Modi and Xi Jinping held their first formal talks in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri said after the meeting that the two leaders had affirmed stable and amicable bilateral relations between India and China.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The two leaders affirmed that stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, will have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity,” Misri had said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Modi's China visit comes days after US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India over its oil and weapons trade with Russia. He has threatened to impose more tariffs on New Delhi.</p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China after the Galwan Valley clash between the troops of the two nations in Eastern Ladakh in 2020.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between the troops of the two nations in Eastern Ladakh. PM Modi last visited China in 2018. This will be his sixth visit as the Prime Minister of India. PM Modi will visit Japan on August 30, where he will hold bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart. India and China's bilateral relationship had come under severe strain after Beijing's attempts to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border, were thwarted by the Indian military. Indian Army's 20 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Galwan Valley in a bloody hand-to-hand combat with Chinese troops. An unspecified number of Chinese troops, including officers, also perished in the clash. Over the last few months, the two nations have shown signs of a thaw. Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited China, where he met with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They talked about outstanding issues like sharing water resources data, trade sanctions, and reducing tensions on the Line of Actual Control. Last year, Modi and Xi Jinping held their first formal talks in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan. India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri said after the meeting that the two leaders had affirmed stable and amicable bilateral relations between India and China. "The two leaders affirmed that stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, will have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity,” Misri had said. Modi's China visit comes days after US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India over its oil and weapons trade with Russia. He has threatened to impose more tariffs on New Delhi.

<p>PM Modi's China visit: This will be his sixth visit as the Prime Minister of India</p>

PM Modi to visit China on August 31, to attend SCO Summit

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 5) was felicitated by MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the success of Operation Sindoor. They also celebrated Operation Mahadev with loud chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’. This happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting that was held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. The key meeting comes during a Parliament stalemate, as opposition parties push for discussion and withdrawal of Bihar's SIR electoral roll revision. Top NDA leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Kangana Ranaut, were in attendance at the meeting.</p>

<h2><strong>'Har Har Mahadev' echoes during NDA meeting</strong></h2><p>Videos show that thunderous applause and chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' echoed in the Parliament Library Building (PLB) as the NDA ministers celebrated the success of both Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev at the beginning of the meeting.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition leaders to also hold a strategy meeting</strong></h2><p>Reports suggest that opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc are also set to hold their own strategy meeting on Tuesday at 10 am in the Parliament Library Building, in the office of the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. This will be followed by a protest outside Parliament at 10:30 am under the banner ‘Our Vote, Our Right, Our Fight’ — demanding the rollback of the Bihar electoral roll revision.</p><h2><strong>What's on Parliament's agenda today?</strong></h2><p>The day in Parliament will begin with obituary references to former MPs Tilakdhari Prasad Singh, Ram Rati Bind, and Shibu Soren, reports ANI. According to the List of Business issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to move amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, for consideration and passage in the House. The Union Sports Minister will also move the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, in the lower house of the Parliament.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NDA MPs give a grand welcome to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at Parliamentary Party meeting.<a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NDA</a> <a href="https://t.co/3V9hQliFB7">pic.twitter.com/3V9hQliFB7</a></p>&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1952593629316563058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The felicitation happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Aug 5) was felicitated by MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the success of Operation Sindoor. They also celebrated Operation Mahadev with loud chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’. This happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting that was held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. The key meeting comes during a Parliament stalemate, as opposition parties push for discussion and withdrawal of Bihar's SIR electoral roll revision. Top NDA leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, and Kangana Ranaut, were in attendance at the meeting.

<p>The felicitation happened during the NDA parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

PM Modi felicitated by NDA MPs over success of Operation Sindoor

<p>It took just six months from US President Donald Trump showering praise on his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to berating him as the leader of a ‘dead economy” aligned with Russia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In February, Trump greeted Modi with a hug at the White House and described him as a “great friend” and “great leader” who “is doing a really great job in India. Everybody talks about him. He’s doing a fantastic job.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump’s shower of praise did not end there. “He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.” &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Praise for the “tough negotiator” soon faded when efforts to forge a bilateral trade deal between the world’s biggest economy and the world’s most populous country ran into difficulties over a number of U.S. demands on which India refused to budge. They included opening agricultural markets and India halting imports of Russian oil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Doing so, Trump argued, would prop up the Russian economy and thus prolong the war of aggression President Vladimir Putin unleashed on Ukraine in February 2022. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil prompted an angry Trump social media posting warning of a penalty on top of the 25 per cent tariff due to take effect this week, along with levies of different sizes on most countries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I don’t care what India does with Russia,” he said in a posting on his Truth Social site on July 29, a day before the official start of his global trade war. “They can take their dead economies together, for all I care.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Exaggeration is the hallmark of the American president. India does not have a “dead economy”. On the contrary: The latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) singles India out as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP projected to grow 6.4 per cent both for the rest of 2025 and 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some economists predict that India is on track to overtake Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump has said that the US and India will continue negotiating a trade deal even after the August 1 deadline set for global tariffs. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India has reacted calmly to Trump’s obvious anger, with a spokesman saying it had taken note of his statement and remained committed to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. Another round of talks is scheduled for later this month. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While American and Indian negotiators wrestled over points of contention, the Trump administration moved closer to Pakistan, concluding a deal to help develop what Trump called Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves” (experts scoff at the label “massive”).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US company that will lead the project is yet to be named, he said, adding mockingly, “maybe they’ll be selling oil to India some day.” The oil deal had an immediate effect on Pakistan: its tariffs, initially pegged at 29 percent, came down to 19 per cent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The oil agreement was preceded by a protocol-breaking visit to the White House in June by the Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. It was a gesture clearly designed to irritate India -- and the first time a sitting US president had hosted the head of Pakistan’s army, which has long dominated the Pakistani political landscape.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In theory, there is a set formula for the percentage of tariffs the United States applies to its trade partners around the globe. It is tied to America’s bilateral trade deficit – how much more the US imports from a country than exports to it. That gap is then divided in half to arrive at what the government calls “discounted reciprocal tariff.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In practice, Trump has been using tariffs in some cases as a tool of geopolitics. &nbsp;The most striking example is his decision to saddle Brazil with a 50 per cent rate despite the fact that the country has a trade surplus with the US The US leader explained the reason in an extraordinary letter to Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula de Silva.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, a close friend of Trump, is on trial, charged with leading an attempted coup to overturn the elections he lost. Trump called the trial a “witch hunt” and an international disgrace that should end immediately. The Supreme Court judge who handles the case reacted by ordering Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and banning him from contact with foreign governments.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The line between tariffs set by a formula and deals pleasing to Washington is also blurred by the ten per cent reduction granted to Pakistan after the announcement of the oil deal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India appears unfazed by the threat of a penalty for buying Russian oil. On Saturday, officials in Delhi told the Reuters news agency that India would keep purchasing Russian oil because it could not violate long-term contracts. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The main buyers of Russian oil have been China and India, and their supply has propped up an economy weakened by the huge cost of the war against Ukraine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump originally set a 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a deal to end the war, but shortened it to 12 days – which would be next week. Failure to comply would result in so-called secondary sanctions – that could mean slapping 100 per cent tariffs on buyers of Russian oil. Experts say that would disrupt global oil supplies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>China and the US are still wrangling over tariffs during a 90-day truce that expires on August 12. Washington rhetoric on China, its biggest trade partner, has been noticeably more restrained in recent days than criticism of India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The latest broadside against India came on Sunday from Steve Miller, one of Trump’s closest aides, who said in a television interview that “it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia.” He however, did not mention that China is buying more oil from Russia than India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

In February, Trump greeted Modi with a hug at the White House and described him as a “great friend” and a “tough negotiator”. However, the praise soon faded when efforts to forge a bilateral trade deal ran into difficulties over a number of US demands on which India refused to budge. 

It took just six months from US President Donald Trump showering praise on his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to berating him as the leader of a ‘dead economy” aligned with Russia. In February, Trump greeted Modi with a hug at the White House and described him as a “great friend” and “great leader” who “is doing a really great job in India. Everybody talks about him. He’s doing a fantastic job.” Trump’s shower of praise did not end there. “He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.” Praise for the “tough negotiator” soon faded when efforts to forge a bilateral trade deal between the world’s biggest economy and the world’s most populous country ran into difficulties over a number of U.S. demands on which India refused to budge. They included opening agricultural markets and India halting imports of Russian oil. Doing so, Trump argued, would prop up the Russian economy and thus prolong the war of aggression President Vladimir Putin unleashed on Ukraine in February 2022. India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil prompted an angry Trump social media posting warning of a penalty on top of the 25 per cent tariff due to take effect this week, along with levies of different sizes on most countries. “I don’t care what India does with Russia,” he said in a posting on his Truth Social site on July 29, a day before the official start of his global trade war. “They can take their dead economies together, for all I care.” Exaggeration is the hallmark of the American president. India does not have a “dead economy”. On the contrary: The latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) singles India out as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP projected to grow 6.4 per cent both for the rest of 2025 and 2026. Some economists predict that India is on track to overtake Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy. Trump has said that the US and India will continue negotiating a trade deal even after the August 1 deadline set for global tariffs. India has reacted calmly to Trump’s obvious anger, with a spokesman saying it had taken note of his statement and remained committed to concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. Another round of talks is scheduled for later this month. While American and Indian negotiators wrestled over points of contention, the Trump administration moved closer to Pakistan, concluding a deal to help develop what Trump called Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves” (experts scoff at the label “massive”). The US company that will lead the project is yet to be named, he said, adding mockingly, “maybe they’ll be selling oil to India some day.” The oil deal had an immediate effect on Pakistan: its tariffs, initially pegged at 29 percent, came down to 19 per cent. The oil agreement was preceded by a protocol-breaking visit to the White House in June by the Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. It was a gesture clearly designed to irritate India -- and the first time a sitting US president had hosted the head of Pakistan’s army, which has long dominated the Pakistani political landscape. In theory, there is a set formula for the percentage of tariffs the United States applies to its trade partners around the globe. It is tied to America’s bilateral trade deficit – how much more the US imports from a country than exports to it. That gap is then divided in half to arrive at what the government calls “discounted reciprocal tariff.” In practice, Trump has been using tariffs in some cases as a tool of geopolitics. The most striking example is his decision to saddle Brazil with a 50 per cent rate despite the fact that the country has a trade surplus with the US The US leader explained the reason in an extraordinary letter to Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula de Silva. His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, a close friend of Trump, is on trial, charged with leading an attempted coup to overturn the elections he lost. Trump called the trial a “witch hunt” and an international disgrace that should end immediately. The Supreme Court judge who handles the case reacted by ordering Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and banning him from contact with foreign governments. The line between tariffs set by a formula and deals pleasing to Washington is also blurred by the ten per cent reduction granted to Pakistan after the announcement of the oil deal. India appears unfazed by the threat of a penalty for buying Russian oil. On Saturday, officials in Delhi told the Reuters news agency that India would keep purchasing Russian oil because it could not violate long-term contracts. The main buyers of Russian oil have been China and India, and their supply has propped up an economy weakened by the huge cost of the war against Ukraine. Trump originally set a 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a deal to end the war, but shortened it to 12 days – which would be next week. Failure to comply would result in so-called secondary sanctions – that could mean slapping 100 per cent tariffs on buyers of Russian oil. Experts say that would disrupt global oil supplies. China and the US are still wrangling over tariffs during a 90-day truce that expires on August 12. Washington rhetoric on China, its biggest trade partner, has been noticeably more restrained in recent days than criticism of India. The latest broadside against India came on Sunday from Steve Miller, one of Trump’s closest aides, who said in a television interview that “it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia.” He however, did not mention that China is buying more oil from Russia than India.

<p>In February, Trump greeted Modi with a hug at the White House and described him as a “great friend” and a “tough negotiator”. However, the praise soon faded when efforts to forge a bilateral trade deal ran into difficulties over a number of US demands on which India refused to budge.&nbsp;</p>

US-Indian tariff wrangling show limits of Trump’s art of the deal

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 2) during his visit to Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi dedicated Operation Sindoor to Lord Mahadev. Addressing crowds during the 51st visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi noted that this was the first time he was visiting Varanasi after India carried out the cross-border operation. He said that he has fulfilled his pledge to avenge his "daughters' sindoor". The PM said that "26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam... My heart was full of sorrow... I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev. I dedicate the success of Operation Sindoor at the feet of Mahadev."&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Varanasi, UP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &quot;This is the first time I have come to Kashi after Operation Sindoor. 26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam... My heart was full of sorrow... I had pledged to take revenge for my… <a href="https://t.co/wtCpNiKIyd">pic.twitter.com/wtCpNiKIyd</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1951524198070845602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Modi releases 20th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi</strong></h2><p>On Saturday, the PM also released the 20th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring an amount of more than Rs 20,500 crores into the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers. As per ANI, with this release, the total disbursement achieved under the scheme has risen to over ₹3.90 lakh crore. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore in Varanasi.</p><p>He inaugurated the widening and strengthening of the Varanasi-Bhadohi and Chhitauni-Shool Tankeshwar roads, along with a key railway overbridge at Hardattpur to ease traffic on the Mohan Sarai–Adalpura route. Foundation stones were also laid for a slew of other road upgrades across both rural and urban stretches—Dalmandi, Lahartara-Kotwa, Gangapur, Babatpur, among others—as well as new railway overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard.</p><p>In the energy sector, the Prime Minister launched projects worth over ₹880 crore to upgrade power infrastructure, including smart distribution and underground cabling works. Tourism and cultural heritage also saw a major push as Modi inaugurated the redevelopment of eight riverfront ghats, beautification of Rangildas Kutiya pond and ghat in Shivpur, and water purification work at Durgakund. He also laid the foundation stone for restoration at Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple and the development of Karkhiyaon—birthplace of several freedom fighters.</p>

The PM said that, “26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam... My heart was full of sorrow... I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 2) during his visit to Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi dedicated Operation Sindoor to Lord Mahadev. Addressing crowds during the 51st visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi noted that this was the first time he was visiting Varanasi after India carried out the cross-border operation. He said that he has fulfilled his pledge to avenge his "daughters' sindoor". The PM said that "26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam... My heart was full of sorrow... I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev. I dedicate the success of Operation Sindoor at the feet of Mahadev."

<p>The PM said that, “26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam... My heart was full of sorrow... I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev.”&nbsp;</p>

‘Avenged my daughters’ sindoor’: PM Modi dedicates Operation Sindoor to Mahadev in Varanasi; releases 20th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi

<p>Briefing the Lok Sabha on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Congress for questioning the government over its actions against Pakistan, saying the country has been suffering the punishment of the decisions taken by the party's governments since Independence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The Congress has always compromised on national security. Those who are asking today why PoK was not taken back should first answer whose government handed away the opportunity to Pakistan to capture PoK. The answer is clear. Whenever I mention (India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru) Nehru<i>ji,</i> Congress, and its ecosystem get rattled. 'Lamhon ne khata ki, sadiyon ne saza paayi'. To date, the country is suffering the punishment of all the decisions that were taken since Independence," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi accused the Congress of giving a clean chit to Pakistan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Opposing the armed forces, negativity for armed forces has been the old attitude of Congress...Pull up all of Pakistan’s statements and the statements of those who are opposing us here, they are the same with full stop and comma...The country is surprised that Congress has given a clean chit to Pakistan. They dare to ask for proof that the Pahalgam attackers were from Pakistan," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Referring to India's strikes against terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in May, PM Modi sarcastically said that some people in India had been crying along with terrorists.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Terrorists are crying, their masterminds are crying, and seeing them cry, some people are crying here too. They tried to play a game during the surgical strike, but&nbsp;it didn't work. During the airstrike, they tried playing another game. That didn't work either. When Operation Sindoor took place, they adopted a new tactic - 'Why did you stop?'...Waah re bayan bahaduron! You need one or the other excuse to oppose. So, not just me but the entire country is laughing at you," he added.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Operation Sindoor | PM Narendra Modi says, &quot;Congress has always compromised on national security. Those who are asking today why PoK was not taken back should first answer whose Govt gave the opportunity to Pakistan to capture PoK. The answer is clear. Whenever I mention… <a href="https://t.co/sYzTNNgdAl">pic.twitter.com/sYzTNNgdAl</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1950200809007849983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier today, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the government's handling of Operation Sindoor.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Yesterday I watched Rajnath Singh's speech. I listened quite carefully when people spoke. He said that Operation Sindoor began at 1.05 in the morning. He said that Operation Sindoor lasted 22 minutes. Then he said the most shocking thing - at 1.35, we had called Pakistan and told them that we hit non-military targets and we do not want escalation...Maybe he does not understand what he revealed. The DGMO of India was told by the government of India to ask for a ceasefire at 1.35 at night itself on the night of Operation Sindoor," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"You told the Pakistanis exactly what you would do. You told them we would not hit military targets, you told them we do not want escalation... It means you have directly told Pakistan that you do not have the political will to fight. This is said by the Defence Minister. It means the government of India informed the Pakistani government that we have no political will, we don't want to fight. Surrender, immediate surrender in 30 minutes," the Congress MP added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Centre today informed the parliament that India's military neutralised three terrorists who had carried out the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, died.</p>

Briefing the Lok Sabha on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Congress for questioning the government over its actions against Pakistan.

Briefing the Lok Sabha on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the Congress for questioning the government over its actions against Pakistan, saying the country has been suffering the punishment of the decisions taken by the party's governments since Independence. "The Congress has always compromised on national security. Those who are asking today why PoK was not taken back should first answer whose government handed away the opportunity to Pakistan to capture PoK. The answer is clear. Whenever I mention (India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru) Nehruji, Congress, and its ecosystem get rattled. 'Lamhon ne khata ki, sadiyon ne saza paayi'. To date, the country is suffering the punishment of all the decisions that were taken since Independence," he said. PM Modi accused the Congress of giving a clean chit to Pakistan. "Opposing the armed forces, negativity for armed forces has been the old attitude of Congress...Pull up all of Pakistan’s statements and the statements of those who are opposing us here, they are the same with full stop and comma...The country is surprised that Congress has given a clean chit to Pakistan. They dare to ask for proof that the Pahalgam attackers were from Pakistan," he added. Referring to India's strikes against terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in May, PM Modi sarcastically said that some people in India had been crying along with terrorists. "Terrorists are crying, their masterminds are crying, and seeing them cry, some people are crying here too. They tried to play a game during the surgical strike, but it didn't work. During the airstrike, they tried playing another game. That didn't work either. When Operation Sindoor took place, they adopted a new tactic - 'Why did you stop?'...Waah re bayan bahaduron! You need one or the other excuse to oppose. So, not just me but the entire country is laughing at you," he added.

<p>PM Narendra Modi's speech in Parliament: He accused the Congress of giving a clean chit to Pakistan.</p>

How PM Modi attacked Congress with Nehru reference, poem: 'Lamho ne khata ki...' | Watch

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the Indian armed forces for avenging the Pahalgam terrorist attack, saying terrorists involved in the dastardly mass shooting were punished and their masterminds still have sleepless nights induced by India's Operation Sindoor. Addressing the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said the motive behind the terrorist attack was to trigger riots, but the people of India thwarted the Pakistan-based terrorists' designs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Armed forces were given a free hand. They were told to decide the when, where, and how... We are proud that terrorists were punished, and it was such a punishment that the terrorist masterminds have sleepless nights even to this day," PM Modi said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi thanked the people of the country for foiling the conspiracy to trigger riots by remaining united.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The cruel incident that happened in Pahalgam on 22nd April, the way terrorists shot innocent people after asking them about their religion, was the height of cruelty. This was a well-thought-out attempt to throw India into the fire of violence. This was a conspiracy to spread riots in India. Today I thank the countrymen that the country foiled that conspiracy with unity," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Referring to the Indian armed forces' precise strikes that destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he said India avenged the April 22 attack in just 22 minutes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Right after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistani forces had this idea that India would indeed take a major action. They started making nuclear threats. On the intervening night of 6-7 May, India took action just as decided. Pakistan could not do anything," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan attacked Indian military installations and civilian areas after India's precision strikes on terrorist bases. After having warded off most of these attacks, Indian forces badly damaged Pakistan's strategic air bases, forcing Pakistan's DGMO to seek cessation of hostilities from his Indian counterpart.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi, referring to the damage Indian strikes wreaked, said that many of Pakistan's airbases&nbsp;remain in ICU. "India has proved that nuclear blackmail will not work anymore, and neither will India bow down to this nuclear blackmail. Pakistan's airbases and assets have suffered heavy damage. And to date, many of their airbases are in ICU," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"India has shown its technical capability. It has struck Pakistan precisely on the chest. Pakistan's airbases and assets have suffered heavy damage. And to date, many of their airbases are in ICU. This is the era of technology-based war. If we had not made the preparations that we have made in the last 10 years, then we could imagine how much loss we could have suffered in this era of technology," PM Modi said.</p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the Indian armed forces for avenging the Pahalgam terrorist attack, saying terrorists involved in the dastardly shooting were punished and their masterminds still have sleepless nights induced by India's Operation Sindoor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the Indian armed forces for avenging the Pahalgam terrorist attack, saying terrorists involved in the dastardly mass shooting were punished and their masterminds still have sleepless nights induced by India's Operation Sindoor. Addressing the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said the motive behind the terrorist attack was to trigger riots, but the people of India thwarted the Pakistan-based terrorists' designs. "Armed forces were given a free hand. They were told to decide the when, where, and how... We are proud that terrorists were punished, and it was such a punishment that the terrorist masterminds have sleepless nights even to this day," PM Modi said. PM Modi thanked the people of the country for foiling the conspiracy to trigger riots by remaining united. "The cruel incident that happened in Pahalgam on 22nd April, the way terrorists shot innocent people after asking them about their religion, was the height of cruelty. This was a well-thought-out attempt to throw India into the fire of violence. This was a conspiracy to spread riots in India. Today I thank the countrymen that the country foiled that conspiracy with unity," he added. Referring to the Indian armed forces' precise strikes that destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he said India avenged the April 22 attack in just 22 minutes. "Right after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistani forces had this idea that India would indeed take a major action. They started making nuclear threats. On the intervening night of 6-7 May, India took action just as decided. Pakistan could not do anything," he added. Pakistan attacked Indian military installations and civilian areas after India's precision strikes on terrorist bases. After having warded off most of these attacks, Indian forces badly damaged Pakistan's strategic air bases, forcing Pakistan's DGMO to seek cessation of hostilities from his Indian counterpart. PM Modi, referring to the damage Indian strikes wreaked, said that many of Pakistan's airbases remain in ICU. "India has proved that nuclear blackmail will not work anymore, and neither will India bow down to this nuclear blackmail. Pakistan's airbases and assets have suffered heavy damage. And to date, many of their airbases are in ICU," he added. "India has shown its technical capability. It has struck Pakistan precisely on the chest. Pakistan's airbases and assets have suffered heavy damage. And to date, many of their airbases are in ICU. This is the era of technology-based war. If we had not made the preparations that we have made in the last 10 years, then we could imagine how much loss we could have suffered in this era of technology," PM Modi said.

<p>PM Modi thanked the people of the country for foiling the conspiracy to trigger riots by remaining united.</p>

PM Modi in Parliament: 'Pahalgam terrorists punished, masterminds having sleepless nights'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, focusing on the importance of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' in ensuring cleanliness and waste management.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Sometimes a task comes across as impossible to some people. They wonder, would this even be possible? But, when the country comes together on one thought, even the impossible becomes possible. 'Swachh Bharat Mission' is the biggest example of this. Soon, this mission will complete 11 years. But, its strength and its need is still the same," an official release quoted PM Modi as saying.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"In these 11 years, 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has become a mass movement. People consider it their duty, and this is real public participation. The Swachh Survey, conducted every year, has lifted this feeling further. More than 15 crore people participated in it. This is not an ordinary number. This is the voice of Swachh Bharat," PM Modi said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Apprising the listeners of efforts made by people in Uttarakhand's Kirtinagar, the PM said that they have set a new example of waste management in the hills.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"When it comes to cleanliness, our cities and towns are working in different ways according to their needs and surroundings. And their impact is not just limited to these cities; the whole country is adopting these methods. The people of Kirtinagar in Uttarakhand are setting a new example of waste management in the hills," PM Modi said in his address.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said that organic waste management was being done with the help of technology in Karnataka's Mangaluru. The PM also highlighted the efforts of locals in Arunachal Pradesh's Roing in managing waste by creating a park from recycled waste.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"There is a small city called Roing in Arunachal. There was a time when waste management was a significant challenge to the health of the people. The people there took responsibility for it. 'Green Roing Initiative' was started, and then an entire park was created from recycled waste. Similarly, many new examples of water management have been set in Karad and in Vijayawada. The cleanliness at the River Front in Ahmedabad has also caught everyone's attention," PM Modi said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The PM praised the 'Sakartmak Soch' team working in Bhopal, comprising 200 women, who not only clear but also change mindsets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"A team in Bhopal is called 'Sakaratmak Soch'. It comprises 200 women. They don't just clean, they also change mindsets. Cleaning parks in the city together, distributing cloth bags, every step of theirs is a message. Owing to such efforts, Bhopal has now come a long way in the Swachh Survey. It is also important to mention the Gomti River team of Lucknow. Every Sunday for the last 10 years, tirelessly, without stopping, the members of this team are engaged in the cleanliness work," PM Modi said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The example of Bilha in Chhattisgarh is also great. Here, women received training in waste management, and together, they transformed the city's landscape. The example of Panaji city in Goa is also inspiring. There, waste is divided into 16 categories, and that is also being led by women. Panaji has even received the President's award. Friends, cleanliness is not a one-time, one-day task. Only when we accord priority to cleanliness every day, every moment of the year, will the country remain clean," he added.</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, focusing on the importance of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' in ensuring cleanliness and waste management. "Sometimes a task comes across as impossible to some people. They wonder, would this even be possible? But, when the country comes together on one thought, even the impossible becomes possible. 'Swachh Bharat Mission' is the biggest example of this. Soon, this mission will complete 11 years. But, its strength and its need is still the same," an official release quoted PM Modi as saying. As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year. "In these 11 years, 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has become a mass movement. People consider it their duty, and this is real public participation. The Swachh Survey, conducted every year, has lifted this feeling further. More than 15 crore people participated in it. This is not an ordinary number. This is the voice of Swachh Bharat," PM Modi said. Apprising the listeners of efforts made by people in Uttarakhand's Kirtinagar, the PM said that they have set a new example of waste management in the hills. "When it comes to cleanliness, our cities and towns are working in different ways according to their needs and surroundings. And their impact is not just limited to these cities; the whole country is adopting these methods. The people of Kirtinagar in Uttarakhand are setting a new example of waste management in the hills," PM Modi said in his address. He said that organic waste management was being done with the help of technology in Karnataka's Mangaluru. The PM also highlighted the efforts of locals in Arunachal Pradesh's Roing in managing waste by creating a park from recycled waste. "There is a small city called Roing in Arunachal. There was a time when waste management was a significant challenge to the health of the people. The people there took responsibility for it. 'Green Roing Initiative' was started, and then an entire park was created from recycled waste. Similarly, many new examples of water management have been set in Karad and in Vijayawada. The cleanliness at the River Front in Ahmedabad has also caught everyone's attention," PM Modi said. The PM praised the 'Sakartmak Soch' team working in Bhopal, comprising 200 women, who not only clear but also change mindsets. "A team in Bhopal is called 'Sakaratmak Soch'. It comprises 200 women. They don't just clean, they also change mindsets. Cleaning parks in the city together, distributing cloth bags, every step of theirs is a message. Owing to such efforts, Bhopal has now come a long way in the Swachh Survey. It is also important to mention the Gomti River team of Lucknow. Every Sunday for the last 10 years, tirelessly, without stopping, the members of this team are engaged in the cleanliness work," PM Modi said. "The example of Bilha in Chhattisgarh is also great. Here, women received training in waste management, and together, they transformed the city's landscape. The example of Panaji city in Goa is also inspiring. There, waste is divided into 16 categories, and that is also being led by women. Panaji has even received the President's award. Friends, cleanliness is not a one-time, one-day task. Only when we accord priority to cleanliness every day, every moment of the year, will the country remain clean," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year.</p>

PM Modi highlights India’s cleanliness drive in Mann Ki Baat, says people turned Swachh Bharat into mass movement

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the world’s most trusted and highest-rated global leader. He topped the latest global list of ‘Democratic Leader Approval Ratings’ with a 75% approval score. The latest data released by US-based business intelligence firm Morning Consult put Modi ahead of leaders such as Lee Jae-myung (59 per cent) of South Korea, &nbsp;Argentina’s Javier Milei (57 per cent), and Canada’s Mark Carney (56 per cent), who were second, third and fourth on the list, respectively.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A rolling seven-day average of adult opinions across the countries was done by Morning Consult between 4 and 10 July 2025 for the latest Global Leader Approval Rating.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the survey, 75 per cent of participants approved of PM Modi as a democratic world leader, seven per cent were not sure while 18 per cent disapproved.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Notably, US President Donald Trump has been ranked eighth in the list with a 44 per cent approval rating.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s position as the world’s most trusted leader was celebrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leader Amit Malviya praising Modi for his achievement on X wrote, “Loved by over a billion Indians and respected by millions across the globe, PM Narendra Modi tops the Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Tracker once again — the highest-rated and most trusted leader worldwide. Strong leadership. Global respect. Bharat is in safe hands".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is not the first time that the Indian Prime Minister has featured in Morning Consult’s Global Leader Approval Rating. In fact, Modi has held the top position since at least September 2021, when h got an approval rating of 70 per cent. By early 2022, his rating shot up to around 71 per cent, topping a survey of 13 world leaders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A rolling seven-day average of adult opinions across the countries was done by Morning Consult between 4 and 10 July 2025 for the latest Global Leader Approval Rating.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the world’s most trusted and highest-rated global leader. He topped the latest global list of ‘Democratic Leader Approval Ratings’ with a 75% approval score. The latest data released by US-based business intelligence firm Morning Consult put Modi ahead of leaders such as Lee Jae-myung (59 per cent) of South Korea, Argentina’s Javier Milei (57 per cent), and Canada’s Mark Carney (56 per cent), who were second, third and fourth on the list, respectively. A rolling seven-day average of adult opinions across the countries was done by Morning Consult between 4 and 10 July 2025 for the latest Global Leader Approval Rating. According to the survey, 75 per cent of participants approved of PM Modi as a democratic world leader, seven per cent were not sure while 18 per cent disapproved. Notably, US President Donald Trump has been ranked eighth in the list with a 44 per cent approval rating. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s position as the world’s most trusted leader was celebrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leader Amit Malviya praising Modi for his achievement on X wrote, “Loved by over a billion Indians and respected by millions across the globe, PM Narendra Modi tops the Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Tracker once again — the highest-rated and most trusted leader worldwide. Strong leadership. Global respect. Bharat is in safe hands". This is not the first time that the Indian Prime Minister has featured in Morning Consult’s Global Leader Approval Rating. In fact, Modi has held the top position since at least September 2021, when h got an approval rating of 70 per cent. By early 2022, his rating shot up to around 71 per cent, topping a survey of 13 world leaders.

<p>A rolling seven-day average of adult opinions across the countries was done by Morning Consult between 4 and 10 July 2025 for the latest Global Leader Approval Rating.</p>

Narendra Modi tops ‘Democratic Leader Approval Ratings’ again, leaves Donald Trump far behind in survey

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