<p>Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine&nbsp;president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the visit, PM Modi addressed a Yoga event stating, "There is a distance of 15 thousand kilometres between India and Argentina. We have two vast oceans and continents between the two countries. The time difference between the two countries is 8 hours and 30 minutes. But your Yoga practice has shown that both India and Argentina have respect for each other’s culture and the distance of thousands of kilometres between both countries is nothing but just a figure."</p>

<p>PM Modi first met Macri on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016. There are around 2,400 Indians living in Argentina, most of them are Non-Resident Indians living in the capital city, Buenos Aires.</p>

<p>The majority of Indians belong to the Sindhi community while others are professionals working with Indian companies and multinational corporations such as TCS, Cognizant Technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is interesting to note that about 300 Sikhs from Punjab had settled down in 7 Salta province of Argentina in the course of the early and mid-twentieth century. Over time, they have assimilated in the local population and become Argentine citizens.</p>

<p>Most of them are in retail and wholesale trade. A Gurudwara has been established in the Argentine town of Rosario de la Frontera, where Guru Nanak Day is celebrated every year.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine president.

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine president. During the visit, PM Modi addressed a Yoga event stating, "There is a distance of 15 thousand kilometres between India and Argentina. We have two vast oceans and continents between the two countries. The time difference between the two countries is 8 hours and 30 minutes. But your Yoga practice has shown that both India and Argentina have respect for each other’s culture and the distance of thousands of kilometres between both countries is nothing but just a figure." PM Modi first met Macri on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016. There are around 2,400 Indians living in Argentina, most of them are Non-Resident Indians living in the capital city, Buenos Aires. The majority of Indians belong to the Sindhi community while others are professionals working with Indian companies and multinational corporations such as TCS, Cognizant Technologies. It is interesting to note that about 300 Sikhs from Punjab had settled down in 7 Salta province of Argentina in the course of the early and mid-twentieth century. Over time, they have assimilated in the local population and become Argentine citizens. Most of them are in retail and wholesale trade. A Gurudwara has been established in the Argentine town of Rosario de la Frontera, where Guru Nanak Day is celebrated every year.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri to visit India in February

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasinas-party-registers-landslide-victory-in-parliamentary-polls-187416">winning a third consecutive term</a> in the parliamentary elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of the bilateral relations.</p>

<p>PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on a resounding victory in Bangladesh elections. Wished her very best for tenure ahead," PM Modi tweeted out.</p>

<p>The Indian government in an official statement said that the Prime Minister, earlier in the day, telephoned his Bangladeshi counterpart on winning elections with a thumping majority.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Govt: PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment. <a href="https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte">https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079630856652759040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He expressed confidence that the partnership between Indian and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership," the statement read.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections.<br />
<br />
Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1079628942221312001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh," the statement concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election. Bangladesh's Election Commission confirmed a third successive term for Hasina on Monday announcing results on 298 seats; election was cancelled in one seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to official EC figures, Hasina's Awami League-led alliance bagged a total of 288 seats, registering a landslide win. Jatiya Oikya Front settled with 7 seats, rest three went to others. Jatiya Oikya Front is a political alliance of primarily four parties led by opposition leader Kamal Hossain.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on winning a third consecutive term in the parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on winning a third consecutive term in the parliamentary elections. PM Modi reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of the bilateral relations. PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment, news agency ANI reported. "Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on a resounding victory in Bangladesh elections. Wished her very best for tenure ahead," PM Modi tweeted out. The Indian government in an official statement said that the Prime Minister, earlier in the day, telephoned his Bangladeshi counterpart on winning elections with a thumping majority. Indian Govt: PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment. https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × "He expressed confidence that the partnership between Indian and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership," the statement read. Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections. Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 31, 2018 × "The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh," the statement concluded. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election. Bangladesh's Election Commission confirmed a third successive term for Hasina on Monday announcing results on 298 seats; election was cancelled in one seat. According to official EC figures, Hasina's Awami League-led alliance bagged a total of 288 seats, registering a landslide win. Jatiya Oikya Front settled with 7 seats, rest three went to others. Jatiya Oikya Front is a political alliance of primarily four parties led by opposition leader Kamal Hossain.

Our ties will continue to flourish under her leadership: PM Modi congratulates Sheikh Hasina on parliamentary win 

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM&nbsp;Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders.</p>

<p>He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi in Dharamshala,HP: For forty years, our ex-servicemen asked for 'One Rank, One Pension'. The previous government allocated just Rs. 500 crore for it. But when we came to power, we implemented OROP and ensured welfare of our ex-servicemen <a href="https://t.co/jnKk0tNYy6">pic.twitter.com/jnKk0tNYy6</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078205362321395712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">PM Modi in Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh: Aaisa kaha jata hai ki pahad ka paani aur pahad ki jawani kabhi pahad ke kaam nahi aati hai,lekin aaj yahan ki sarkar ne aisa kaam kiya hai ki pahad ka paani bhi pahad ke kaam aa raha hai aur pahad ki jawani bhi pahad key kaam aa rahi hai <a href="https://t.co/a3vgMAdedh">pic.twitter.com/a3vgMAdedh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078202602502811648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase benefits of state and centre sponsored schemes for the general public.</p>

<p>The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Himachal Pradesh Governor Jagat Prakash Nadda was also present on the occasion.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it. PM Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders. He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border. PM Modi in Dharamshala,HP: For forty years, our ex-servicemen asked for 'One Rank, One Pension'. The previous government allocated just Rs. 500 crore for it. But when we came to power, we implemented OROP and ensured welfare of our ex-servicemen pic.twitter.com/jnKk0tNYy6 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." The prime minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government. PM Modi in Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh: Aaisa kaha jata hai ki pahad ka paani aur pahad ki jawani kabhi pahad ke kaam nahi aati hai,lekin aaj yahan ki sarkar ne aisa kaam kiya hai ki pahad ka paani bhi pahad ke kaam aa raha hai aur pahad ki jawani bhi pahad key kaam aa rahi hai pic.twitter.com/a3vgMAdedh — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase benefits of state and centre sponsored schemes for the general public. The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala. Himachal Pradesh Governor Jagat Prakash Nadda was also present on the occasion.

Projects worth Rs 26,000 crore underway in Himachal Pradesh: PM Modi

<p>As the nation remembers former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary, a memorial was dedicated to the country today at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial today.</p>

<p>According to reports, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other eminent personalities attended a prayer meeting at the memorial, Sadaiv Atal, near Rajghat.</p>

<p>Developed by Atal Smriti Nyas Society, 'Sadaiv Atal'&nbsp;was constructed by the Centre Public Works Department (CPWD) at a cost of Rs. 10.51 crore. The project was funded by the Atal Smriti Nyas Society, news agency PTI reported.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Dr.Manmohan Singh arrives at a prayer meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal. He was received by BJP President Amit Shah. Today is Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary <a href="https://t.co/v7uVuRP6WR">pic.twitter.com/v7uVuRP6WR</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077413940144021505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Spread over 1.5 acres of land at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the memorial is enclosed by nine bas-relief walls which have inscriptions of Vajpayee's poetic gems. Rashtriya Smriti Sthal is the place where the former prime minister was cremated on August 17.</p>

<p>On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-releases-rs-100-commemorative-coin-in-memory-of-atal-bihari-vajpayee-186141">Rs 100 commemorative coin</a> in the memory of the former premier.</p>

<p>Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here.</p>

<p>Vajpayee's birth anniversary is also observed as Good Governance Day by the Centre. On the occasion, PM Modi will inaugurate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250">India's longest rail-road bridge</a> in Assam today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former prime minister had passed away at AIIMS after prolonged illness on August 16. He was cremated on August 17 with full state honours.</p>

<p><br />
(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>


As the nation remembers former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary, a memorial was dedicated to the country today at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi.

As the nation remembers former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary, a memorial was dedicated to the country today at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial today. According to reports, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other eminent personalities attended a prayer meeting at the memorial, Sadaiv Atal, near Rajghat. Developed by Atal Smriti Nyas Society, 'Sadaiv Atal' was constructed by the Centre Public Works Department (CPWD) at a cost of Rs. 10.51 crore. The project was funded by the Atal Smriti Nyas Society, news agency PTI reported. Delhi: Dr.Manmohan Singh arrives at a prayer meeting of #AtalBihariVajpayee at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal. He was received by BJP President Amit Shah. Today is Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary pic.twitter.com/v7uVuRP6WR — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Spread over 1.5 acres of land at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the memorial is enclosed by nine bas-relief walls which have inscriptions of Vajpayee's poetic gems. Rashtriya Smriti Sthal is the place where the former prime minister was cremated on August 17. On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier. Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here. Vajpayee's birth anniversary is also observed as Good Governance Day by the Centre. On the occasion, PM Modi will inaugurate India's longest rail-road bridge in Assam today. The former prime minister had passed away at AIIMS after prolonged illness on August 16. He was cremated on August 17 with full state honours. (With inputs from PTI)

On Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, PM Modi inaugurates 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial

WION Gravitas: PM Modi inaugurates Bogibeel bridge in Assam

PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest railroad bridge in Assam

PM Modi inaugurates India's longest rail-road bridge

PM Modi inaugurates India's longest rail-road bridge Bogibeel Bridge

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam on Tuesday. Bogibeel is be the country's longest rail-road bridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel was flagged off by PM Modi, PTI reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>December 25 is also the birth anniversary of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is observed by the government as "Good Governance Day".</p>

<p>Bogibeel&nbsp;connects the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dibrugarh district with Silapathar in Dhemaji district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>The 4.9-km bridge will cut down train travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by over 10 hours.</p>

<p>"It will take five-and-a-half hours compared to the 15-20 hours it currently takes. Passengers had to change trains multiple times and take a long-winded route," Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Nripen Bhattacharya said.</p>

<p>The Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express will run five days a week.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam on Tuesday. Bogibeel is be the country's longest rail-road bridge. The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel was flagged off by PM Modi, PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam on Tuesday. Bogibeel is be the country's longest rail-road bridge. The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel was flagged off by PM Modi, PTI reported. December 25 is also the birth anniversary of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is observed by the government as "Good Governance Day". Bogibeel connects the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dibrugarh district with Silapathar in Dhemaji district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The 4.9-km bridge will cut down train travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by over 10 hours. "It will take five-and-a-half hours compared to the 15-20 hours it currently takes. Passengers had to change trains multiple times and take a long-winded route," Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Nripen Bhattacharya said. The Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express will run five days a week. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi inaugurates Bogibeel bridge in Assam, it will be India's longest

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250">Bogibeel bridge</a> in Dibrugarh, Assam. Bogibeel is the country's longest rail-road bridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister also flagged-off first passenger train passing through Bogibeel.</p>

<p>Bogibeel connects the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dibrugarh district with Silapathar in Dhemaji district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>The 4.9-km bridge will cut down train travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by over 10 hours.</p>

<p>"It will take five-and-a-half hours compared to the 15-20 hours it currently takes. Passengers had to change trains multiple times and take a long-winded route," Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Nripen Bhattacharya said.</p>

<p>The Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express will run five days a week. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The bridge was inaugurated on the occasion of the Good Governance Day which commemorates the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are some top facts about the bridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1</strong>. The foundation of the bridge was laid over two decades back in the year 1997.</p>

<p><strong>2</strong>. The bridge is built across the mighty Brahmaputra river.</p>

<p><strong>3</strong>. The bridge is sturdy enough to support the movement of tanks and fighter jet landings. As reported by PTI, the bridge's three-lane roads can act as landing strips for the Air Force</p>

<p><strong>4</strong>. The bridge is said to have a lifespan on around 120 years. It is the country's only fully-welded bridge.</p>

<p><strong>5</strong>. On the lower deck the bridge there exists a two-line railway track while on top it has a three-lane road. It will reduce the Delhi to Dibrugarh train travel time by nearly three hours.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam. Bogibeel is the country's longest rail-road bridge. The Prime Minister also flagged-off first passenger train passing through Bogibeel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam. Bogibeel is the country's longest rail-road bridge. The Prime Minister also flagged-off first passenger train passing through Bogibeel. Bogibeel connects the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dibrugarh district with Silapathar in Dhemaji district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The 4.9-km bridge will cut down train travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by over 10 hours. "It will take five-and-a-half hours compared to the 15-20 hours it currently takes. Passengers had to change trains multiple times and take a long-winded route," Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Nripen Bhattacharya said. The Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express will run five days a week. The bridge was inaugurated on the occasion of the Good Governance Day which commemorates the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Here are some top facts about the bridge. 1. The foundation of the bridge was laid over two decades back in the year 1997. 2. The bridge is built across the mighty Brahmaputra river. 3. The bridge is sturdy enough to support the movement of tanks and fighter jet landings. As reported by PTI, the bridge's three-lane roads can act as landing strips for the Air Force 4. The bridge is said to have a lifespan on around 120 years. It is the country's only fully-welded bridge. 5. On the lower deck the bridge there exists a two-line railway track while on top it has a three-lane road. It will reduce the Delhi to Dibrugarh train travel time by nearly three hours.

Fighter jets can land on India's longest rail-road bridge Bogibeel & other facts about it

WION Gravitas: BJP's Bengal Rath Yatra faces road block again

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival".</p>

<p>People will see through the "incoherent alliance of rich dynasties," Modi said during his interaction with booth workers from Chennai Central, Chennai North, Madurai, Tiruchirappally and Tiruvallur constituencies in Tamil Nadu through video conference.</p>

<p>The prime minister recalled that the key constituent of the mega alliance - the Telugu Desam Party-- was formed against the very "high-handedness" of the Congress by the veteran, late chief minister N T Rama Rao but said the party was now keen to join hands with the Congress.</p>

<p>Some parties in the Mahagatbandhan claimed to be inspired by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, but the veteran himself opposed the Congress and its ideologies, Modi said.</p>

<p>"Today several leaders are talking about a grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan. This alliance is for personal survival, and is not ideology-based support. This alliance is for power, not for the people. This alliance for personal ambitions, not people's aspirations," he said.</p>

<p>While several parties and leaders in the coalition claimed to be deeply inspired by Lohia, he said "was deeply opposed to the Congress," Modi said.</p>

<p>Many leaders in the coalition were "arrested and tortured" during the Emergency, he said without referring to anyone.</p>

<p>The Congress "ecosytem" spared none, he said and pointed out at the dismissal of the AIADMK government of late chief minister MG Ramachandran in 1980 though he had people's support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahagathbandhan is a grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday hit out at the Mahagatbandhan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, saying it was an "unholy alliance" of various political parties for "personal survival". People will see through the "incoherent alliance of rich dynasties," Modi said during his interaction with booth workers from Chennai Central, Chennai North, Madurai, Tiruchirappally and Tiruvallur constituencies in Tamil Nadu through video conference. The prime minister recalled that the key constituent of the mega alliance - the Telugu Desam Party-- was formed against the very "high-handedness" of the Congress by the veteran, late chief minister N T Rama Rao but said the party was now keen to join hands with the Congress. Some parties in the Mahagatbandhan claimed to be inspired by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, but the veteran himself opposed the Congress and its ideologies, Modi said. "Today several leaders are talking about a grand alliance or Mahagathbandhan. This alliance is for personal survival, and is not ideology-based support. This alliance is for power, not for the people. This alliance for personal ambitions, not people's aspirations," he said. While several parties and leaders in the coalition claimed to be deeply inspired by Lohia, he said "was deeply opposed to the Congress," Modi said. Many leaders in the coalition were "arrested and tortured" during the Emergency, he said without referring to anyone. The Congress "ecosytem" spared none, he said and pointed out at the dismissal of the AIADMK government of late chief minister MG Ramachandran in 1980 though he had people's support. Mahagathbandhan is a grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

PM Modi says Mahagathbandhan incoherent alliance of rich dynasties

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India.</p>

<p>Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month.</p>

<p>Addressing an event to highlight the 100-day achievements of the Punjab government in Lahore, Khan asserted that his government is taking steps to ensure that religious minorities in Pakistan get their due rights, which was also a vision of the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.</p>

<p>Khan said his government will make sure that the minorities feel safe, protected and have equal rights in 'New Pakistan'.</p>

<p>"We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement.</p>

<p>In a video interview with Karwan-e-Mohabbat India, the veteran actor said the death of a cow was being given importance over the killing of a policeman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the "poison has already spread" and it will be now difficult to contain it.</p>

<p>"It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back into the bottle again. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands... I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?' they will have no answer. It worries me that I don't see the situation improving anytime soon," Shah added.</p>

<p>The Pak premier said if justice is not given to the weak then it will only lead to an uprising.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Giving an example, he said, "The people of East Pakistan were not given their rights which was the main reason behind the creation of Bangladesh."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 3, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a student, Sumit Kumar, were killed in mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr after cow carcasses were found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main accused in the case is a local Bajrang Dal leader, Yogesh Raj&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India. Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month. Addressing an event to highlight the 100-day achievements of the Punjab government in Lahore, Khan asserted that his government is taking steps to ensure that religious minorities in Pakistan get their due rights, which was also a vision of the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Khan said his government will make sure that the minorities feel safe, protected and have equal rights in 'New Pakistan'. "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement. In a video interview with Karwan-e-Mohabbat India, the veteran actor said the death of a cow was being given importance over the killing of a policeman. He said the "poison has already spread" and it will be now difficult to contain it. "It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back into the bottle again. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands... I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?' they will have no answer. It worries me that I don't see the situation improving anytime soon," Shah added. The Pak premier said if justice is not given to the weak then it will only lead to an uprising. Giving an example, he said, "The people of East Pakistan were not given their rights which was the main reason behind the creation of Bangladesh." On December 3, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a student, Sumit Kumar, were killed in mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr after cow carcasses were found. The main accused in the case is a local Bajrang Dal leader, Yogesh Raj

Imran Khan lectures India on treatment of minorities, says 'will show Modi govt how to treat them'

<p>The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges'&nbsp;took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.</p>

<p>Calling Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a "milestone in bilateral relations", Swaraj said, "PM Modi and President Xi have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic &amp; youth exchanges <a href="https://t.co/GzWnMgRPud">pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076052889565609986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>She added, "the armies of both the countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations."</p>

<p>The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said, "we agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. <a href="https://t.co/ilVvycgB0G">pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076050084666589185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also called on to increase people-to-people exchanges between India and China which he said: "will serve as progress for the entire mankind."</p>

<p>Both the sides agreed on 10 priority areas which include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges."</p>

<p>The High-Level Mechanism will bring all the existing bilateral, cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella.</p>

<p>This was the last high-level meeting between India and China this year. This year, PM Modi met Chinese President Jinping four times -- from Wuhan informal summit in April to the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, BRICS Summit and the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India in 2019 for the second informal summit between India and China.</p>


The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties.

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Calling Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a "milestone in bilateral relations", Swaraj said, "PM Modi and President Xi have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance." EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic & youth exchanges pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × She added, "the armies of both the countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations." The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April 2018. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said, "we agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations." Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × He also called on to increase people-to-people exchanges between India and China which he said: "will serve as progress for the entire mankind." Both the sides agreed on 10 priority areas which include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges." The High-Level Mechanism will bring all the existing bilateral, cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella. This was the last high-level meeting between India and China this year. This year, PM Modi met Chinese President Jinping four times -- from Wuhan informal summit in April to the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, BRICS Summit and the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India in 2019 for the second informal summit between India and China.

Wuhan was a milestone, PM Modi and President Xi have personal connect: Sushma Swaraj

<p>A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-karan-johar-ajay-devgn-and-other-bollywood-producers-meet-pm-modi-to-discuss-issues-faced-by-film-industry-185222">met with Prime Minister Modi</a> on Tuesday to discuss several issues being faced by the entertainment industry. Among many others, producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Karan Johar, Sidharth Roy Kapur, the president of the Film Producers Guild, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwwala, Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) were part of the delegation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Actors like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn were also spotted with Modi during the discussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi took to his official Twitter handle and shared a photo of the meet and wrote: "Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry.&nbsp;The delegation spoke about the strides being made by the film and entertainment industry and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector. https://nm4.in/2PJUEHa."</p>

<p>While the agenda of the meeting was appreciated by one and all, many Twitter users, however, felt that the gender representation in the meeting was skewed. The delegation included not one woman producer, director or actor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava ('Lipstick Under My Burkha') pointed this out and tweeted: "Would be great to have female representation in these delegations. It is 2018."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Would be great to have female representation in these delegations. It is 2018. <a href="https://t.co/HoxGbptgwX">https://t.co/HoxGbptgwX</a></p>
— Alankrita Shrivastava (@alankrita601) <a href="https://twitter.com/alankrita601/status/1075035831369379842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another Twitter user wrote: "The film industry talks about equality and empowering women in the http://industry.It &nbsp;is really sad to see no women in the delegation.Bollywood Hypocricy at it's best."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The film industry talks about equality and empowering women in the <a href="https://t.co/djlkLCkwaW">https://t.co/djlkLCkwaW</a> is really sad to see no women in the delegation.Bollywood Hypocricy at it's best.</p>
— Ayush Tiwari (@AyushTi24970074) <a href="https://twitter.com/AyushTi24970074/status/1075059855545720833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wait! A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bollywood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bollywood</a> delegation meeting PM Modi has no woman member, Not a Single One! Even <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/misogyny?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#misogyny</a> must be feeling less misogynist than these MCPs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoCountryForWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoCountryForWomen</a>? <a href="https://t.co/GmDV26zQCt">https://t.co/GmDV26zQCt</a></p>
— Samar (@Samar_Anarya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Samar_Anarya/status/1075289369894739968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors met with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday to discuss several issues being faced by the entertainment industry. Among many others, producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Karan Johar, Sidharth Roy Kapur, the president of the Film Producers Guild, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwwala, Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) were part of the delegation.

A delegation of Bollywood producers and actors met with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday to discuss several issues being faced by the entertainment industry. Among many others, producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Karan Johar, Sidharth Roy Kapur, the president of the Film Producers Guild, Rakesh Roshan, Ronnie Screwwala, Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) were part of the delegation. Actors like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn were also spotted with Modi during the discussion. Modi took to his official Twitter handle and shared a photo of the meet and wrote: "Had an extensive and fruitful interaction with a delegation from the film and entertainment industry. The delegation spoke about the strides being made by the film and entertainment industry and gave valuable inputs relating to GST for their sector. https://nm4.in/2PJUEHa." While the agenda of the meeting was appreciated by one and all, many Twitter users, however, felt that the gender representation in the meeting was skewed. The delegation included not one woman producer, director or actor. Filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava ('Lipstick Under My Burkha') pointed this out and tweeted: "Would be great to have female representation in these delegations. It is 2018." Would be great to have female representation in these delegations. It is 2018. https://t.co/HoxGbptgwX — Alankrita Shrivastava (@alankrita601) December 18, 2018 × Another Twitter user wrote: "The film industry talks about equality and empowering women in the http://industry.It is really sad to see no women in the delegation.Bollywood Hypocricy at it's best." The film industry talks about equality and empowering women in the https://t.co/djlkLCkwaW is really sad to see no women in the delegation.Bollywood Hypocricy at it's best. — Ayush Tiwari (@AyushTi24970074) December 18, 2018 × Wait! A #Bollywood delegation meeting PM Modi has no woman member, Not a Single One! Even #misogyny must be feeling less misogynist than these MCPs! #NoCountryForWomen? https://t.co/GmDV26zQCt — Samar (@Samar_Anarya) December 19, 2018 ×

Netizens angry over PM Modi's meeting with all-male Bollywood delegation

Won't let PM Modi sleep till he waives farm loans, says Rahul Gandhi

<p>Taking a jibe at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-let-pm-modi-sleep-until-all-farms-loans-waived-rahul-gandhi-184997">Congress </a>Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that the party has humiliated every important institution of the democracy.</p>

<p>While interacting with BJP karyakartas&nbsp;of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PM&nbsp;Modi said,&nbsp;"the Congress has&nbsp;humiliated the army, CAG and every important institution of the democracy".</p>

<p>Referring to the Rafale verdict, PM Modi further said&nbsp;"recently they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-urges-sc-to-recall-rafale-judgment-issue-contempt-of-court-notice-to-govt-184555">questioned a Supreme&nbsp;Court verdict</a> just because they could not threaten the court into doing what they wanted. They tried to impeach the CJI also."</p>

<p>PM Modi also targetted the Congress over their frequent&nbsp;accusations of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-files-petition-in-chhattisgarh-high-court-over-evm-security-182070">EVM tempering</a>.</p>

<p>"Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM", he said.</p>

<p>"The Congress party has become more cunning since the days of Emergency," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM: They've humiliated the Army, CAG &amp; every institution imp to our democracy. Recently they questioned an SC verdict just because they didn't like the decision. Earlier, just because they couldn't threaten the court into doing what they wanted they tried to even impeach the CJI. <a href="https://t.co/lH9TSdTzcB">pic.twitter.com/lH9TSdTzcB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075358111408414720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM in interaction with BJP Karyakartas of Tamil Nadu&amp;Puducherry: Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM. <a href="https://t.co/QH1Abm8WLj">pic.twitter.com/QH1Abm8WLj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075358109114093569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister was interacting with booth level workers of Vellore, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram and south Chennai districts of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, through video conferencing from New Delhi.</p>

<p>PM Modi asked party workers to increase their outreach by creating awareness about his government's welfare schemes.</p>

<p>"From housing to health care, from sanitation to skills, there are schemes for every section of society," he said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Taking a jibe at the Congress Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that the party has humiliated every important institution of the democracy. While interacting with BJP karyakartas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PM Modi said, "the Congress has humiliated the army, CAG and every important institution of the democracy".

Taking a jibe at the Congress Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that the party has humiliated every important institution of the democracy. While interacting with BJP karyakartas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PM Modi said, "the Congress has humiliated the army, CAG and every important institution of the democracy". Referring to the Rafale verdict, PM Modi further said "recently they questioned a Supreme Court verdict just because they could not threaten the court into doing what they wanted. They tried to impeach the CJI also." PM Modi also targetted the Congress over their frequent accusations of EVM tempering. "Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM", he said. "The Congress party has become more cunning since the days of Emergency," he said. PM: They've humiliated the Army, CAG & every institution imp to our democracy. Recently they questioned an SC verdict just because they didn't like the decision. Earlier, just because they couldn't threaten the court into doing what they wanted they tried to even impeach the CJI. pic.twitter.com/lH9TSdTzcB — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × PM in interaction with BJP Karyakartas of Tamil Nadu&Puducherry: Before every election they begin to make noise about EVMs, trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. However after elections, if Congress performs well they seem to accept results that have come out of the same EVM. pic.twitter.com/QH1Abm8WLj — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × The prime minister was interacting with booth level workers of Vellore, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram and south Chennai districts of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, through video conferencing from New Delhi. PM Modi asked party workers to increase their outreach by creating awareness about his government's welfare schemes. "From housing to health care, from sanitation to skills, there are schemes for every section of society," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress has humiliated every important institution of democracy: PM Modi

Dilip Kumar property woes: WION speaks to Saira Banu's lawyer

<p>Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">farms loans </a>have been waived.</p>

<p>In a stinging attack on what he described as crony capitalism, Gandhi said the government has turned a blind eye to the loans given to 15 top industrialists of the country, including Anil Ambani, but has made no effort to alleviate the woes of the farmers in the last four years.</p>

<p>"We promised to waive loans in 10 days. In two states, we did it in six hours," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.</p>

<p>"We will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until loans of all farmers are waived," the Congress president said.</p>


Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all farms loans have been waived.

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all farms loans have been waived. In a stinging attack on what he described as crony capitalism, Gandhi said the government has turned a blind eye to the loans given to 15 top industrialists of the country, including Anil Ambani, but has made no effort to alleviate the woes of the farmers in the last four years. "We promised to waive loans in 10 days. In two states, we did it in six hours," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament. "We will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until loans of all farmers are waived," the Congress president said.

Won't let PM Modi sleep until all farms loans waived: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Saira Banu on Sunday requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the release of builder Samir Bhojwani who had been arrested earlier for usurping her and yesteryears superstar Dilip Kumar's Pali Hill bungalow in Mumbai.</p>

<p>A post from Dilip Kumar`s official Twitter handle read: "Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon`ble PMO India, Shri Narendra Modi sir, land mafia Samir Bhojwani released from jail. No action taken despite assurances by (Maharashtra) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Padma Vibhushit betrayed, threatened by money and muscle power. Request meeting with you in Mumbai."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon’ble <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><br />
Sir, Land Mafia Samir Bhojwani realeased from Jail. No Action Taken despite assurances by CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a><br />
Padma Vibhushit betrayed, Threatened by money n muscle power. Request meeting wth u in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mumbai</a></p>
— Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDilipKumar/status/1074254577078169600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dilip Kumar turned 96 just earlier this week.</p>

<p>Last year, Saira had alleged that Bhojwani, on the basis of forged and fabricated documents, was claiming to be the owner of their bungalow. This led the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police to register a case of cheating against him.</p>

<p><em>(With agency inputs)</em></p>


Saira Banu on Sunday requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the release of builder Samir Bhojwani who had been arrested earlier for usurping her and yesteryears superstar Dilip Kumar's Pali Hill bungalow in Mumbai.

Saira Banu on Sunday requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the release of builder Samir Bhojwani who had been arrested earlier for usurping her and yesteryears superstar Dilip Kumar's Pali Hill bungalow in Mumbai. A post from Dilip Kumar`s official Twitter handle read: "Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon`ble PMO India, Shri Narendra Modi sir, land mafia Samir Bhojwani released from jail. No action taken despite assurances by (Maharashtra) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Padma Vibhushit betrayed, threatened by money and muscle power. Request meeting with you in Mumbai." Request from Saira Banu Khan: The Hon’ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Sir, Land Mafia Samir Bhojwani realeased from Jail. No Action Taken despite assurances by CM @Dev_Fadnavis Padma Vibhushit betrayed, Threatened by money n muscle power. Request meeting wth u in #mumbai — Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) December 16, 2018 × Dilip Kumar turned 96 just earlier this week. Last year, Saira had alleged that Bhojwani, on the basis of forged and fabricated documents, was claiming to be the owner of their bungalow. This led the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police to register a case of cheating against him. (With agency inputs)

Threatened by builder, Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu requests meeting with PM Modi

PM Modi takes cognizance of Saira Bano's Tweet

Watch: WION Your Story, 17th December, 2018

WION Your Story: Want to strengthen trade ties with Maldives, says PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded recently retired cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his contribution to the sport as well for his efforts to bring "positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged".&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi made a special mention of the contribution made by Gambhir during India's triumphant campaign at the ICC World Twenty20 2007 and the ICC World Cup (50-over) in 2011.</p>

<p>"Let me begin by congratulating you for your stupendous contribution to Indian sports! India will always be grateful to you for you memorable performances, many of which resulted in historic victories for our nation," Modi wrote in the letter which was posted by Gambhir on his Twitter handle.</p>

<p>Gambhir thanked the PM for his kind words.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks @narendramodi @PMOIndia for the kind words. Nothing of this would have been possible without love and support of our fellow countrymen. All these deeds are dedicated to our country," he said in the same tweet posted along with the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi praised Gambhir's passion for the game.</p>

<p>"I am sure the journey was filled with both ups and downs but your dedication and persistence ensured that you began to play for the nation. Within a short span, you emerged as a dependable opener, who often took the team to flying starts," the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>The 37-year-old Gambhir was one of the most outspoken sportsmen who do not shy away from voicing their opinions on several issues facing the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> for the kind words. Nothing of this would have been possible without love and support of our fellow countrymen. All these deeds are dedicated to our country. <a href="https://t.co/3P3HcViIJ5">pic.twitter.com/3P3HcViIJ5</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1074244973258776581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The firmness and frankness with which you have spoken about issues, especially relating to India's unity and integrity have endeared you to people across the spectrum," PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Alongside your game, you have been at the forefront of several community service initiatives and this is extremely heartening to see. It is great when public figures show the way and devote time as well as resources towards bringing a positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gambhir made 58 Test appearances for India, accumulating 4154 runs at an average of 41.95. His 147 ODI games fetched 5238 runs, while in 37 T20 Internationals, he scored 932 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you announced retirement from all forms of cricket, you left several well wishers of yours disappointed. However, this decision marks the start of not one but several other innings of your life. You will have the time and opportunity to pursue other aspects which you would have wanted to pursue a lot earlier but didn't not have the time for," Modi said.</p>

<p>After his retirement, there was speculation that Gambhir may join politics but he categorically rejected it.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded recently retired cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his contribution to the sport as well for his efforts to bring "positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded recently retired cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his contribution to the sport as well for his efforts to bring "positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged". PM Modi made a special mention of the contribution made by Gambhir during India's triumphant campaign at the ICC World Twenty20 2007 and the ICC World Cup (50-over) in 2011. "Let me begin by congratulating you for your stupendous contribution to Indian sports! India will always be grateful to you for you memorable performances, many of which resulted in historic victories for our nation," Modi wrote in the letter which was posted by Gambhir on his Twitter handle. Gambhir thanked the PM for his kind words. "Thanks @narendramodi @PMOIndia for the kind words. Nothing of this would have been possible without love and support of our fellow countrymen. All these deeds are dedicated to our country," he said in the same tweet posted along with the letter. Modi praised Gambhir's passion for the game. "I am sure the journey was filled with both ups and downs but your dedication and persistence ensured that you began to play for the nation. Within a short span, you emerged as a dependable opener, who often took the team to flying starts," the Prime Minister said. The 37-year-old Gambhir was one of the most outspoken sportsmen who do not shy away from voicing their opinions on several issues facing the nation. Thanks @narendramodi @PMOIndia for the kind words. Nothing of this would have been possible without love and support of our fellow countrymen. All these deeds are dedicated to our country. pic.twitter.com/3P3HcViIJ5 — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 16, 2018 × "The firmness and frankness with which you have spoken about issues, especially relating to India's unity and integrity have endeared you to people across the spectrum," PM Modi said. "Alongside your game, you have been at the forefront of several community service initiatives and this is extremely heartening to see. It is great when public figures show the way and devote time as well as resources towards bringing a positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged," he said. Gambhir made 58 Test appearances for India, accumulating 4154 runs at an average of 41.95. His 147 ODI games fetched 5238 runs, while in 37 T20 Internationals, he scored 932 runs. "When you announced retirement from all forms of cricket, you left several well wishers of yours disappointed. However, this decision marks the start of not one but several other innings of your life. You will have the time and opportunity to pursue other aspects which you would have wanted to pursue a lot earlier but didn't not have the time for," Modi said. After his retirement, there was speculation that Gambhir may join politics but he categorically rejected it.

PM Modi lauds Gambhir for his contribution to Indian cricket and his work on social causes

WION Dispatch: Maldives gets 1.4 billion dollar assistance from India

Saira Banu seeks PM Modi's help in stopping land encroachment

<p>Prime Minister Narendra <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-sonia-gandhis-home-turf-pm-says-cong-upset-there-is-no-quatrocchi-mama-in-bjps-defence-deals-184507">Modi repeated his allegation</a> Sunday that the Congress was putting pressure on the judiciary. "In such a situation," he said, "it's essential to alert the nation and young generation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was speaking at Prayagraj (Allahabad).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Prayagraj is a place which can also be called 'the temple of justice' in Uttar Pradesh. In the recent times, the game of building pressure on the judiciary has started. In such a situation, it's essential to alert the nation and young generation," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their actions, their conspiracies are proving it again and again that they (Congress) consider themselves above country, democracy, judiciary and public," Modi added. "Two days ago, we saw another example of it (#Rafale). Stay alert and safe from such people and parties."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi says in Prayagraj, "their actions &amp; conspiracies are proving it again &amp; again that they (Congress) consider themselves above country, democracy, judiciary &amp; public. 2 days ago, we saw another example of it (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a>). Stay alert &amp; safe from such people &amp; parties <a href="https://t.co/I0MdCHSVC3">pic.twitter.com/I0MdCHSVC3</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1074266216519233538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Supreme Court this week said that the new Rafale deal signed by Prime Minister Modi and the french government <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">did not need to be probed</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi has said before this that the Congress has tried to put pressure on judges who had tried to hear the Ayodhya (Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi) cases. He was at the time referring to the petition by the opposition to impeach former chief justice of India Dipak Misra. The petition was returned by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu who is also chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi added on Sunday that the Congress had "destroyed every agency that didn’t work according to them".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH PM Narendra Modi in Prayagraj: The party that has ruled the nation for the longest duration of time has always considered itself above law, judiciary, every agency &amp; even above the nation. This party destroyed every agency that didn’t work according to them. <a href="https://t.co/P1M1YQWYRX">pic.twitter.com/P1M1YQWYRX</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1074264980546052098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The charge that the judiciary is being pressured (in the Sabarimala and Ayodhya cases) and that the country's institutions are being undermined (because of recent developments at the RBI and the CBI) has also been made against the BJP in recent times.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeated his allegation Sunday that the Congress was putting pressure on the judiciary. "In such a situation," he said, "it's essential to alert the nation and young generation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeated his allegation Sunday that the Congress was putting pressure on the judiciary. "In such a situation," he said, "it's essential to alert the nation and young generation." Modi was speaking at Prayagraj (Allahabad). "Prayagraj is a place which can also be called 'the temple of justice' in Uttar Pradesh. In the recent times, the game of building pressure on the judiciary has started. In such a situation, it's essential to alert the nation and young generation," Modi said. "Their actions, their conspiracies are proving it again and again that they (Congress) consider themselves above country, democracy, judiciary and public," Modi added. "Two days ago, we saw another example of it (#Rafale). Stay alert and safe from such people and parties." #WATCH: PM Modi says in Prayagraj, "their actions & conspiracies are proving it again & again that they (Congress) consider themselves above country, democracy, judiciary & public. 2 days ago, we saw another example of it (#Rafale). Stay alert & safe from such people & parties pic.twitter.com/I0MdCHSVC3 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 16, 2018 × The Supreme Court this week said that the new Rafale deal signed by Prime Minister Modi and the french government did not need to be probed. Modi has said before this that the Congress has tried to put pressure on judges who had tried to hear the Ayodhya (Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi) cases. He was at the time referring to the petition by the opposition to impeach former chief justice of India Dipak Misra. The petition was returned by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu who is also chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Modi added on Sunday that the Congress had "destroyed every agency that didn’t work according to them". WATCH PM Narendra Modi in Prayagraj: The party that has ruled the nation for the longest duration of time has always considered itself above law, judiciary, every agency & even above the nation. This party destroyed every agency that didn’t work according to them. pic.twitter.com/P1M1YQWYRX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 16, 2018 × The charge that the judiciary is being pressured (in the Sabarimala and Ayodhya cases) and that the country's institutions are being undermined (because of recent developments at the RBI and the CBI) has also been made against the BJP in recent times.

Game of building pressure on the judiciary has begun: PM Modi

India-Maldives ties: Ibrahim Solih to visit India

<p><strong>Stockholm Syndrome or Spiral of Silence?</strong></p>

<p>Right after demonetisation, we started a series of tracking polls to gauge the public sentiment around it. First things first: while in November 2016, as many as 85 per cent Indians believed that the troubles they faced during demonetisation were absolutely worth the fight against black money. As of today, that number has come crashing down to just 63 per cent. That's a huge drop of 22 per cent in support for the drastic move within a gap of 24 months.</p>

<p>While this number could fancy any Modi-baiter to say that the public has finally said what it wanted to say, it is equally important to note that even after so much of hardship and shine coming off the (mis)adventure, two out of three Indians still support demonetisation as of today. Yes, this is down from four out of five in 2016, but 2 out of 3 is not small a number. Certainly, in a FPTP democracy where Parties tend to get a majority with just over 33 per cent votes this figure matters.</p>

<p>However, this statement becomes interesting in light of 43 per cent Indians considering it a personal setback. Why does demonetisation still enjoy public support of a two-third majority despite negatively impacting more people? Seems PM Modi has hijacked the narrative on the debate on 'national interest'.</p>

<p>If that is true, one probability can be that a large part of the populace is struck with Stockholm Syndrome. They are in awe of the government taking such a drastic measure and pulling it off in no time. Hence, they seek to be on the side of their tormentor and sympathize with the mission of cash eradication!<br />
<br />
Demonetisation as a policy move is akin to major surgery of the body - it has beneficial impacts and side-effects that become apparent over time. When this policy was implemented in 2016, there were two questions lingering in public discourse:<br />
<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a) What will be the actual impacts of this move on nation, in the long run?<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b) How will people perceive the move today and tomorrow, given that this move was bound to generate some pain?</p>

<p>At Cvoter, we have tracked the public sentiment on this important issue since 2016 and have concluded the 7th wave of demonetisation tracker.<br />
<br />
The other probability is of stigmatisation of criticism. Prime Minister Modi in his rallies has repeatedly stated that "those hurt the most, are crying out the loudest". In other words, the critics of the policy are the ones who were hoarding the money in cash and now they were trying to vent their frustration. Thus, people could go in a spiral of silence and give socially acceptable replies when asked survey questions. If it is the former than electoral advantage will lie with the NDA but if it is the latter case, then it is advantage opposition.</p>

<p>Time has tempered the support and positive sentiment enjoyed by demonetisation. Demographic groups like middle-aged citizens, rural populace and poor have begun to wonder about the move. Although net sentiment among the population is positive, the shrinkage of support for demonetisation is consistent and an ongoing trend.</p>

<p><strong>To answer the questions asked above:</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;a) People largely view demonetisation as a positive move and support its implementation, however, there is a distinct decline in the number of people doing so.</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b) Increasing number of citizens have begun to view demonetisation as a negative event. Especially the fence sitters have begun to migrate towards the negative territory. In other words, former supporters are turning into critics and former neutrals are also turning critical regarding demonetisation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>The Demonetisation Tracker details stand unpacked as follows:<br />
<br />
Demonetisation at a personal level</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Demonetisation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7279bfaf-f9d7-4bb9-a20c-86e784c95da5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Demonetisation1_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>Treating of demonetisation as a setback at personal level, the support for demonetisation has now fallen to its lowest level of 56.5 per cent in wave 7 after an all-time high of 76 per cent in wave 2. The positive sentiment for demonetisation hovered in the early 70s through wave 3-5. From wave 6 onwards there has been a stark decline in support for demonetisation. Perhaps indicative of headwinds in the local economy or a brewing unemployment crisis, post-facto people have begun to increasingly identify demonetisation as a personal setback of sorts. Semi-urban population and middle-aged citizens are two demographic segments who are more negative in their sentiments towards demonetisation.</p>

<p><strong>Worth it?</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Demonetisation2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d098afa-cc07-499d-893f-8c6d33323a83" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation2.jpg" /></p>

<p>An exercise like demonetisation was fraught with troubles for common citizens. It was the goodwill of the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that carried the day in 2016. Today, the net sentiment of demonetisation being worth it has touched an all-time low of 30%. Meaning, the difference between the yay-sayers and nay-sayers is down to just 30 per cent in wave 7, this figure was 82 per cent in wave 2. Somewhere, we have seen more and more people defecting from the yay camp to nay camp between wave 2 and wave 7. Senior citizens are still mostly in favour of the policy at a net sentiment of 54 per cent while middle-aged citizens are the least supportive, with a net sentiment of 17 per cent. Also, worth mentioning are the middle-income group and rural citizens with respective net sentiments of 22 per cent and 26.7 per cent. These voters are high on priority for PM Modi and disaffection among them should be a cause of concern.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Was the implementation sound?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23ea565a-e02d-4825-8f21-aafeb1dee673" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation3.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>While economists and intelligentsia were in a different mood with respect to the implementation of demonetisation in 2016, they were pushed back by a solid 85 per cent of Indians who believed that demonetisation was implemented in a satisfactory to good manner. Today, the number of those with positive sentiment has not exactly crashed in wave 7, a 66 per cent positive sentiment still constitutes a significant decline. In other words, from more than 4 out of 5 Indian finding the implementation satisfactory, today only 2 out of 3 support its implementation mechanism. Freshers (those below 35 years of age) are more satisfied with the implementation at 72 per cent approval while higher income group is least positive and understandably so.</p>

<p><strong>How about a rollback?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5671d419-1e84-4541-acea-a17b3d777479" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation-4.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>India has a history of governments backtracking on unpopular policies or reforms, therefore demonetisation was considered fit for a rollback by some sections. The support for a rollback has increased between 2016-18, although the majority still supports no-rollback or backtracking. Nearly 63 per cent respondents support staying firm on the policy while 33% supported a rollback either in practice or principle. The support for staying firm is down from 84 per cent in 2016 a significant decline. Major declines have happened in the middle-aged and lower income group demographics.<br />
<br />
<strong>Who was hurt more, rich or the poor?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f7e3bba-9acc-49d7-9273-c9673ad26aa0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation_5.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>Politically, demonetisation was a safe policy as it hurt the proverbial 'haves' of a corrupt system. Surprisingly, while the perception of demonetisation has shifted across the board on this metric, the perception of demonetisation has remained largely stable. 48.5 per cent believe that demonetisation has hit the poor more, while 35.5% believe that rich were hurt more. Despite apparent stability, it is worth noting that poor continue to believe that they sacrificed more for implementation of this policy measure. Therefore, they may seek more political entitlement and an absence of such measure may trigger discontent against the government.<br />
<br />
<strong>Does living through demonetisation change your views?</strong><br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 6" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="456bc763-bfb6-4012-baa4-81011ea3ea22" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation_6.jpg" /></p>

<p>Fewer respondents (44 per cent) supported demonetisation after having experienced it in 2016. In 2018, 59 per cent people supported demonetisation having experienced the aftermath. However, the people who oppose it and intend to punish BJP by voting against it have risen from 13 per cent in 2016 to 20 per cent in 2018. Politically, this signifies a deep and rising polarisation over the question of demonetisation - supporters and detractors are firming up their positions.<br />
<br />
<strong>The aftershocks of demonetisation?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62df15d9-c7dd-4475-8884-afdef171133f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation7.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>A majority 51 per cent people say that there is no persistent problem post-demonetisation in 2018, a huge rise when compared to 11 per cent in 2016. This is a heartening statistic for the government as it signifies that there are fewer long-term implications of demonetisation on citizens and some of the anger on ground is indicative of the memory of instantaneous events in 2016. The only statistic of concern is 18.5 per cent respondents saying that their problems have increased - this is a rise over the 12.3 per cent in 2016.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Prime Minister's popularity? </strong><br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 8" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a761be7-a7f2-40ab-bf50-60ef90549440" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation8.jpg" /></p>

<p>Demonetisation left 17 per cent of the population in limbo and they professed no opinion in 2016 on its impact on PM Modi's popularity. Worryingly for the PM, roughly 13 per cent of these have migrated to the decreased popularity column by 2018. The column for respondents who thought this might result in increased popularity has undergone a mild decline from 52 per cent in 2016 to 49 per cent in 2018. Although PM Modi's stock remains high, the high conversion rate of neutrals to critics is a cause of concern. Perhaps the loyalists have stuck it out with the PM but the fence sitters are choosing otherwise.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sentiment on </strong><strong>economy</strong><strong>?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 9" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bec9ec54-b816-4d11-8e18-7bd4313bf773" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetsaition9.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>The dominant and almost-majority sentiment of respondents in 2016 predicted a recovery after short-term blip for the economy. 49&nbsp; per cent respondents averred that economy may dip for a while and then recover strongly. This sentiment has crashed down to 29.5 per cent now, whereas the bearish sentiment of a long-lasting recession has strengthened from 12 per cent in 2016 to 28 per cent in 2018. Interestingly, the bullish sentiment has also strengthened from 19.5 per cent in 2016 to 29 per cent in 2018. This is yet another indicator of the deep vertical divide that come to occupy Indian polity in all matters of national discourse.<br />
<br />
<strong>Conclusion: Good idea or bad idea?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Demonetisation 10" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4102bc7f-4e1b-44c1-9fd0-261fbb86a4f0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/demonetisation-10.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>In 2016, 27 per cent respondents thought that demonetisation was a good step but poorly implemented. This figure declined to 17 per cent by 2018 and most of the migration of opinion occurred towards the option of "bad step which is poorly implemented". The respondents who believed in it rose from 5 per cent in 2016 to 28.5 per cent in 2018, this indicates yet again the trend of fence sitters migrating towards the critics' category. The supporters of the demonetisation in toto declined from 66 per cent in 2016 to 51 per cent in 2018. In other words, demonetisation has lost supporters and managed to drive the fence sitters away, something somewhere has not clicked with sections of society.<br />
<br />
Although the net sentiment continues to be positive, the presence of pain in politically significant sections of society is undeniable and salient. Whether that will the have mild or huge impact on upcoming Lok Sabha election 2019 is a matter of conjecture.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/63-of-indians-still-support-demonetisation-but-that-number-has-fallen-2163127.html">Zeenews</a>. Read the original article)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Stockholm Syndrome or Spiral of Silence? Right after demonetisation, we started a series of tracking polls to gauge the public sentiment around it. First things first: while in November 2016, as many as 85 per cent Indians believed that the troubles they faced during demonetisation were absolutely worth the fight against black money.

Stockholm Syndrome or Spiral of Silence? Right after demonetisation, we started a series of tracking polls to gauge the public sentiment around it. First things first: while in November 2016, as many as 85 per cent Indians believed that the troubles they faced during demonetisation were absolutely worth the fight against black money. As of today, that number has come crashing down to just 63 per cent. That's a huge drop of 22 per cent in support for the drastic move within a gap of 24 months. While this number could fancy any Modi-baiter to say that the public has finally said what it wanted to say, it is equally important to note that even after so much of hardship and shine coming off the (mis)adventure, two out of three Indians still support demonetisation as of today. Yes, this is down from four out of five in 2016, but 2 out of 3 is not small a number. Certainly, in a FPTP democracy where Parties tend to get a majority with just over 33 per cent votes this figure matters. However, this statement becomes interesting in light of 43 per cent Indians considering it a personal setback. Why does demonetisation still enjoy public support of a two-third majority despite negatively impacting more people? Seems PM Modi has hijacked the narrative on the debate on 'national interest'. If that is true, one probability can be that a large part of the populace is struck with Stockholm Syndrome. They are in awe of the government taking such a drastic measure and pulling it off in no time. Hence, they seek to be on the side of their tormentor and sympathize with the mission of cash eradication! Demonetisation as a policy move is akin to major surgery of the body - it has beneficial impacts and side-effects that become apparent over time. When this policy was implemented in 2016, there were two questions lingering in public discourse: a) What will be the actual impacts of this move on nation, in the long run? b) How will people perceive the move today and tomorrow, given that this move was bound to generate some pain? At Cvoter, we have tracked the public sentiment on this important issue since 2016 and have concluded the 7th wave of demonetisation tracker. The other probability is of stigmatisation of criticism. Prime Minister Modi in his rallies has repeatedly stated that "those hurt the most, are crying out the loudest". In other words, the critics of the policy are the ones who were hoarding the money in cash and now they were trying to vent their frustration. Thus, people could go in a spiral of silence and give socially acceptable replies when asked survey questions. If it is the former than electoral advantage will lie with the NDA but if it is the latter case, then it is advantage opposition. Time has tempered the support and positive sentiment enjoyed by demonetisation. Demographic groups like middle-aged citizens, rural populace and poor have begun to wonder about the move. Although net sentiment among the population is positive, the shrinkage of support for demonetisation is consistent and an ongoing trend. To answer the questions asked above: a) People largely view demonetisation as a positive move and support its implementation, however, there is a distinct decline in the number of people doing so. b) Increasing number of citizens have begun to view demonetisation as a negative event. Especially the fence sitters have begun to migrate towards the negative territory. In other words, former supporters are turning into critics and former neutrals are also turning critical regarding demonetisation. The Demonetisation Tracker details stand unpacked as follows: Demonetisation at a personal level Treating of demonetisation as a setback at personal level, the support for demonetisation has now fallen to its lowest level of 56.5 per cent in wave 7 after an all-time high of 76 per cent in wave 2. The positive sentiment for demonetisation hovered in the early 70s through wave 3-5. From wave 6 onwards there has been a stark decline in support for demonetisation. Perhaps indicative of headwinds in the local economy or a brewing unemployment crisis, post-facto people have begun to increasingly identify demonetisation as a personal setback of sorts. Semi-urban population and middle-aged citizens are two demographic segments who are more negative in their sentiments towards demonetisation. Worth it? An exercise like demonetisation was fraught with troubles for common citizens. It was the goodwill of the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that carried the day in 2016. Today, the net sentiment of demonetisation being worth it has touched an all-time low of 30%. Meaning, the difference between the yay-sayers and nay-sayers is down to just 30 per cent in wave 7, this figure was 82 per cent in wave 2. Somewhere, we have seen more and more people defecting from the yay camp to nay camp between wave 2 and wave 7. Senior citizens are still mostly in favour of the policy at a net sentiment of 54 per cent while middle-aged citizens are the least supportive, with a net sentiment of 17 per cent. Also, worth mentioning are the middle-income group and rural citizens with respective net sentiments of 22 per cent and 26.7 per cent. These voters are high on priority for PM Modi and disaffection among them should be a cause of concern. Was the implementation sound? While economists and intelligentsia were in a different mood with respect to the implementation of demonetisation in 2016, they were pushed back by a solid 85 per cent of Indians who believed that demonetisation was implemented in a satisfactory to good manner. Today, the number of those with positive sentiment has not exactly crashed in wave 7, a 66 per cent positive sentiment still constitutes a significant decline. In other words, from more than 4 out of 5 Indian finding the implementation satisfactory, today only 2 out of 3 support its implementation mechanism. Freshers (those below 35 years of age) are more satisfied with the implementation at 72 per cent approval while higher income group is least positive and understandably so. How about a rollback? India has a history of governments backtracking on unpopular policies or reforms, therefore demonetisation was considered fit for a rollback by some sections. The support for a rollback has increased between 2016-18, although the majority still supports no-rollback or backtracking. Nearly 63 per cent respondents support staying firm on the policy while 33% supported a rollback either in practice or principle. The support for staying firm is down from 84 per cent in 2016 a significant decline. Major declines have happened in the middle-aged and lower income group demographics. Who was hurt more, rich or the poor? Politically, demonetisation was a safe policy as it hurt the proverbial 'haves' of a corrupt system. Surprisingly, while the perception of demonetisation has shifted across the board on this metric, the perception of demonetisation has remained largely stable. 48.5 per cent believe that demonetisation has hit the poor more, while 35.5% believe that rich were hurt more. Despite apparent stability, it is worth noting that poor continue to believe that they sacrificed more for implementation of this policy measure. Therefore, they may seek more political entitlement and an absence of such measure may trigger discontent against the government. Does living through demonetisation change your views? Fewer respondents (44 per cent) supported demonetisation after having experienced it in 2016. In 2018, 59 per cent people supported demonetisation having experienced the aftermath. However, the people who oppose it and intend to punish BJP by voting against it have risen from 13 per cent in 2016 to 20 per cent in 2018. Politically, this signifies a deep and rising polarisation over the question of demonetisation - supporters and detractors are firming up their positions. The aftershocks of demonetisation? A majority 51 per cent people say that there is no persistent problem post-demonetisation in 2018, a huge rise when compared to 11 per cent in 2016. This is a heartening statistic for the government as it signifies that there are fewer long-term implications of demonetisation on citizens and some of the anger on ground is indicative of the memory of instantaneous events in 2016. The only statistic of concern is 18.5 per cent respondents saying that their problems have increased - this is a rise over the 12.3 per cent in 2016. Prime Minister's popularity? Demonetisation left 17 per cent of the population in limbo and they professed no opinion in 2016 on its impact on PM Modi's popularity. Worryingly for the PM, roughly 13 per cent of these have migrated to the decreased popularity column by 2018. The column for respondents who thought this might result in increased popularity has undergone a mild decline from 52 per cent in 2016 to 49 per cent in 2018. Although PM Modi's stock remains high, the high conversion rate of neutrals to critics is a cause of concern. Perhaps the loyalists have stuck it out with the PM but the fence sitters are choosing otherwise. Sentiment on economy? The dominant and almost-majority sentiment of respondents in 2016 predicted a recovery after short-term blip for the economy. 49 per cent respondents averred that economy may dip for a while and then recover strongly. This sentiment has crashed down to 29.5 per cent now, whereas the bearish sentiment of a long-lasting recession has strengthened from 12 per cent in 2016 to 28 per cent in 2018. Interestingly, the bullish sentiment has also strengthened from 19.5 per cent in 2016 to 29 per cent in 2018. This is yet another indicator of the deep vertical divide that come to occupy Indian polity in all matters of national discourse. Conclusion: Good idea or bad idea? In 2016, 27 per cent respondents thought that demonetisation was a good step but poorly implemented. This figure declined to 17 per cent by 2018 and most of the migration of opinion occurred towards the option of "bad step which is poorly implemented". The respondents who believed in it rose from 5 per cent in 2016 to 28.5 per cent in 2018, this indicates yet again the trend of fence sitters migrating towards the critics' category. The supporters of the demonetisation in toto declined from 66 per cent in 2016 to 51 per cent in 2018. In other words, demonetisation has lost supporters and managed to drive the fence sitters away, something somewhere has not clicked with sections of society. Although the net sentiment continues to be positive, the presence of pain in politically significant sections of society is undeniable and salient. Whether that will the have mild or huge impact on upcoming Lok Sabha election 2019 is a matter of conjecture. (This article was originally published on The Zeenews. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Support remains strong for both demonetisation and PM Narendra Modi

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections.</p>

<p>The state presidents and in-charges of BJP will be present in the meeting which will start at 2 pm and is likely to continue for seven hours.</p>

<p>Congress registered a resounding victory over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and with the help of independent candidates, garnered the numbers to form the government in Rajasthan after having prevailed in 99 out of the 200 assembly seats.</p>

<p>Following a nerve-wracking finish in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 elected candidates as opposed to their rival's 109 and roped in seven legislators from BSP (2), SP (1) and independent candidates (4), to cross the halfway mark. In Telangana, however, K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has left behind the Congress-Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Mizoram, the regional dominant party Mizo National Front (MNF) has made the Congress lick the dust. In a House of 40 members, MNF won 26 seats, Congress five and BJP one. &nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah will chair a meeting at party headquarters in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the defeat in recently held assembly elections in five states and to plan the agenda for the 2019 General Elections. The state presidents and in-charges of BJP will be present in the meeting which will start at 2 pm and is likely to continue for seven hours. Congress registered a resounding victory over the BJP in Chhattisgarh and with the help of independent candidates, garnered the numbers to form the government in Rajasthan after having prevailed in 99 out of the 200 assembly seats. Following a nerve-wracking finish in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 elected candidates as opposed to their rival's 109 and roped in seven legislators from BSP (2), SP (1) and independent candidates (4), to cross the halfway mark. In Telangana, however, K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has left behind the Congress-Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance. In Mizoram, the regional dominant party Mizo National Front (MNF) has made the Congress lick the dust. In a House of 40 members, MNF won 26 seats, Congress five and BJP one.

Amit Shah to chair meeting on defeat in assembly elections

<p>India today lodged a formal protest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-diplomat-walks-out-of-saarc-meet-after-pakistans-invitation-to-pok-minister-182625">against Pakistan for inviting POK</a> minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad.</p>

<p>The protest note was lodged at the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal.</p>

<p>WION accessed&nbsp;the Indian protests in which it said that Pakistan had invited renegade entity from the area of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Such step by SCCI(SAARC&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce and Industry)&nbsp;is in violation of the SAARC charter and principles, India stated.</p>

<p>SCCI has breached guidelines and obligations meant for SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, India said in its letter.</p>

<p>India asked for "strict action" from SCCI.</p>

<p>Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua had said last week that Islamabad was ready to host the South Asian summit, two years after India had pulled out after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2016.</p>

<p>Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to stay away from the meeting.</p>

<p>Last month PM Modi had turned down Pakistan's invite for the SAARC summit, speaking on Pakistan announcement, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said unless and until "Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC."</p>

<p>Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli had said earlier that his country was ready to facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.</p>


India today lodged a formal protest against Pakistan for inviting POK minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad.

India today lodged a formal protest against Pakistan for inviting POK minister at SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Chamber of Commerce event last week in Islamabad. The protest note was lodged at the SAARC secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. WION accessed the Indian protests in which it said that Pakistan had invited renegade entity from the area of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Such step by SCCI(SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry) is in violation of the SAARC charter and principles, India stated. SCCI has breached guidelines and obligations meant for SAARC apex bodies by indulging in political activities, India said in its letter. India asked for "strict action" from SCCI. Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua had said last week that Islamabad was ready to host the South Asian summit, two years after India had pulled out after the terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2016. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also decided to stay away from the meeting. Last month PM Modi had turned down Pakistan's invite for the SAARC summit, speaking on Pakistan announcement, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said unless and until "Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC." Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli had said earlier that his country was ready to facilitate the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan.

India lodges protest against Pak over POK minister's presence in SAARC meet in Islamabad

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