<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his greetings often manifested in warm embraces.</p>

<p>The Congress today mocked PM&#39;s &#39;hugplomacy&#39; and tweeted a video showcasing his interactions with world leaders that turned into awkward moments more than often.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hugplomacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hugplomacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/M3BKK2Mhmf">pic.twitter.com/M3BKK2Mhmf</a></p>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/952469912554946561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video starts by stating &#39;Modi is awkward&#39; and depicted an event where the Prime Minister&#39;s handshake was dismissed by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Video&#39;s &#39;Hug highlights&#39; included PM Modi&#39;s &#39;Titanic Hug&#39; with former French President Francois Hollande, the &#39;Barely There Hug&#39; with the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the &#39;Never Let You Go Hug&#39; with Japanese President Abe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We can&#39;t wait for more &#39;hugplomacy&#39;,&quot; noted the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy,&quot; noted Congress&#39; tweet.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste,&quot; PM Modi tweeted earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome to India, my friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a>! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraeliPM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShalomNamaste?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShalomNamaste</a> <a href="https://t.co/sidgMmA1fu">pic.twitter.com/sidgMmA1fu</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/952461694567047168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport,&quot; Netanyahu posted on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> , who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights! ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/bPZftC4caF">pic.twitter.com/bPZftC4caF</a></p>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/952490280481099776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress for releasing a video that &quot;insults&quot; PM Modi.</p>

<p>&quot;Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also the guest,&quot; Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar, noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also a guest: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi &amp; Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://t.co/oqrEwiu7lP">pic.twitter.com/oqrEwiu7lP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952527381893234689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Congress leaders have stooped low,&quot; exclaimed Union Minister Babul Supriyo.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The tweet proves that Congress leaders have stooped* low and shows their low mentality. They are indulging in crass humor to seek attention. Congress has taken another step towards its annihilation: Babul Supriyo, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi &amp; Israel PM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952531007713849344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his greetings often manifested in warm embraces. The Congress today mocked PM's 'hugplomacy' and tweeted a video showcasing his interactions with world leaders that turned into awkward moments more than often. With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy pic.twitter.com/M3BKK2Mhmf — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2018 × The video starts by stating 'Modi is awkward' and depicted an event where the Prime Minister's handshake was dismissed by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Video's 'Hug highlights' included PM Modi's 'Titanic Hug' with former French President Francois Hollande, the 'Barely There Hug' with the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the 'Never Let You Go Hug' with Japanese President Abe. "We can't wait for more 'hugplomacy'," noted the video. "With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy," noted Congress' tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug. "Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste," PM Modi tweeted earlier today. Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste pic.twitter.com/sidgMmA1fu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2018 × "Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport," Netanyahu posted on Twitter. Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi , who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/bPZftC4caF — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) January 14, 2018 × Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress for releasing a video that "insults" PM Modi. "Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also the guest," Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar, noted. Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also a guest: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi & Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/oqrEwiu7lP — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 × "Congress leaders have stooped low," exclaimed Union Minister Babul Supriyo. The tweet proves that Congress leaders have stooped* low and shows their low mentality. They are indulging in crass humor to seek attention. Congress has taken another step towards its annihilation: Babul Supriyo, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi & Israel PM — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 ×

Congress releases video on PM Modi's 'hugplomacy', BJP slams it

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-internal-matter-will-be-resolved-soon-says-bar-councilof-india-29484">Supreme Court crisis: &#39;Internal matter, will be resolved soon,&#39; says Bar Council of India</a></p>

<p>The Bar Council made the statement after meeting with Justice Chelameswar, one of the four judges to have called an unprecedented press conference on Friday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-live-updates-israeli-pm-bejamin-netanyahu-lands-in-india-modi-breaks-protocol-to-receive-him-at-airport-29470">Live Updates:&nbsp;Israeli PM, PM Modi laud role of Indian soldiers in liberating Haifa</a></p>

<p>Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi this afternoon, six months after PM Modi&#39;s first-ever visit to Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-4-retired-judges-write-open-letter-to-cji-29488">Supreme Court crisis: 4 retired judges write open letter to CJI</a></p>

<p>The four retired judges, including one from the Supreme Court, said they agree with the issues raised by the Supreme Court judges.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-a-global-power-says-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-29478">India a global power, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu</a></p>

<p>The statement was made before Netanyahu, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday, left Israel for India.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-video-on-pm-modis-hugplomacy-29487">Congress releases video on PM Modi&#39;s &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-video-on-pm-modis-hugplomacy-29487">hugplomacy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-video-on-pm-modis-hugplomacy-29487">&#39;</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Supreme Court crisis: 'Internal matter, will be resolved soon,' says Bar Council of India The Bar Council made the statement after meeting with Justice Chelameswar, one of the four judges to have called an unprecedented press conference on Friday. Live Updates: Israeli PM, PM Modi laud role of Indian soldiers in liberating Haifa Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi this afternoon, six months after PM Modi's first-ever visit to Israel. Supreme Court crisis: 4 retired judges write open letter to CJI The four retired judges, including one from the Supreme Court, said they agree with the issues raised by the Supreme Court judges. India a global power, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu The statement was made before Netanyahu, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday, left Israel for India. Congress releases video on PM Modi's 'hugplomacy' Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.

WION Evening News brief, January 14, 2018

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference today at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi.</p>

<p>Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian overseas community&nbsp;toward the development of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was first organised in the year 2003 by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).</p>

<p>Some of the previous editions of the event were hosted in cities like Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and Kochi among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today&#39;s conference, the first of its kind, will be attended by close to 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries.</p>

<p>The event is scheduled to commence at 10 am with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj&#39;s speech; PM Modi will be the keynote speaker.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will also hold a logo-design competition to zero down on a logo that would best reflect the spirit of the conference.&nbsp;</p>


Today's conference, the first of its kind, will be attended by close to 124 Members of Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference today at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian overseas community toward the development of the country. The event was first organised in the year 2003 by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Some of the previous editions of the event were hosted in cities like Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and Kochi among others. Today's conference, the first of its kind, will be attended by close to 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries. The event is scheduled to commence at 10 am with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj's speech; PM Modi will be the keynote speaker. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will also hold a logo-design competition to zero down on a logo that would best reflect the spirit of the conference.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: PM Modi to inaugurate first PIO Parliamentary Conference today

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi lashed out at PM Modi&#39;s government for delaying the appointment of Lokpal.</p>

<p>The Lokpal Bill was passed in the year 2013 with an aim to check and sanitise public functionaries and fight corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Four years have passed, the Lokpal has not come into reality. The public is asking only one question until when shall be the tune of falsehood be played?&quot; tweeted Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>&quot;Are the &lsquo;defenders of democracy&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;harbingers of accountability&rsquo; listening? #FindingLokpal,&quot; his tweet noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lokpal Bill was first introduced in the year 1968 and subsequently passed in 1969.</p>

<p>The bill could not be passed by the Rajya Sabha and ended up getting lapsed owing to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">??? ?? ??? ???<br />
???? ??? ??????<br />
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?? ?? ?????? &#39;???? ???&#39;?<br />
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Are the &lsquo;defenders of democracy&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;harbingers of accountability&rsquo; listening?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindingLokpal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindingLokpal</a> <a href="https://t.co/v9Kc2Io3Ur">pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/949225977875320833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Bill was finally passed on 17 December 2013 in the Rajya Sabha and on 18 December 2013 in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alternatively known as the Citizen&#39;s Ombudsman Bill, the bill is touted as an anti-corruption tool which calls for the appointment of an investigative committee -- Jan Lokpal -- to check and counter corruption.</p>


'Are the ?defenders of democracy? & ?harbingers of accountability? listening? #FindingLokpal," Gandhi tweeted

Congress President Rahul Gandhi lashed out at PM Modi's government for delaying the appointment of Lokpal. The Lokpal Bill was passed in the year 2013 with an aim to check and sanitise public functionaries and fight corruption. "Four years have passed, the Lokpal has not come into reality. The public is asking only one question until when shall be the tune of falsehood be played?" tweeted Rahul Gandhi. "Are the ‘defenders of democracy’ & ‘harbingers of accountability’ listening? #FindingLokpal," his tweet noted. The Lokpal Bill was first introduced in the year 1968 and subsequently passed in 1969. The bill could not be passed by the Rajya Sabha and ended up getting lapsed owing to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?????? '???? ???'? Are the ‘defenders of democracy’ & ‘harbingers of accountability’ listening?#FindingLokpal pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 5, 2018 × The Bill was finally passed on 17 December 2013 in the Rajya Sabha and on 18 December 2013 in the Lok Sabha. Alternatively known as the Citizen's Ombudsman Bill, the bill is touted as an anti-corruption tool which calls for the appointment of an investigative committee -- Jan Lokpal -- to check and counter corruption.

Rahul Gandhi criticises Modi government for delay in appointing Jan Lokpal

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shook hands with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die.</p>

<p>The cordial &quot;handshake&quot; came barely weeks after the duo had been locked in a bitter war of words over Gujarat elections.</p>

<p>As soon as Chairman M Venkiah Naidu adjourned the House sine die and &#39;Vande Mataram&#39; was rendered, PM Modi was seen moving towards the opposition benches shaking hands with some members, including his predecessor.</p>

<p>He reached the seat of the former premier, shook hands with him for quite some time and spoke to him.</p>

<p>Among others with whom the Prime Minister was seen shaking hands were Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and veteran Congress leader Karan Singh, who was bid farewell by the Upper House today as his tenure ends on January 27.</p>

<p>The show of cordiality between the incumbent and the former premier follows a rare row that broke out last month after Modi insinuated that Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan in the Gujarat polls and latter hitting back saying a &quot;dangerous precedent&quot; was being set by such accusations and seeking apology.</p>

<p>Both the Houses had witnessed stormy protests over the issue with an adamant opposition seeking apology from Modi for his statement during Gujarat poll campaign and the BJP sticking to its point that PM would not apologise.</p>


Among others with whom the Prime Minister was seen shaking hands were Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and veteran Congress leader Karan Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shook hands with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die. The cordial "handshake" came barely weeks after the duo had been locked in a bitter war of words over Gujarat elections. As soon as Chairman M Venkiah Naidu adjourned the House sine die and 'Vande Mataram' was rendered, PM Modi was seen moving towards the opposition benches shaking hands with some members, including his predecessor. He reached the seat of the former premier, shook hands with him for quite some time and spoke to him. Among others with whom the Prime Minister was seen shaking hands were Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and veteran Congress leader Karan Singh, who was bid farewell by the Upper House today as his tenure ends on January 27. The show of cordiality between the incumbent and the former premier follows a rare row that broke out last month after Modi insinuated that Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan in the Gujarat polls and latter hitting back saying a "dangerous precedent" was being set by such accusations and seeking apology. Both the Houses had witnessed stormy protests over the issue with an adamant opposition seeking apology from Modi for his statement during Gujarat poll campaign and the BJP sticking to its point that PM would not apologise.

PM Modi walks up to Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha, shakes hands

<p>In his recent tweet, Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the Prime Minister and his government on Lokpal.</p>

<p>Gandhi tweeted asking the government that for how long will they continue to recite false tunes. He said that four years have passed but the Lokpal was still not put into effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Targetting the government he said &quot; Are the &quot;defenders of democracy&quot; and &quot;harbingers of accountability&quot; listening?</p>

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Are the &lsquo;defenders of democracy&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;harbingers of accountability&rsquo; listening?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindingLokpal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindingLokpal</a> <a href="https://t.co/v9Kc2Io3Ur">pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/949225977875320833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi&#39;s tweet came in response to PM Modi&#39;s tweet of 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi&#39;s tweet on 18 December 2013 said&quot; Am very proud of the positive and proactive role played by BJP MPs under leadership of @SushmaSwarajbjp &amp; @arunjaitley in passing Lokpal Bill.</p>

<p>The Lokpal bill aims to the appointment of Jan Lokpal, an Independent body to investigate corruption cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anna Hazare had earlier alleged that Modi-led government has weakened the Lokpal Act.&nbsp;</p>


Gandhi tweeted asking the government that for how long will they continue to recite false tunes. He said that four years have passed but the Lokpal was still not put into effect

In his recent tweet, Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the Prime Minister and his government on Lokpal. Gandhi tweeted asking the government that for how long will they continue to recite false tunes. He said that four years have passed but the Lokpal was still not put into effect. Targetting the government he said " Are the "defenders of democracy" and "harbingers of accountability" listening? ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?????? '???? ???'? Are the ‘defenders of democracy’ & ‘harbingers of accountability’ listening?#FindingLokpal pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 5, 2018 × Gandhi's tweet came in response to PM Modi's tweet of 2013. PM Modi's tweet on 18 December 2013 said" Am very proud of the positive and proactive role played by BJP MPs under leadership of @SushmaSwarajbjp & @arunjaitley in passing Lokpal Bill. The Lokpal bill aims to the appointment of Jan Lokpal, an Independent body to investigate corruption cases. Anna Hazare had earlier alleged that Modi-led government has weakened the Lokpal Act.

Rahul tweets: 4 years and no Lokpal, PM Modi playing wrong tune

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


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

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

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

<p>In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The four legislators, including Congress&#39;Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre.</p>

<p>The development comes ahead of the scheduled&nbsp;2018 state assembly elections.</p>

<p>Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People&#39;s Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.&nbsp;</p>


Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to PM Modi

In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday. The four legislators, including Congress'Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre. The development comes ahead of the scheduled 2018 state assembly elections. Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People's Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also. BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level. Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.

Meghalaya: 4 MLAs quit Congress to join BJP ahead of assembly elections

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


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

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

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

<p>As the year nears its end, microblogging giant, Twitter recently released a list of top trending hashtags, most retweeted posts and top followed personalities for the&nbsp;year 2017.</p>

<p>While PM Narendra Modi was the most followed personality in India this year, others on the list included eminent personalities like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, said Twitter in a release.</p>

<p>According to the Twitter release, some of the most popular hashtags under &#39;news and governance&#39; category for India included #Jallikattu, #GST, #tripletalaq, #demonetisation and #mumbairains.</p>

<p>PM Modi&#39;s radio initiative, &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; (#Mannkibaat) emerged as the most hashtag under the category.</p>

<p>#Gujaratelections, #Swachhbharat and #Uttarpradesh also made to the list.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi also emerged as the most popular political figure among Twitterati in India followed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath; BJP Chief Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to trends, Anushka Sharma&#39;s wedding post on Twitter was named as the &#39;Golden Tweet&#39;&nbsp;of the year with the maximum number of reposts.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Twitter recently released a list of top trending hashtags, most retweeted posts and top followed personalities for the?year 2017

As the year nears its end, microblogging giant, Twitter recently released a list of top trending hashtags, most retweeted posts and top followed personalities for the year 2017. While PM Narendra Modi was the most followed personality in India this year, others on the list included eminent personalities like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, said Twitter in a release. According to the Twitter release, some of the most popular hashtags under 'news and governance' category for India included #Jallikattu, #GST, #tripletalaq, #demonetisation and #mumbairains. PM Modi's radio initiative, 'Mann Ki Baat' (#Mannkibaat) emerged as the most hashtag under the category. #Gujaratelections, #Swachhbharat and #Uttarpradesh also made to the list. PM Narendra Modi also emerged as the most popular political figure among Twitterati in India followed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath; BJP Chief Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. According to trends, Anushka Sharma's wedding post on Twitter was named as the 'Golden Tweet' of the year with the maximum number of reposts.

PM Modi leads Twitter's 'most popular' list of 2017

<p>Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi&#39;s remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Jaitley clarified, &quot;PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-reiterates-pain-and-anguish-in-video-26668">PM Manmohan Singh</a> or Former VP Hamid Ansari.&quot;</p>

<p>He called any such perception &quot;erroneous&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;We hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India,&quot; shared Jaitley.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari, any such perception is erroneous, we hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India: Arun Jaitley in RS <a href="https://t.co/nhwp8tBXTs">pic.twitter.com/nhwp8tBXTs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945936542878507009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">houses of Parliament were adjourned previously</a> over sloganeering by the Opposition against PM Modi&#39;s remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party had also staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged &quot;secret meeting with Pakistani officials&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. It was attended by Pakistan&#39;s high commissioner, Pakistan&#39;s former foreign minister, India&#39;s former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh,&quot; PM Modi spoke at an election rally at Palanpur earlier this month.</p>

<p>Congress has strongly condemned PM Modi&#39;s remark, demanding his apology for the same.</p>

<p>Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri trashed Modi&#39;s allegations, calling them &quot;baseless&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Jaitley called any such perception "erroneous"

Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi's remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha. Jaitley clarified, "PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari." He called any such perception "erroneous". "We hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India," shared Jaitley. PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari, any such perception is erroneous, we hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India: Arun Jaitley in RS pic.twitter.com/nhwp8tBXTs — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned previously over sloganeering by the Opposition against PM Modi's remarks. The Congress party had also staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged "secret meeting with Pakistani officials". "There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. It was attended by Pakistan's high commissioner, Pakistan's former foreign minister, India's former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh," PM Modi spoke at an election rally at Palanpur earlier this month. Congress has strongly condemned PM Modi's remark, demanding his apology for the same. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri trashed Modi's allegations, calling them "baseless".

'PM Modi didn't question former PM Manmohan Singh's commitment to nation,' Arun Jaitley clarifies

<p>Jairam Thakur<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jairam-thakur-to-be-new-himachal-pradesh-chief-minister-27582"> will be sworn in as chief minister of </a>Himachal Pradesh today.</p>

<p>The ceremony, to be held at the Ridge ground in Shimla, is expected to begin at&nbsp;11 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending, as will a number of other BJP leaders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Himachal Pradesh&#39;s Shimla, received by CM elect <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiRamThakur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiRamThakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/LNfGAZMI5v">pic.twitter.com/LNfGAZMI5v</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945887948846784513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shimla: Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh &amp; UP CM Yogi Adityanath present for soon to begin oath taking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh CM elect <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiRamThakur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiRamThakur</a>; PM Narendra Modi to arrive shortly <a href="https://t.co/SroFVjwj4w">pic.twitter.com/SroFVjwj4w</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945892184250769409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former deputy prime minister LK Advani will also be attending.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723" target="_blank">Rupani </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723" target="_blank">sworn</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723" target="_blank"> in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The oath of office will be administered by Governor Aacharya Devvrat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The names of Thakur&#39;s ministers are still to be finalised, news reports said.</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-thank-everyone-central-leadership-says-himachal-cm-elect-jairam-thakur-27585">&nbsp;&quot;I thank everyone, central leadership...,&quot; says Himachal CM-elect Jairam Thakur</a></p>

<p>The five-time BJP MLA from the hill state&#39;s Seraj constituency was chosen to lead the state after the BJP&#39;s original chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal failed to win in the recent elections.</p>

<p>The BJP ousted the Congress from Himachal Pradesh after winning 44 of the 68 seats in the recently-held Assembly polls.</p>


Prime Minister Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending

Jairam Thakur will be sworn in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh today. The ceremony, to be held at the Ridge ground in Shimla, is expected to begin at 11 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending, as will a number of other BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, received by CM elect #JaiRamThakur pic.twitter.com/LNfGAZMI5v — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Shimla: Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh & UP CM Yogi Adityanath present for soon to begin oath taking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh CM elect #JaiRamThakur; PM Narendra Modi to arrive shortly pic.twitter.com/SroFVjwj4w — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Former deputy prime minister LK Advani will also be attending. Also read: Rupani sworn in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance The oath of office will be administered by Governor Aacharya Devvrat. The names of Thakur's ministers are still to be finalised, news reports said. Also read: "I thank everyone, central leadership...," says Himachal CM-elect Jairam Thakur The five-time BJP MLA from the hill state's Seraj constituency was chosen to lead the state after the BJP's original chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal failed to win in the recent elections. The BJP ousted the Congress from Himachal Pradesh after winning 44 of the 68 seats in the recently-held Assembly polls.

Jairam Thakur sworn in as Himachal Pradesh chief minister

<p>The new BJP government led by Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel will be sworn in in Gandhinagar today.</p>

<p>The swearing in is expected to start at 11 am.</p>

<p>Rupani and Patel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-rupani-nitin-patel-swearing-in-ceremony-to-take-place-on-december-26-27547">will take their oaths&nbsp;</a>as chief minister and deputy chief minister for the second consecutive term after having been elected on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP National President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a>&#39;s rousing welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his first visit to Gujarat after election victory. <a href="https://t.co/mLli9Ndh51">pic.twitter.com/mLli9Ndh51</a></p>
&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/945294740605493249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah among other union ministers and senior leaders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to crowd gathered on his way from the airport in Ahmedabad <a href="https://t.co/uXJ3u0UBhP">pic.twitter.com/uXJ3u0UBhP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945515329815420934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>&#39;s Ahmedabad, to attend swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others <a href="https://t.co/nCuypAS5I6">pic.twitter.com/nCuypAS5I6</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945513246869528576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Apart from Rupani and Patel, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in, party sources said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To be able to work for the welfare of the people and contribute in all-round development of the state is a reward of the life time. Humbled &amp; honoured indeed. <a href="https://t.co/KZWdj1hMh0">pic.twitter.com/KZWdj1hMh0</a></p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/944178381058273280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My sincere gratitude to Honourable PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji &amp; BJP President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> Ji for reposing trust &amp; confidence in a humble Karyakarta like me. I also thank <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Gujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Gujarat</a> legislative party for sustaining trust.</p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/944181912721014784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>News reports said Rupani plans to keep the number of ministers in his cabinet to below 20, against the maximum provision of 27.</p>

<p>The newly-elected leader said the party would consider&nbsp;a mixture of factors such as experience, caste, and region while selecting its ministers.</p>

<p>The BJP won the election to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly&nbsp;with a clear majority of 99 seats.</p>

<p>The Congress Party trailed in second with 77 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (two), and NCP (one), while three seats were won by independent candidates.</p>

<p>Rupani secured a comfortable win by a margin of 1,31,586 votes from the Rajkot West seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With agency inputs)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Apart from Rupani and Nitin Patel as deputy chief minister, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in

The new BJP government led by Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel will be sworn in in Gandhinagar today. The swearing in is expected to start at 11 am. Rupani and Patel will take their oaths as chief minister and deputy chief minister for the second consecutive term after having been elected on Friday. BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's rousing welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his first visit to Gujarat after election victory. pic.twitter.com/mLli9Ndh51 — BJP (@BJP4India) December 25, 2017 × The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah among other union ministers and senior leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to crowd gathered on his way from the airport in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/uXJ3u0UBhP — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches #Gujarat's Ahmedabad, to attend swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others pic.twitter.com/nCuypAS5I6 — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Apart from Rupani and Patel, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in, party sources said. To be able to work for the welfare of the people and contribute in all-round development of the state is a reward of the life time. Humbled & honoured indeed. pic.twitter.com/KZWdj1hMh0 — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 22, 2017 × My sincere gratitude to Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi Ji & BJP President Shri @AmitShah Ji for reposing trust & confidence in a humble Karyakarta like me. I also thank @BJP4Gujarat legislative party for sustaining trust. — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 22, 2017 × News reports said Rupani plans to keep the number of ministers in his cabinet to below 20, against the maximum provision of 27. The newly-elected leader said the party would consider a mixture of factors such as experience, caste, and region while selecting its ministers. The BJP won the election to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly with a clear majority of 99 seats. The Congress Party trailed in second with 77 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (two), and NCP (one), while three seats were won by independent candidates. Rupani secured a comfortable win by a margin of 1,31,586 votes from the Rajkot West seat. (With agency inputs)

Rupani to be sworn in as Gujarat CM today, PM Modi, Amit Shah to attend

<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/GST-collections" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gst-collections-slip-to-rs-80808-crore-in-november/articleshow/62254633.cms~GST collections-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/GST-collections">GST collections</a>&nbsp;slipped for a second straight month to Rs 80,808 crore in November, down from over Rs 83,000 crore in the previous month.</p>

<p>The total collection of&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/gst" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gst-collections-slip-to-rs-80808-crore-in-november/articleshow/62254633.cms~GST-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/gst">GST</a>&nbsp;till December 25 stood at Rs 80,808 crore for November and 53.06 lakh returns have been filed for the month, a finance ministry statement said.<br />
<br />
Of the Rs 80,808 crore collected, Rs 7,798 crore has been garnered as compensation cess in November - the fifth month of GST roll out.<br />
<br />
Besides, Rs 13,089 crore has been collected as Central GST, Rs 18,650 crore as State GST, Rs 41,270 crore as Integrated Goods and Services Tax.<br />
<br />
Further, Rs 10,348 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST account and Rs 14,488 crore is being transferred from IGST to SGST account by way of settlement of funds on account of cross utilisation of IGST credit for payment of CGST and SGST, respectively or due to inter-state business to consumer transactions.</p>

<p>Thus, a total amount of Rs 24,836 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST/SGST account by way of settlement, the statement added.<br />
<br />
Thus, the total collection of CGST and SGST for the month of December 2017 (up to December 25) is Rs 23,437 crore and Rs 33,138 crore, respectively.</p>

<p>As per the data available, GST collections in July was over Rs 95,000 crore, while in August the figure was over Rs 91,000 crore.<br />
<br />
In September, it was over Rs 92,150 crore and in October it was over Rs 83,000 crore.</p>


Of the Rs 80,808 crore collected, Rs 7,798 crore has been garnered as compensation cess in November

GST collections slipped for a second straight month to Rs 80,808 crore in November, down from over Rs 83,000 crore in the previous month. The total collection of GST till December 25 stood at Rs 80,808 crore for November and 53.06 lakh returns have been filed for the month, a finance ministry statement said. Of the Rs 80,808 crore collected, Rs 7,798 crore has been garnered as compensation cess in November - the fifth month of GST roll out. Besides, Rs 13,089 crore has been collected as Central GST, Rs 18,650 crore as State GST, Rs 41,270 crore as Integrated Goods and Services Tax. Further, Rs 10,348 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST account and Rs 14,488 crore is being transferred from IGST to SGST account by way of settlement of funds on account of cross utilisation of IGST credit for payment of CGST and SGST, respectively or due to inter-state business to consumer transactions. Thus, a total amount of Rs 24,836 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST/SGST account by way of settlement, the statement added. Thus, the total collection of CGST and SGST for the month of December 2017 (up to December 25) is Rs 23,437 crore and Rs 33,138 crore, respectively. As per the data available, GST collections in July was over Rs 95,000 crore, while in August the figure was over Rs 91,000 crore. In September, it was over Rs 92,150 crore and in October it was over Rs 83,000 crore.

GST collections slip to Rs 80,808 crore in November

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


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

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

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

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday advocated the use of public transport to save on fuel and costs associated with the import of petroleum, saying travelling on a metro train should be a &quot;prestige issue&quot;.</p>

<p>Addressing a rally after inaugurating a 12-km stretch of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-launches-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27654">Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line</a>, PM Modi said governments incur a lot of cost in creating infrastructure but when it is ready it benefits generations to come.</p>

<p>Modi said by 2022, when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, he wants to cut down on imported petroleum products.</p>

<p>He said a multi-modal transportation system will ensure that use of fuel is cut down, which will help the common man save money and also be useful for the environment.</p>

<p>On December 24, 2002, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a ride on the metro, Modi recalled. &quot;It was a historic moment. Since then, the Metro network in NCR has expanded considerably,&quot; he said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-inaugurates-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27646"><strong>Read: Highlights of PM Modi&#39;s speech after inaugurating Magenta Line</strong></a></p>

<p>We live in an era in which connectivity is all important, the prime minister said.</p>

<p>&quot;Without connectivity, life comes to a standstill. This Metro... is not only for the present but also for future generations,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>There was need to change the mindset so that people prefer using public transport than their private vehicles, the PM said, adding that travelling on a metro should be a &quot;prestige issue&quot;.</p>

<p>The 12.64-km stretch, which was inaugurated by PM Modi today, runs between Kalkaji and Noida&#39;s Botanical Garden and accounts for a travel time of 19 minutes, thus facilitating easy access for commuters from South Delhi to Noida, and vice versa. UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yogi-adityanath-attends-metro-inauguration-function-pm-modi-praises-him-for-breaking-noida-jinx-27660">Yogi Adityanath</a> were present at the inauguration function.</p>

<p>The coaches on th new Magenta Line will have an LED display, power charging capacity and colourful seats, while the stations will portray themes of nature, yoga, and cultural landmarks. The Magenta Line also marks the usage of the first platform screen doors (PSDs), which are glass-made screens installed near the edge of platforms that open only when a train arrives and shut after it departs.</p>


Modi said by 2022, when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, he wants to cut down on imported petroleum products.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday advocated the use of public transport to save on fuel and costs associated with the import of petroleum, saying travelling on a metro train should be a "prestige issue". Addressing a rally after inaugurating a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, PM Modi said governments incur a lot of cost in creating infrastructure but when it is ready it benefits generations to come. Modi said by 2022, when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, he wants to cut down on imported petroleum products. He said a multi-modal transportation system will ensure that use of fuel is cut down, which will help the common man save money and also be useful for the environment. On December 24, 2002, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a ride on the metro, Modi recalled. "It was a historic moment. Since then, the Metro network in NCR has expanded considerably," he said. Read: Highlights of PM Modi's speech after inaugurating Magenta Line We live in an era in which connectivity is all important, the prime minister said. "Without connectivity, life comes to a standstill. This Metro... is not only for the present but also for future generations," he said. There was need to change the mindset so that people prefer using public transport than their private vehicles, the PM said, adding that travelling on a metro should be a "prestige issue". The 12.64-km stretch, which was inaugurated by PM Modi today, runs between Kalkaji and Noida's Botanical Garden and accounts for a travel time of 19 minutes, thus facilitating easy access for commuters from South Delhi to Noida, and vice versa. UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present at the inauguration function. The coaches on th new Magenta Line will have an LED display, power charging capacity and colourful seats, while the stations will portray themes of nature, yoga, and cultural landmarks. The Magenta Line also marks the usage of the first platform screen doors (PSDs), which are glass-made screens installed near the edge of platforms that open only when a train arrives and shut after it departs.

Inaugurating Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, PM Modi asks people to use public transport & save fuel costs

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Delhi Metro's Magenta line

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-inaugurate-metros-magenta-line-today-with-yogi-adityanath-delhi-cm-kejriwal-not-invited-27625" target="_blank">PM&nbsp;Modi to inaugurate Metro&#39;s Magenta Line today with Yogi Adityanath, Delhi CM Kejriwal not invited</a></p>

<p>The new 12.64-km route -- from Delhi&#39;s Kalkaji Mandir to Noida&#39;s Botanical Garden -- is expected to cut travel time from south Delhi to Noida by as much as 40 minutes.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-to-meet-his-wife-mother-later-today-27627">Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet wife, mother today</a></p>

<p>Jadhav faces alleged charges of espionage, terrorist and sabotage activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-win-for-dinakaran-aiadmk-alleges-tacit-understanding-with-dmk-27622">RK Nagar win for Dinakaran: AIADMK alleges &#39;tacit understanding&#39; with DMK</a></p>

<p>TTV Dhinakaran, the nephew of jailed leader VK Sasikala, trounced his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the ruling AIADMK by over 40,000 votes.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-pleads-for-migrants-at-christmas-mass-27619">Pope pleads for migrants &#39;driven from their land&#39; by leaders willing to shed &#39;innocent blood&#39;</a></p>

<p>Francis was speaking at his Christmas eve mass at Saint Peter&#39;s Basilica in the Vatican.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-morales-decides-to-move-guatemalas-embassy-to-jerusalem-27617">Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem</a></p>

<p>Jimmy Morales, president of Guatemala, has become the first leader to back US President Donald Trump&#39;s change of stance on Jerusalem.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi Metro's Magenta Line today

PM Modi to inaugurate Metro's Magenta Line today with Yogi Adityanath, Delhi CM Kejriwal not invited The new 12.64-km route -- from Delhi's Kalkaji Mandir to Noida's Botanical Garden -- is expected to cut travel time from south Delhi to Noida by as much as 40 minutes. Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet wife, mother today Jadhav faces alleged charges of espionage, terrorist and sabotage activities. RK Nagar win for Dinakaran: AIADMK alleges 'tacit understanding' with DMK TTV Dhinakaran, the nephew of jailed leader VK Sasikala, trounced his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the ruling AIADMK by over 40,000 votes. Pope pleads for migrants 'driven from their land' by leaders willing to shed 'innocent blood' Francis was speaking at his Christmas eve mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem Jimmy Morales, president of Guatemala, has become the first leader to back US President Donald Trump's change of stance on Jerusalem.

WION morning news brief, December 25, 2017

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-tightens-security-ahead-of-jadhavs-meeting-with-family-27648">Kulbhushan Jadhav meets wife, mother at Pakistan Foreign Affairs ministry</a></p>

<p>Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav met his mother and wife at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Islamabad for 45 minutes today.</p>

<p>Pakistan confirmed Mr Jadhav&#39;s meeting with family was a &quot;humanitarian&quot; one and did not constitute &quot;consular access&quot;, a request India has repeatedly made.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inaugurating-delhi-metros-magenta-line-pm-modi-asks-people-to-use-public-transport-save-fuel-costs-27667">Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line inauguration: PM Modi asks people to use public transport &amp; save fuel costs</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday advocated the use of public transport to save on fuel and costs associated with the import of petroleum, saying travelling on a metro train should be a &quot;prestige issue&quot;.</p>

<p>Addressing a rally after inaugurating a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line, PM Modi said governments incur a lot of cost in creating infrastructure but when it is ready it benefits generations to come.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-loss-aiadmk-removes-9-office-bearers-27657">RK Nagar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-loss-aiadmk-removes-9-office-bearers-27657">bypoll</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-loss-aiadmk-removes-9-office-bearers-27657"> loss: AIADMK removes 9 office bearers</a></p>

<p>The loss in RK Nagar bypoll - late chief minister Jayalalithaa&#39;s constituency - has not gone down well with her party, the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The party on Monday removed S Vetrivel, Thanga Tamil Selvan, Rangaswamy, Muththaiya, VP Kalairajan, Va Pugazhenthi, Nanchil Sampath, CR Saraswathi and Sholinghur Parthiban after a high-level committee meeting. The meeting was called to discuss party&#39;s performance in RK Nagar bypoll in which VK Sasikala&#39;s nephew TTV Dhinakaran emerged victorious.</p>

<p>These nine office-bearers were removed as they were supporting Dhinakaran, sources said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/from-jerusalem-netanyahu-offers-christians-personal-tours-of-israel-27677">From Jerusalem, Netanyahu offers Christians personal tours of Israel</a></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to play tour guide to Christian pilgrims on Sunday in a message relayed from Jerusalem, whose recognition as Israel&#39;s capital by US President Donald Trump has split global Christian opinion.</p>

<p>A Christmas Eve video on Twitter showed Netanyahu against the backdrop of East Jerusalem, an area laden with Jewish, Christian and Muslim shrines that Israel captured in a 1967 war and which Palestinians want as their own future capital.</p>

<p>In the message, titled &quot;Merry Christmas from Jerusalem, the capital of Israel!&quot; he described Israel as a haven for its 2 percent Christian minority because, he said, &quot;We protect the rights of everyone to worship in the holy sites behind me.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-tiger-zinda-hai-earns-rs-1149-crores-within-three-days-of-its-release-smashes-records-27661">Tiger Zinda Hai earns Rs 114.9 crores within three days of its release; smashes records</a></p>

<p>2017 was a year when most big-budget films failed to create an impact at the Box Office. It was also a year where smaller-budget, content-driven films made more impact with filmgoers. Barring &quot;Baahubali 2&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;Golmaal&quot;, no other film was a stupendous success commercially. Until Salman Khan&#39;s film, &quot;Tiger Zinda Hai&quot;&nbsp;released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Within three days of its release, the film has entered the esteemed Rs 100 crore club and has earned Rs 114.9 crores.&nbsp;</p>


Kulbhushan Jadhav meets wife, mother at Pakistan Foreign Affairs ministry Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav met his mother and wife at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Islamabad for 45 minutes today. Pakistan confirmed Mr Jadhav's meeting with family was a "humanitarian" one and did not constitute "consular access", a request India has repeatedly made. Delhi Metro's Magenta Line inauguration: PM Modi asks people to use public transport & save fuel costs Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday advocated the use of public transport to save on fuel and costs associated with the import of petroleum, saying travelling on a metro train should be a "prestige issue". Addressing a rally after inaugurating a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, PM Modi said governments incur a lot of cost in creating infrastructure but when it is ready it benefits generations to come. RK Nagar bypoll loss: AIADMK removes 9 office bearers The loss in RK Nagar bypoll - late chief minister Jayalalithaa's constituency - has not gone down well with her party, the AIADMK. The party on Monday removed S Vetrivel, Thanga Tamil Selvan, Rangaswamy, Muththaiya, VP Kalairajan, Va Pugazhenthi, Nanchil Sampath, CR Saraswathi and Sholinghur Parthiban after a high-level committee meeting. The meeting was called to discuss party's performance in RK Nagar bypoll in which VK Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran emerged victorious. These nine office-bearers were removed as they were supporting Dhinakaran, sources said. From Jerusalem, Netanyahu offers Christians personal tours of Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to play tour guide to Christian pilgrims on Sunday in a message relayed from Jerusalem, whose recognition as Israel's capital by US President Donald Trump has split global Christian opinion. A Christmas Eve video on Twitter showed Netanyahu against the backdrop of East Jerusalem, an area laden with Jewish, Christian and Muslim shrines that Israel captured in a 1967 war and which Palestinians want as their own future capital. In the message, titled "Merry Christmas from Jerusalem, the capital of Israel!" he described Israel as a haven for its 2 percent Christian minority because, he said, "We protect the rights of everyone to worship in the holy sites behind me." Tiger Zinda Hai earns Rs 114.9 crores within three days of its release; smashes records 2017 was a year when most big-budget films failed to create an impact at the Box Office. It was also a year where smaller-budget, content-driven films made more impact with filmgoers. Barring "Baahubali 2" and "Golmaal", no other film was a stupendous success commercially. Until Salman Khan's film, "Tiger Zinda Hai" released. Within three days of its release, the film has entered the esteemed Rs 100 crore club and has earned Rs 114.9 crores.

WION evening news brief, December 25, 2017

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


PM Modi greeted the newlyweds with flowers.

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

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

<p>The new Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro that will directly connect Kalkaji in south Delhi to Noida, has many firsts to its credit, including platform screen doors (PSDs) and a hi-tech signalling technology for movement of trains, officials said on Friday.</p>

<p>The 12.64-km section, part of the upcoming Botanical Garden (Noida)-Janakpuri West (Delhi) corridor, has nine stations and is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25.</p>

<p>&quot;This Line will have many firsts to its credit. For the first time in India, trains will run unattended. The platform screen doors (PSDs) are being used here for the first time,&quot; DMRC chief spokesperson Anuj Dayal said.</p>

<p>PSDs, installed to enhance commuter safety, are glass- made screens installed near the edge of platforms that open only when a train arrives and shut after it departs.</p>

<p>&quot;Besides, a new-age technology, Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology will be used that can facilitate movement of trains with a frequency of 90 to 100 seconds, will also be pressed into service,&quot; Dayal said.</p>

<p>He was interacting with reporters after a preview of the corridor, ahead of its mega launch on Christmas.</p>

<p>Initially trains will operate with the frequency of five minutes and 14 seconds on this section, the DMRC said.</p>

<p>After the new section of the Delhi Metro is opened, commuters will be able to travel directly to the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station from Botanical Garden in 19 minutes. The travel time Blue and Violet lines of the metro takes 52 minutes with interchange point at the Mandi House station.</p>

<p>&quot;The new line would be officially launched by the Hon&#39;ble Prime Minister in the afternoon at the newly-built Kalkaji Metro Station of the Magenta Line. From 5 PM it would be open to the public,&quot; Dayal said.</p>

<p>Dayal and other DMRC officials also said that the recent accident at the Kalindi Kunj Metro depot was purely a &quot;human error&quot; during maintenance, and there was no reason to worry.</p>

<p>Metro&#39;s new generation trains, which can run without drivers, will run on this section aided by the CBTC signalling technology.</p>

<p>&quot;The trains would essentially be driverless, but there would be roving attendants. We would keep this mechanism say for a year or two.</p>

<p>&quot;We would get passengers feedback on this and once we realise that we have people&#39;s confidence, we will remove those attendants, to make them fully driverless,&quot; the chief spokesperson said.</p>

<p>A senior DMRC official, who was present at the interaction, said, &quot;passengers safety is our utmost concern and it has been taken care of on this line&quot;.</p>

<p>While the Kalkaji Mandir station falls in Delhi, the Botanical Garden station is located in Noida.</p>

<p>The old Kalakaji Mandir station is part of the Violet Line (Kahmere Gate-Escorts Mujesar) and the old Botanical Garden is part of the Blue Line (Dwarka-Noida City Centre).</p>

<p>The Botanical Garden has been developed as the metro&#39;s first-ever inter-change station outside the boundaries of Delhi.</p>

<p>Dayal said the new line would also prove economical for commuters, besides saving time.</p>

<p>&quot;The 28-km stretch between the Kalkaji Mandir and Botanical Garden costs Rs 50. Now, with direct connectivity, the ride has been reduced to 12 km, costing Rs 30,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The DMRC authorities said that 10 trains would operate on this new line, while two would be kept on reserve.</p>

<p>The coaches running on this line have electronic information display, power charging capacity, including directly through USB ports, and colourful seats of different shades. They also have enhanced carrying capacity.</p>

<p>The new trains are also energy efficient and save about 20 per cent of energy, the DMRC said.</p>

<p>&quot;The trains on this line will have six cars, four of them would be driving cars,&quot; Dayal said.</p>

<p>The new stations have been tastefully decorated, reflecting themes of nature, Yoga, and cultural landmarks.</p>

<p>At the new Kalkaji Mandir station, ceramic murals of the Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple and nature-themed artworks, and paintings showing birds have been displayed.</p>

<p>Seven stations of the line are in Delhi - Kalindi Kunj, Jasola Vihar, Shaheen Bagh, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Milia Islamia, Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla NSIC and Kalkaji Mandir. Two stations are in Noida - Botanical Garden Metro station and Okhla Birds Sanctuary.</p>

<p>The ride from the Botanical Garden station to the Okhla Birds Sanctuary station offers breathtaking view of the sanctuary. Also, metro&#39;s third bridge over the Yamuna has come up at the Kalindi Kunj on this section. It runs parallel to the the Okhla Barrage.</p>


The 12.64-km section, part of the upcoming Botanical Garden (Noida)-Janakpuri West (Delhi) corridor, has nine stations and is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25.

The new Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro that will directly connect Kalkaji in south Delhi to Noida, has many firsts to its credit, including platform screen doors (PSDs) and a hi-tech signalling technology for movement of trains, officials said on Friday. The 12.64-km section, part of the upcoming Botanical Garden (Noida)-Janakpuri West (Delhi) corridor, has nine stations and is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25. "This Line will have many firsts to its credit. For the first time in India, trains will run unattended. The platform screen doors (PSDs) are being used here for the first time," DMRC chief spokesperson Anuj Dayal said. PSDs, installed to enhance commuter safety, are glass- made screens installed near the edge of platforms that open only when a train arrives and shut after it departs. "Besides, a new-age technology, Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology will be used that can facilitate movement of trains with a frequency of 90 to 100 seconds, will also be pressed into service," Dayal said. He was interacting with reporters after a preview of the corridor, ahead of its mega launch on Christmas. Initially trains will operate with the frequency of five minutes and 14 seconds on this section, the DMRC said. After the new section of the Delhi Metro is opened, commuters will be able to travel directly to the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station from Botanical Garden in 19 minutes. The travel time Blue and Violet lines of the metro takes 52 minutes with interchange point at the Mandi House station. "The new line would be officially launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister in the afternoon at the newly-built Kalkaji Metro Station of the Magenta Line. From 5 PM it would be open to the public," Dayal said. Dayal and other DMRC officials also said that the recent accident at the Kalindi Kunj Metro depot was purely a "human error" during maintenance, and there was no reason to worry. Metro's new generation trains, which can run without drivers, will run on this section aided by the CBTC signalling technology. "The trains would essentially be driverless, but there would be roving attendants. We would keep this mechanism say for a year or two. "We would get passengers feedback on this and once we realise that we have people's confidence, we will remove those attendants, to make them fully driverless," the chief spokesperson said. A senior DMRC official, who was present at the interaction, said, "passengers safety is our utmost concern and it has been taken care of on this line". While the Kalkaji Mandir station falls in Delhi, the Botanical Garden station is located in Noida. The old Kalakaji Mandir station is part of the Violet Line (Kahmere Gate-Escorts Mujesar) and the old Botanical Garden is part of the Blue Line (Dwarka-Noida City Centre). The Botanical Garden has been developed as the metro's first-ever inter-change station outside the boundaries of Delhi. Dayal said the new line would also prove economical for commuters, besides saving time. "The 28-km stretch between the Kalkaji Mandir and Botanical Garden costs Rs 50. Now, with direct connectivity, the ride has been reduced to 12 km, costing Rs 30," he said. The DMRC authorities said that 10 trains would operate on this new line, while two would be kept on reserve. The coaches running on this line have electronic information display, power charging capacity, including directly through USB ports, and colourful seats of different shades. They also have enhanced carrying capacity. The new trains are also energy efficient and save about 20 per cent of energy, the DMRC said. "The trains on this line will have six cars, four of them would be driving cars," Dayal said. The new stations have been tastefully decorated, reflecting themes of nature, Yoga, and cultural landmarks. At the new Kalkaji Mandir station, ceramic murals of the Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple and nature-themed artworks, and paintings showing birds have been displayed. Seven stations of the line are in Delhi - Kalindi Kunj, Jasola Vihar, Shaheen Bagh, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Milia Islamia, Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla NSIC and Kalkaji Mandir. Two stations are in Noida - Botanical Garden Metro station and Okhla Birds Sanctuary. The ride from the Botanical Garden station to the Okhla Birds Sanctuary station offers breathtaking view of the sanctuary. Also, metro's third bridge over the Yamuna has come up at the Kalindi Kunj on this section. It runs parallel to the the Okhla Barrage.

Magenta line: PSDs, hi-tech signalling among firsts for DMRC

<p>In a first, cricket legend <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finally-sachin-tendulkar-to-initiate-debate-in-rajya-sabha-today-27337">Sachin Tendulkar was expected to lead a debate</a> in Rajya Sabha today on &quot;Right to Play and the future of sports in India&quot;.</p>

<p>Sachin&#39;s debate could not be initiated as the Rajya Sabha session was adjourned until 11 am tomorrow after sloganeering began by the opposition.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uproar in Rajya Sabha over PM Modi&#39;s remarks on Manmohan Singh during Gujarat election campaign, as MP Sachin Tendulkar gets up to speak. <a href="https://t.co/qbMh0qZ8yp">pic.twitter.com/qbMh0qZ8yp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943763327330553856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sachin Tendulkar was nominated to Rajya Sabha in the year 2012. He started off as an independent candidate with Congress&#39; support.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SachinTendulkar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SachinTendulkar</a>) has earned name for India at the world stage, it is a matter of shame that he was not allowed to speak even when everyone knew it was on today&#39;s agenda. Are only politicians allowed to speak?: Jaya Bachchan, Rajya Sabha MP <a href="https://t.co/NMRMHhdl5E">pic.twitter.com/NMRMHhdl5E</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943772810165460992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The opposition created an uproar over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391">PM Modi&#39;s remarks</a> on Manmohan Singh made during Gujarat election campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was an outcry at the parliament on Wednesday as well over PM Modi&#39;s remark.</p>

<p>Reportedly, PM Modi had made a statement previously stating&nbsp;that Manmohan Singh had allegedly colluded with Pakistan to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. It was attended by Pakistan&#39;s high commissioner, Pakistan&#39;s former foreign minister, India&#39;s former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh,&quot; PM Modi spoke at an election rally at Palanpur earlier this month.</p>

<p>Congress has strongly condemned PM Modi&#39;s remark, demanding his apology for the same.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Khurshid <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-cock-and-bull-story-former-pakistan-minister-on-pm-modis-colluding-claims-26660">Mahmud Kasuri trashed Modi&#39;s allegations</a>, calling them &quot;baseless&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


The opposition created an uproar over PM Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh during Gujarat election campaign

In a first, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was expected to lead a debate in Rajya Sabha today on "Right to Play and the future of sports in India". Sachin's debate could not be initiated as the Rajya Sabha session was adjourned until 11 am tomorrow after sloganeering began by the opposition. Uproar in Rajya Sabha over PM Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh during Gujarat election campaign, as MP Sachin Tendulkar gets up to speak. pic.twitter.com/qbMh0qZ8yp — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2017 × Sachin Tendulkar was nominated to Rajya Sabha in the year 2012. He started off as an independent candidate with Congress' support. He (#SachinTendulkar) has earned name for India at the world stage, it is a matter of shame that he was not allowed to speak even when everyone knew it was on today's agenda. Are only politicians allowed to speak?: Jaya Bachchan, Rajya Sabha MP pic.twitter.com/NMRMHhdl5E — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2017 × The opposition created an uproar over PM Modi's remarks on Manmohan Singh made during Gujarat election campaign. There was an outcry at the parliament on Wednesday as well over PM Modi's remark. Reportedly, PM Modi had made a statement previously stating that Manmohan Singh had allegedly colluded with Pakistan to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat. "There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. It was attended by Pakistan's high commissioner, Pakistan's former foreign minister, India's former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh," PM Modi spoke at an election rally at Palanpur earlier this month. Congress has strongly condemned PM Modi's remark, demanding his apology for the same. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri trashed Modi's allegations, calling them "baseless".

Rajya Sabha adjourned, Sachin not allowed to make maiden speech

<p>The Parliament was adjourned&nbsp;today after the Opposition&#39;s Congress party raised slogans over prime minister Narendra Modi&#39;s remarks against former prime minister Manmohan Singh during the campaign for the Gujarat assembly elections.</p>

<p>Both houses, which were initially adjourned till noon, were later adjourned till 2 pm.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha, Congress leaders raised the issue of the remarks made against Manmohan Singh as soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour.</p>

<p>As Congress members were assembling in the Well and started to raise slogans, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till noon initially.&nbsp;Slogans including &quot;Doctor <em>sahab</em><em> </em><em>se</em><em> </em><em>maafi</em><em> </em><em>maango</em>&nbsp;(Apologise to Doctor sir&quot; were raised by the opposition during proceedings, referring to former PM Dr Manmohan Singh.</p>

<p>PM Modi was present in the House as questions related to the Prime Minister&#39;s Office are listed on Wednesday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-congress-to-spar-over-pakistani-dinner-in-winter-session-of-parliament-27209">Storm gathering, BJP &amp; Congress to spar over &#39;Pakistani dinner&#39; in winter session of Parliament</a></p>

<p>In the Upper House, proceedings were adjourned first during the Zero Hour as opposition members disrupted proceedings by trooping into the Well and raising slogans and then again in the Question Hour when similar scenes continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-congress-to-spar-over-pakistani-dinner-in-winter-session-of-parliament-27209">The pre-lunch proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were washed out after Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said there was no question of giving an apology.</a><br />
<br />
&quot;This is not the way. Nobody is going to give an apology. Nothing happened in the House. The statement was not made here,&quot; Venkaiah Naidu said when the house reassembled at noon after the first adjournment.<br />
<br />
Congress and other opposition members created an&nbsp;uproar, demanding that the prime minister come to the House and clarifiy his remarks against Manmohan Singh.</p>

<p>During a poll campaign in Gujarat, PM Modi had claimed that Manmohan Singh and former vice president Hamid Ansari had attended a secret meeting at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house in Delhi which was also attended by former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and the Pakistani high commissioner to India. The PM claimed that the Gujarat elections were discussed with the Pakistani minister and envoy.</p>

<p>On Tuesday as well, the Congress party staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged &quot;secret meeting with Pakistani officials&quot;.</p>

<p>On Monday, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the same reason.</p>

<p>The winter session of Parliament began on December 15 and will conclude on January 5 next year.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi had claimed that the former prime minister discussed the Gujarat elections with a Pakistan minister and an envoy from the country

The Parliament was adjourned today after the Opposition's Congress party raised slogans over prime minister Narendra Modi's remarks against former prime minister Manmohan Singh during the campaign for the Gujarat assembly elections. Both houses, which were initially adjourned till noon, were later adjourned till 2 pm. In the Lok Sabha, Congress leaders raised the issue of the remarks made against Manmohan Singh as soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour. As Congress members were assembling in the Well and started to raise slogans, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till noon initially. Slogans including "Doctor sahab se maafi maango (Apologise to Doctor sir" were raised by the opposition during proceedings, referring to former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. PM Modi was present in the House as questions related to the Prime Minister's Office are listed on Wednesday. Also Read: Storm gathering, BJP & Congress to spar over 'Pakistani dinner' in winter session of Parliament In the Upper House, proceedings were adjourned first during the Zero Hour as opposition members disrupted proceedings by trooping into the Well and raising slogans and then again in the Question Hour when similar scenes continued. The pre-lunch proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were washed out after Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said there was no question of giving an apology. "This is not the way. Nobody is going to give an apology. Nothing happened in the House. The statement was not made here," Venkaiah Naidu said when the house reassembled at noon after the first adjournment. Congress and other opposition members created an uproar, demanding that the prime minister come to the House and clarifiy his remarks against Manmohan Singh. During a poll campaign in Gujarat, PM Modi had claimed that Manmohan Singh and former vice president Hamid Ansari had attended a secret meeting at Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's house in Delhi which was also attended by former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and the Pakistani high commissioner to India. The PM claimed that the Gujarat elections were discussed with the Pakistani minister and envoy. On Tuesday as well, the Congress party staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged "secret meeting with Pakistani officials". On Monday, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the same reason. The winter session of Parliament began on December 15 and will conclude on January 5 next year.

Parliament adjourned over PM Modi remarks against Manmohan Singh

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


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

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

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

<p>Taking a dig at Mani Shankar Aiyar without naming him, Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said &#39;&#39;if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat.&#39;&#39; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Not taking names but if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat, they managed a good show there,&#39;&#39; said former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Himachal Pradesh, he said that one party unseats the other every five year which is not new.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;In Himachal Pradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a> one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>, they managed a good show there: Former J&amp;K CM Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/T3jllcc9ae">pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942993132462915584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>On being asked if a conspiracy to defeat PM Modi in elections was made in Pakistan, Farooq Abdullah says, &#39;&#39;he himself went to Pakistan,&#39;&#39; and added taht, &#39;Pakistan koi saazish nahi karta.&#39;</p>

<p>In the run-up to elections, Aiyar had called PM Modi &quot;neech kisam ka insaan&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a> one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn&#39;t have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>, they managed a good show there: Former J&amp;K CM Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/T3jllcc9ae">pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942993132462915584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Whatever Ambedkar wished, one person- Nehru made it come true. If a person is talking bad things about a such a family, and that too in at a time when a big memorial is being inaugurated in remembrance of Ambedkar, I feel, this person is lowly and has no decency. On such an occasion, why do we need dirty politics?&quot; he had said.</p>

<p>The BJP was quick to claim that Aiyar was calling the PM as a low-born individual. What added to the controversy is Aiyar&#39;s historic remarks against the PM wherein he had called PM Modi a chaiwallah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Aiyar rushed to correcting the remarks saying he meant &quot;low level and not low-born&quot;, the damage was done as Congress asked Aiyar to apologize and later expelled him from the party.&nbsp;</p>


In the run-up to elections, Aiyar had called PM Modi "neech kisam ka insaan".

Taking a dig at Mani Shankar Aiyar without naming him, Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said ''if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat.'' ''Not taking names but if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in Gujarat, they managed a good show there,'' said former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah. On Himachal Pradesh, he said that one party unseats the other every five year which is not new. ''In Himachal Pradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new,'' he said. In #HimachalPradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in #Gujarat, they managed a good show there: Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × On being asked if a conspiracy to defeat PM Modi in elections was made in Pakistan, Farooq Abdullah says, ''he himself went to Pakistan,'' and added taht, 'Pakistan koi saazish nahi karta.' In the run-up to elections, Aiyar had called PM Modi "neech kisam ka insaan". In #HimachalPradesh one party unseats the other every five years, its is nothing new. Not taking names but if some people wouldn't have said certain wrong things Congress would have won in #Gujarat, they managed a good show there: Former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/T3jllcc9ae — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2017 × "Whatever Ambedkar wished, one person- Nehru made it come true. If a person is talking bad things about a such a family, and that too in at a time when a big memorial is being inaugurated in remembrance of Ambedkar, I feel, this person is lowly and has no decency. On such an occasion, why do we need dirty politics?" he had said. The BJP was quick to claim that Aiyar was calling the PM as a low-born individual. What added to the controversy is Aiyar's historic remarks against the PM wherein he had called PM Modi a chaiwallah. While Aiyar rushed to correcting the remarks saying he meant "low level and not low-born", the damage was done as Congress asked Aiyar to apologize and later expelled him from the party.

Watch: If some people had not said certain wrong things, Cong would have won in Gujarat, says Farooq Abdullah

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at Congress, confidently claiming that BJP will win the 2019 polls and asked them to prepare for the 2024 general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With BJP in the lead with 99 seats in Gujarat, the government is set to rule the state for the sixth time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Adityanath heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and further went on to say that people have removed the Congress and its leadership day-by-day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CM challenged them and said that Congress must come up with a strong strategy to compete in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adityanath suggested that the support of people in Himachal and Gujarat have continuously proved their inclination towards positive and development-oriented politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The victories in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have proven that Modiji&#39;s leadership is glorious. The country has approved of the revolutionary steps taken towards complete reform by the honorable Prime Minister. These steps will take the country closer to becoming an economic superpower,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The UP CM urged opposition leaders to finally accept PM Modi&#39;s leadership, following the favorable election results.</p>

<p>Also Read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/by-2022-there-will-not-be-any-person-without-a-roof-over-his-head-yogi-adityanath-26981" target="_blank">&nbsp;Adityanath promises roof over every head by 2022</a></p>

<p>Adityanath has previously spoken about his focus on reforming different sectors of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party hopes it will be able to convert the momentum of its victories in a number of states since 2014 into a historic win for Narendra Modi in 2019.</p>


With BJP in the lead with 99 seats in Gujrat, the government is set to rule the state once again after 22 years.?

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a dig at Congress, confidently claiming that BJP will win the 2019 polls and asked them to prepare for the 2024 general elections. With BJP in the lead with 99 seats in Gujarat, the government is set to rule the state for the sixth time. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Adityanath heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and further went on to say that people have removed the Congress and its leadership day-by-day. The CM challenged them and said that Congress must come up with a strong strategy to compete in 2024. Adityanath suggested that the support of people in Himachal and Gujarat have continuously proved their inclination towards positive and development-oriented politics. "The victories in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have proven that Modiji's leadership is glorious. The country has approved of the revolutionary steps taken towards complete reform by the honorable Prime Minister. These steps will take the country closer to becoming an economic superpower," he said. The UP CM urged opposition leaders to finally accept PM Modi's leadership, following the favorable election results. Also Read: Adityanath promises roof over every head by 2022 Adityanath has previously spoken about his focus on reforming different sectors of the state. The party hopes it will be able to convert the momentum of its victories in a number of states since 2014 into a historic win for Narendra Modi in 2019.

BJP will win in 2019, prepare for 2024 general elections: Yogi Adityanath tells Congress

<p>Mamata Banerjee on Monday&nbsp;congratulated the people in Gujarat for their &#39;balanced verdict&#39;, following the election results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further claimed that this is just a &#39;temporary and face-saving win for BJP, however, it shows their defeat&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She posted a Tweet saying: &quot;I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour.&nbsp;It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP.&quot;</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress leader further added: &quot;Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety, and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour.<br />
It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP.<br />
Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019</p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/942705505042014208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP is in the lead in 99 seats in Gujarat and Congress is trailing with 80 seats in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-election-results-i-accept-the-bjps-victory-says-congresss-virbhadra-singh-27075">Himachal election results: &#39;I accept victory of BJP,&#39; says Congress&#39;s Virbhadra Singh</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted expressing his gratitude towards the people of Gujarat and said that he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-accepts-verdict-of-the-people-rahul-gandhi-27081">&quot;accepts the verdict of the people</a>&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further told his supporters that they have demonstrated to everyone that the &#39;Congress&rsquo;s greatest strength is its decency and courage.&#39;</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-bow-to-people-of-gujarat-and-himachal-modi-27072"> I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi</a></p>

<p>BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh

Mamata Banerjee on Monday congratulated the people in Gujarat for their 'balanced verdict', following the election results. She further claimed that this is just a 'temporary and face-saving win for BJP, however, it shows their defeat'. She posted a Tweet saying: "I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour. It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP." The Trinamool Congress leader further added: "Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety, and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019" I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour. It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP. Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019 — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 18, 2017 × The BJP is in the lead in 99 seats in Gujarat and Congress is trailing with 80 seats in the state. Also read: Himachal election results: 'I accept victory of BJP,' says Congress's Virbhadra Singh Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted expressing his gratitude towards the people of Gujarat and said that he "accepts the verdict of the people". He further told his supporters that they have demonstrated to everyone that the 'Congress’s greatest strength is its decency and courage.' Also read: I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Temporary and face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced Rs 90,000 crore for improving roads and national highways in the Northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi announced made the announcement after i<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-visits-mizoram-inaugurates-tuirial-hydroelectric-power-project-26889">naugurating a </a>couple of infrastructure projects in Meghalaya and Mizoram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. &nbsp;My Government wants to do &#39;Transformation by Transportation&#39; through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region,&quot; PM Modi noted during his address.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. My Government wants to do &#39;Transformation by Transportation&#39; through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region: PM</p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/941896222847021061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister also dedicated to the nation a 271-km two-lane national highway connecting Tura in western Meghalaya to the state capital Shillong.</p>

<p>The central government is reported to have sanctioned around 4,000-km of national highway (NH) across the Northeast at a cost of Rs 32,000 crore.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are committed to bring all the State Capitals of North East Region on the Rail map. The Government of India is executing 15 New Rail Line projects of 1385 kilometers length, at a cost of over Rs.47,000 crore: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/941896536954322944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&ldquo;Over the next 2-3 years, an investment of about Rs 60,000 crore is proposed under the Special Accelerated Road Development Project (SARDP) in the Northeast and an investment of Rs 30,000 crore under Bharatmala is proposed for development of national highways in northeastern states,&rdquo; PM Modi noted while addressing a rally.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


The central government is reported to have sanctioned around 4,000-km of national highway (NH) across the Northeast at a cost of Rs 32,000 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced Rs 90,000 crore for improving roads and national highways in the Northeast. Modi announced made the announcement after inaugurating a couple of infrastructure projects in Meghalaya and Mizoram. "It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. My Government wants to do 'Transformation by Transportation' through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region," PM Modi noted during his address. It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. My Government wants to do 'Transformation by Transportation' through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 16, 2017 × The prime minister also dedicated to the nation a 271-km two-lane national highway connecting Tura in western Meghalaya to the state capital Shillong. The central government is reported to have sanctioned around 4,000-km of national highway (NH) across the Northeast at a cost of Rs 32,000 crore. We are committed to bring all the State Capitals of North East Region on the Rail map. The Government of India is executing 15 New Rail Line projects of 1385 kilometers length, at a cost of over Rs.47,000 crore: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 16, 2017 × “Over the next 2-3 years, an investment of about Rs 60,000 crore is proposed under the Special Accelerated Road Development Project (SARDP) in the Northeast and an investment of Rs 30,000 crore under Bharatmala is proposed for development of national highways in northeastern states,” PM Modi noted while addressing a rally. (With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi announces Rs 90,000 crore for roads, highways projects for northeast

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road in Meghalaya capital Shillong on Saturday.</p>

<p>The prime minister said the road will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state.</p>

<p>&quot;It will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state, Shillong and Tura. Travel time will be significantly reduced. Our motto is &#39;Transformation by transportation&#39;: PM Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that when his government came to power in 2014, he instructed his ministers that one of them must visit the northeast once in every 15 days. He claimed that when his government&#39;s ministers came to the northeast, they spend time with the people.</p>

<p>&quot;When our government came to power in 2014, I gave clear instructions to my ministers that one of them must visit the North-east in every 15 days. Visit shouldn&#39;t be like you reached there in morning and return Delhi in evening. When our ministers come here, they stay and meet people,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that he was the only prime minister after Morarji Desai to take part in a meeting of the North-Eastern Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;After Morarji Desai, if any Prime Minister took part in a meeting of North-Eastern Council, it was me. Last year, I inaugurated the North-eastern council meeting in Shillong,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>The prime minister said his government wanted to make Meghalaya the top tourism destination.</p>

<p>&quot;During my last visit to Meghalaya in May 2016, I spoke about promotion of tourism in the State. We want to make Meghalaya a top tourism destination. The government of India has sanctioned around Rs One hundred crores for development of tourist destinations in the State,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>&quot;In 2022, the nation will complete 75 years of Independence. This will also be the year when Meghalaya will complete 50 years of constitution. 75 years of independence, 50 years of constitution and national games. This is an excellent opportunity for state to make new oaths,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>PM Modi said his government had sanctioned around four thousand kilometres of national highways across the northeast.</p>

<p>&quot;Across the North-East the Union Government has sanctioned around four thousand kilometers of National Highways, for an amount of over Rupees thirty-two thousand crore,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>&quot;The govt is executing 15 new rail lines for nearly 14000 km length, this will cost Rs 47,000 Cr and boost infrastructure in the North-East region,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 60 MW <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-visits-mizoram-inaugurates-tuirial-hydroelectric-power-project-26889">Tuirial hydropower project </a>in Mizoram&#39;s Aizawl.</p>

<p>&quot;Today we gather here to celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Mizoram, the completion, and dedication of the 60 Mega-Watt Tuirial hydropower project. It is the first large hydropower project in Mizoram which will boost the socio-economic development of the state,&quot; the Prime Minister said while addressing a public rally in Aizawl.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to the Northeast comes ahead of the Mizoram legislative assembly elections, which are expected to take place in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said that when his government came to power in 2014, he instructed his ministers that one of them must visit the northeast once in every 15 days

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road in Meghalaya capital Shillong on Saturday. The prime minister said the road will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state. "It will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state, Shillong and Tura. Travel time will be significantly reduced. Our motto is 'Transformation by transportation': PM Modi said. PM Modi said that when his government came to power in 2014, he instructed his ministers that one of them must visit the northeast once in every 15 days. He claimed that when his government's ministers came to the northeast, they spend time with the people. "When our government came to power in 2014, I gave clear instructions to my ministers that one of them must visit the North-east in every 15 days. Visit shouldn't be like you reached there in morning and return Delhi in evening. When our ministers come here, they stay and meet people," PM Modi said. PM Modi said that he was the only prime minister after Morarji Desai to take part in a meeting of the North-Eastern Council. "After Morarji Desai, if any Prime Minister took part in a meeting of North-Eastern Council, it was me. Last year, I inaugurated the North-eastern council meeting in Shillong," PM Modi said. The prime minister said his government wanted to make Meghalaya the top tourism destination. "During my last visit to Meghalaya in May 2016, I spoke about promotion of tourism in the State. We want to make Meghalaya a top tourism destination. The government of India has sanctioned around Rs One hundred crores for development of tourist destinations in the State," PM Modi said. "In 2022, the nation will complete 75 years of Independence. This will also be the year when Meghalaya will complete 50 years of constitution. 75 years of independence, 50 years of constitution and national games. This is an excellent opportunity for state to make new oaths," he added. PM Modi said his government had sanctioned around four thousand kilometres of national highways across the northeast. "Across the North-East the Union Government has sanctioned around four thousand kilometers of National Highways, for an amount of over Rupees thirty-two thousand crore," PM Modi said. "The govt is executing 15 new rail lines for nearly 14000 km length, this will cost Rs 47,000 Cr and boost infrastructure in the North-East region," he added. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 60 MW Tuirial hydropower project in Mizoram's Aizawl. "Today we gather here to celebrate a significant milestone in the history of Mizoram, the completion, and dedication of the 60 Mega-Watt Tuirial hydropower project. It is the first large hydropower project in Mizoram which will boost the socio-economic development of the state," the Prime Minister said while addressing a public rally in Aizawl. Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Northeast comes ahead of the Mizoram legislative assembly elections, which are expected to take place in 2018.

Only PM after Morarji Desai to take part in meeting of North-East Council: PM Modi in Shillong

<p>In his inagurual speech after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s policies and alleged &#39;&#39;Modi is taking us back to the medieval times&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-charge-as-congress-president-26891">&#39;&#39;Congress took India to </a>21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,&#39;&#39; Congress president Rahul Gandhi said.</p>

<p>Gandhi scion said that if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the &#39; pyara karyakarta&nbsp;and&nbsp;neta &#39; of Congress. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress is an ancient idea. BJP would have you believe they are oldest idea in the universe,as usual this is not the truth.In India,thr are 2 ideas that hv clashed, idea of self vs the other.BJP are soldiers fighting for self. Congress guided by service of community:Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/AI3jiCWiAs">pic.twitter.com/AI3jiCWiAs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941920038273007617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">&#39;&#39;And if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">pyara</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">karyakarta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809"> &amp; </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">neta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">&#39; of Congress. </a>We are going to make Congress, grand old and young party. We will fight the politics of anger,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with deepest humility, that I accept this position (of Congress President) knowing that I will always be walking in the shadow of giants: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/GCZJjBpl13">pic.twitter.com/GCZJjBpl13</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941918501068947456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Accusing the BJP of spreading the fire of violence across the country, Rahul Gandhi said once a fire breaks out it&#39;s difficult to douse it.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;You have an example in front of you, once a fire breaks out it is difficult to douse it, that is what we are telling the people of BJP, that if you set the nation on fire it will be difficult to control. Today BJP has spread the fire of violence across the country,&#39;&#39;&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi said.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;We are now being compelled to imagine that businesses can be built without harmony that only one man himself is the voice of reason. Expertise, experience and knowledge can be cast aside for personal glory,&#39;&#39; he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We consider the BJP as our brothers &amp; sisters, but we do not agree with them. They (BJP) crush voices but we allow them to speak, they defame we respect &amp; defend: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/qSg8C3ADT7">pic.twitter.com/qSg8C3ADT7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941917729509933056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth. Many of us are disillusioned by politics of our time, the Congress president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them, he said.&nbsp;</p>


Today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth. Many of us are disillusioned by politics of our time, the Congress president said.?

In his inagurual speech after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and alleged ''Modi is taking us back to the medieval times''. ''Congress took India to 21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,'' Congress president Rahul Gandhi said. Gandhi scion said that if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the ' pyara karyakarta and neta ' of Congress. Congress is an ancient idea. BJP would have you believe they are oldest idea in the universe,as usual this is not the truth.In India,thr are 2 ideas that hv clashed, idea of self vs the other.BJP are soldiers fighting for self. Congress guided by service of community:Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/AI3jiCWiAs — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × ''And if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the 'pyara karyakarta & neta' of Congress. We are going to make Congress, grand old and young party. We will fight the politics of anger,'' he said. It is with deepest humility, that I accept this position (of Congress President) knowing that I will always be walking in the shadow of giants: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/GCZJjBpl13 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Accusing the BJP of spreading the fire of violence across the country, Rahul Gandhi said once a fire breaks out it's difficult to douse it. ''You have an example in front of you, once a fire breaks out it is difficult to douse it, that is what we are telling the people of BJP, that if you set the nation on fire it will be difficult to control. Today BJP has spread the fire of violence across the country,'' Rahul Gandhi said. ''We are now being compelled to imagine that businesses can be built without harmony that only one man himself is the voice of reason. Expertise, experience and knowledge can be cast aside for personal glory,'' he said. We consider the BJP as our brothers & sisters, but we do not agree with them. They (BJP) crush voices but we allow them to speak, they defame we respect & defend: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/qSg8C3ADT7 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth. Many of us are disillusioned by politics of our time, the Congress president said. Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them, he said.

PM Modi taking India back to medieval times: Rahul Gandhi

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