Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his three-day visit to &nbsp;the Philippines today, key features of which will be<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/asean-summit-pm-modi-trump-other-leaders-to-arrive-in-manila-tomorrow-24000"> his participation in the ASEAN Summit </a>on November 13 and the the 12th East Asia summit and ASEAN business and investment summit on Tuesday. &nbsp;

PM Modi left for&nbsp;the Philippines&nbsp;today morning.

PM Modi said earlier these meetings were important as they would further enhance India&#39;s trade and investment ties with ASEAN member states, which constitute a significant over 10 per cent of India&#39;s external trade.

The Indian prime minister will be accompanied by top diplomatic and security officials during his visit to Manila including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval And Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The prime minister, who will arrive in Manila today afternoon, will participate in the opening ceremony of the 31St ASEAN Summit which will be followed by a visit to the International Rice Research Institute at Los Banos.

He will also interact with the Indian community in the Philippines at a reception hosted by the Indian envoy.&nbsp;

&quot;I look forward to interacting with the Indian Community in the Philippines. There will also be visits to the International Rice Research Institute and Mahavir Philippines Foundation Inc,&quot; Prime Minister Modi had tweeted.

Also on the cards is a bilateral meeting with the President of Philippines and the current chair of the ASEAN, Rodrigo Duterte.

The Prime Minister will also meet some of the other world leaders, who are participating in both summits including US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Brunei&#39;s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern.

PM Modi will have a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN summit, sources told WION.

Other leaders expected to attend the summits include Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.&nbsp;

ASEAN leaders are set to extensively deliberate on evolving security challenges facing South East Asia.

Issues relating to maritime security, terrorism, non-proliferation and migration are likely to be the main points of discussion at the East Asia Summit which, apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the US.

PM Modi is likely to reassert India&#39;s call for crafting a coordinated global initiative in dealing with traditional and non-traditional threats facing the region.

The US, France and Japan have been pitching for a larger role by India in the strategically key Indo-Pacific region where China has been trying to increase its military presence.

Prime minister Modi will also participate in the ASEAN business and investment summit as well as a meeting of leaders of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The RCEP, comprising 10-member ASEAN bloc and six other countries &mdash; India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand &mdash; is engaged in negotiations for a free trade pact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his three-day visit to Philippines today, key features of which will be his participation in the ASEAN Summit on November 13 and the the 12th East Asia summit and ASEAN business and investment summit on Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his three-day visit to the Philippines today, key features of which will be his participation in the ASEAN Summit on November 13 and the the 12th East Asia summit and ASEAN business and investment summit on Tuesday. PM Modi left for the Philippines today morning. PM Modi said earlier these meetings were important as they would further enhance India's trade and investment ties with ASEAN member states, which constitute a significant over 10 per cent of India's external trade. The Indian prime minister will be accompanied by top diplomatic and security officials during his visit to Manila including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval And Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. The prime minister, who will arrive in Manila today afternoon, will participate in the opening ceremony of the 31St ASEAN Summit which will be followed by a visit to the International Rice Research Institute at Los Banos. He will also interact with the Indian community in the Philippines at a reception hosted by the Indian envoy. "I look forward to interacting with the Indian Community in the Philippines. There will also be visits to the International Rice Research Institute and Mahavir Philippines Foundation Inc," Prime Minister Modi had tweeted. Also on the cards is a bilateral meeting with the President of Philippines and the current chair of the ASEAN, Rodrigo Duterte. The Prime Minister will also meet some of the other world leaders, who are participating in both summits including US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. PM Modi will have a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN summit, sources told WION. Other leaders expected to attend the summits include Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. ASEAN leaders are set to extensively deliberate on evolving security challenges facing South East Asia. Issues relating to maritime security, terrorism, non-proliferation and migration are likely to be the main points of discussion at the East Asia Summit which, apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the US. PM Modi is likely to reassert India's call for crafting a coordinated global initiative in dealing with traditional and non-traditional threats facing the region. The US, France and Japan have been pitching for a larger role by India in the strategically key Indo-Pacific region where China has been trying to increase its military presence. Prime minister Modi will also participate in the ASEAN business and investment summit as well as a meeting of leaders of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP, comprising 10-member ASEAN bloc and six other countries — India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand — is engaged in negotiations for a free trade pact.

PM Modi arrives in Philippines today for ASEAN Summit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-arrive-in-philippines-today-for-asean-summit-24015">PM Modi in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-arrive-in-philippines-today-for-asean-summit-24015">Philippines</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-arrive-in-philippines-today-for-asean-summit-24015"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-arrive-in-philippines-today-for-asean-summit-24015">today for</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-arrive-in-philippines-today-for-asean-summit-24015"> ASEAN Summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his three-day visit to the Philippines today, key features of which will be his participation in the ASEAN Summit on November 13 and the the 12th East Asia summit and ASEAN business and investment summit on Tuesday. &nbsp;

The Prime Minister will also meet some of the other world leaders, who are participating in both summits including US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Brunei&#39;s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-asks-saudi-arabia-for-explanation-on-pms-absence-24014">Lebanon asks Saudi Arabia for explanation on PM&#39;s absence</a>

Lebanon&#39;s president urged Saudi Arabia on Saturday to explain why Saad Hariri had not returned to Beirut since his surprise resignation as prime minister a week ago.

Hariri announced on November 4 in a televised statement from Riyadh that he would be stepping down from the post, sending shock waves through Lebanese politics.&nbsp;

The premier has yet to return to Lebanon and rumours have swirled that he is being held in Saudi Arabia against his will.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-doctors-strike-14-arrested-100-others-agree-to-resume-work-24016">Rajasthan doctors&#39; strike: 14 arrested, 100 others agree to resume work</a>

Fourteen doctors have been detained under the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenace Act (RESMA) for refusing to call off their strike.

The state police launched a search operation on Thursday evening for the rest while 100 other agitating doctors agreed to resume their work. 
 
The health services in four districts of Rajasthan have taken a plunge after over 8,000 government doctors in Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar districts went on strike on Monday over various demands that include the formation of a separate cadre of in-service doctors, Rs 10,000 grade pay benefit, and running government health centers in a single shift.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-agree-no-military-solution-in-syria-24012">Trump, Putin agree &#39;no military solution&#39; in Syria</a>

The United States and Russia issued a presidential joint statement saying there was &quot;no military solution&quot; to the war in Syria after their leaders met briefly on the sidelines of a regional summit in Vietnam.

The statement, issued by officials from both sides, said the two presidents had made progress on Syria, which has been battered by six years of civil war.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/woman-and-child-towed-away-in-car-by-police-24001">Mumbai cop tow car with sick woman breastfeeding baby</a> 
 
In a ghastly incident, a Mumbai Police constable towed away a car with a sick&nbsp;woman seated in the&nbsp;rear seat breastfeeding her&nbsp;seven-month-old child.

Reports say&nbsp;the policeman decided to tow away the car&nbsp;due to illegal parking. 
&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXoU-pOCfqU" width="770"></iframe>

PM Modi in Philippines today for ASEAN Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his three-day visit to the Philippines today, key features of which will be his participation in the ASEAN Summit on November 13 and the the 12th East Asia summit and ASEAN business and investment summit on Tuesday. The Prime Minister will also meet some of the other world leaders, who are participating in both summits including US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. Lebanon asks Saudi Arabia for explanation on PM's absence Lebanon's president urged Saudi Arabia on Saturday to explain why Saad Hariri had not returned to Beirut since his surprise resignation as prime minister a week ago. Hariri announced on November 4 in a televised statement from Riyadh that he would be stepping down from the post, sending shock waves through Lebanese politics. The premier has yet to return to Lebanon and rumours have swirled that he is being held in Saudi Arabia against his will. Rajasthan doctors' strike: 14 arrested, 100 others agree to resume work Fourteen doctors have been detained under the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenace Act (RESMA) for refusing to call off their strike. The state police launched a search operation on Thursday evening for the rest while 100 other agitating doctors agreed to resume their work. The health services in four districts of Rajasthan have taken a plunge after over 8,000 government doctors in Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar districts went on strike on Monday over various demands that include the formation of a separate cadre of in-service doctors, Rs 10,000 grade pay benefit, and running government health centers in a single shift. Trump, Putin agree 'no military solution' in Syria The United States and Russia issued a presidential joint statement saying there was "no military solution" to the war in Syria after their leaders met briefly on the sidelines of a regional summit in Vietnam. The statement, issued by officials from both sides, said the two presidents had made progress on Syria, which has been battered by six years of civil war. Mumbai cop tow car with sick woman breastfeeding baby In a ghastly incident, a Mumbai Police constable towed away a car with a sick woman seated in the rear seat breastfeeding her seven-month-old child. Reports say the policeman decided to tow away the car due to illegal parking.

Morning news brief, November 12, 2017: Top 5 stories

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and several other world leaders will descend in Manila on Sunday for the ASEAN summit which is set to extensively deliberate on evolving security challenges facing South East Asia.

The annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), a grouping of 10 influential countries, is taking place amid China&#39;s aggressive behaviour in the disputed the South China Sea and North Korea&#39;s nuclear missile tests and both these issues are likely to figure prominently during discussions among the leaders, a senior diplomat said here.

Prime Minister Modi will attend the 15th ASEAN-India summit and 12th East Asia summit on November 14 during which he is likely to reassert India&#39;s call for crafting a coordinated global initiative in dealing with traditional and non-traditional threats facing the region.

The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.

&quot;Every single country in the ASEAN region wants India to be more engaged in the region in every possible way. That is the real synergy we have with ASEAN,&quot; Indian Ambassador to Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar told Press Trust of India.

The US, France and Japan have been pitching for a larger role by India in the strategically key Indo-Pacific region where China has been trying to increase its military presence.

Majumdar said terrorism is going to be one of the issues that will be discussed not only during the ASEAN summit but also at the East Asia summit.

He said several documents are going to be adopted with an aim to contain terrorism, including one on stopping money laundering for the purpose of terrorism.

Besides holding bilateral talks with Philippines&#39; President Rodrigo Duterte, Modi is expected to meet many leaders attending the two summits, including President Trump.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev are among other prominent leaders who are scheduled to attend the East Asia Summit.

While ASEAN summit is likely to focus more on trade and investment-related issues, leaders at the East Asia Summit are expected to delve deep into issues relating to maritime security, terrorism, non-proliferation and migration.

Apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the US.

In the ASEAN-India summit, both sides are expected to explore ways to further enhance trade and investment ties.

The ASEAN region along with India together comprises the combined population of 1.85 billion people, which is one-fourth of the global population and their combined GDP has been estimated to be over $3.8 trillion.

Investment from ASEAN to India has been over $70 billion in the last 17 years, accounting for more than 17 per cent of India&#39;s total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

India&#39;s investment in ASEAN during the same period has been more than $40 billion.

India&#39;s proposal to host an international conference on countering radicalisation may also be discussed during the deliberations at Manila as New Delhi is now looking at finalising the dates for the conclave.

Prime minister Modi will also participate in the ASEAN business and investment summit as well as a meeting of leaders of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The RCEP, comprising 10-member ASEAN bloc and six other countries &mdash; India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand &mdash; is engaged in negotiations for a free trade pact.

In his maiden visit to the Philippines as the prime minister, Modi will also attend a reception by the Indian community and visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Mahavir Philippines Foundation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Donald Trump and ther leaders to arrive in Manila tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and several other world leaders will descend in Manila on Sunday for the ASEAN summit which is set to extensively deliberate on evolving security challenges facing South East Asia. The annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), a grouping of 10 influential countries, is taking place amid China's aggressive behaviour in the disputed the South China Sea and North Korea's nuclear missile tests and both these issues are likely to figure prominently during discussions among the leaders, a senior diplomat said here. Prime Minister Modi will attend the 15th ASEAN-India summit and 12th East Asia summit on November 14 during which he is likely to reassert India's call for crafting a coordinated global initiative in dealing with traditional and non-traditional threats facing the region. The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence. "Every single country in the ASEAN region wants India to be more engaged in the region in every possible way. That is the real synergy we have with ASEAN," Indian Ambassador to Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar told Press Trust of India. The US, France and Japan have been pitching for a larger role by India in the strategically key Indo-Pacific region where China has been trying to increase its military presence. Majumdar said terrorism is going to be one of the issues that will be discussed not only during the ASEAN summit but also at the East Asia summit. He said several documents are going to be adopted with an aim to contain terrorism, including one on stopping money laundering for the purpose of terrorism. Besides holding bilateral talks with Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte, Modi is expected to meet many leaders attending the two summits, including President Trump. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev are among other prominent leaders who are scheduled to attend the East Asia Summit. While ASEAN summit is likely to focus more on trade and investment-related issues, leaders at the East Asia Summit are expected to delve deep into issues relating to maritime security, terrorism, non-proliferation and migration. Apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the US. In the ASEAN-India summit, both sides are expected to explore ways to further enhance trade and investment ties. The ASEAN region along with India together comprises the combined population of 1.85 billion people, which is one-fourth of the global population and their combined GDP has been estimated to be over $3.8 trillion. Investment from ASEAN to India has been over $70 billion in the last 17 years, accounting for more than 17 per cent of India's total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). India's investment in ASEAN during the same period has been more than $40 billion. India's proposal to host an international conference on countering radicalisation may also be discussed during the deliberations at Manila as New Delhi is now looking at finalising the dates for the conclave. Prime minister Modi will also participate in the ASEAN business and investment summit as well as a meeting of leaders of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP, comprising 10-member ASEAN bloc and six other countries — India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand — is engaged in negotiations for a free trade pact. In his maiden visit to the Philippines as the prime minister, Modi will also attend a reception by the Indian community and visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Mahavir Philippines Foundation.

Modi likely to reassert call for crafting global initiative to deal with threats at ASEAN summit

Gearing up for Gujarat election, the BJP is distributing a letter written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The handwritten letter is being distributed in a door-to-door campaign by the BJP. &quot;Gujarat is my soul and my God,&quot; PM Modi has said in the letter written in Gujarati script.

Highlighting BJP&rsquo;s achievements, PM Modi has said that his party has ensured all-round development of Gujarat. &quot;Gujarat is synonymous with development. The state has good roads and high level of women safety,&quot; the PM has said.

The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases - on December 9 and 14 - and counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.&nbsp;

The handwritten letter is being distributed in a door-to-door campaign by the BJP. "Gujarat is my soul and my God," PM Modi has said in the letter written in Gujarati script.

Gearing up for Gujarat election, the BJP is distributing a letter written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The handwritten letter is being distributed in a door-to-door campaign by the BJP. "Gujarat is my soul and my God," PM Modi has said in the letter written in Gujarati script. Highlighting BJP’s achievements, PM Modi has said that his party has ensured all-round development of Gujarat. "Gujarat is synonymous with development. The state has good roads and high level of women safety," the PM has said. The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases - on December 9 and 14 - and counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

Gujarat polls: BJP launchers door-to-door campaign with PM Modi's letter

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-angry-because-i-am-fighting-corruption-pm-modi-in-himachal-23499">Congress angry because I am fighting corruption: PM Modi at Himachal election rally</a>

Ahead of the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took potshots at the Congress party at an election rally in the hill state&#39;s Kangra district.

PM Modi said the Congress will observe &quot;black money day&quot; on the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 and burn his effigies, angered over his fight against corruption.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-policemen-injured-as-terrorists-attack-police-station-in-jk-23502">2 policemen injured as terrorists attack police station in J&amp;K</a>

Two policemen were injured as terrorists attacked the Rajpora police station in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Pulwama district. Heavy firing is underway between the policemen and terrorists. The same day, terrorists attacked a police party in Shopian district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-accused-in-2002-akshardham-terrorist-attack-arrested-23504">Key accused in 2002 Akshardham terrorist attack arrested</a>

The Ahmedabad crime branch has arrested the main accused responsible for a terrorist attack in Gandhinagar&#39;s Akshardham in 2002.

Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, allegedly involved in the 2002 terrorist attack on Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar was arrested on the early morning of Saturday when he came to Ahmedabad from Riyadh.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-downplaying-world-bank-report-23490">PM Modi slams opposition for downplaying World Bank report</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Opposition for downplaying the World Bank ranking India at 100 in its ease of doing business report.&nbsp;

Referring to the World Bank&#39;s report moving India up 30 places in its ease of doing business survey, PM Modi said he sensed a &quot;well-deserved mood of celebration&quot;.

The prime minister was addressing India&#39;s Business Reforms event in New Delhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-moves-to-block-whatsapp-telegram-messaging-services-23493">Afghanistan moves to block WhatsApp, Telegram messaging services</a>

Afghanistan&#39;s telecoms regulator wrote to internet service providers this week ordering them to block the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram but it was not immediately clear whether they had complied.

Some media reports, citing unidentified sources, said the move had been ordered by the National Directorate for Security to thwart the use of the encrypted messaging services by the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

Here's a recap of the big stories through the day

Congress angry because I am fighting corruption: PM Modi at Himachal election rally Ahead of the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took potshots at the Congress party at an election rally in the hill state's Kangra district. PM Modi said the Congress will observe "black money day" on the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 and burn his effigies, angered over his fight against corruption. 2 policemen injured as terrorists attack police station in J&K Two policemen were injured as terrorists attacked the Rajpora police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Heavy firing is underway between the policemen and terrorists. The same day, terrorists attacked a police party in Shopian district. Key accused in 2002 Akshardham terrorist attack arrested The Ahmedabad crime branch has arrested the main accused responsible for a terrorist attack in Gandhinagar's Akshardham in 2002. Ajmeri Abdul Rashid, allegedly involved in the 2002 terrorist attack on Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar was arrested on the early morning of Saturday when he came to Ahmedabad from Riyadh. PM Modi slams opposition for downplaying World Bank report Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Opposition for downplaying the World Bank ranking India at 100 in its ease of doing business report. Referring to the World Bank's report moving India up 30 places in its ease of doing business survey, PM Modi said he sensed a "well-deserved mood of celebration". The prime minister was addressing India's Business Reforms event in New Delhi Afghanistan moves to block WhatsApp, Telegram messaging services Afghanistan's telecoms regulator wrote to internet service providers this week ordering them to block the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram but it was not immediately clear whether they had complied. Some media reports, citing unidentified sources, said the move had been ordered by the National Directorate for Security to thwart the use of the encrypted messaging services by the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

Evening news brief, November 4, 2017

Ahead of the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took potshots at the Congress party at an election rally in the hill state&#39;s Kangra district.

PM Modi said the Congress will observe &quot;black money day&quot; on the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 and burn his effigies, angered over his fight against corruption.

&quot;They&#39;re going to celebrate November 8 as black day and burn my effigies. They don&#39;t know Modi is a disciple of Sardar&nbsp;Vallabhbhai Patel and won&#39;t be cowed down,&quot; PM Modi said&nbsp;at an election rally in Raitt, Kangra.

&quot;Congress is angry because I am fighting corruption,&quot; PM Modi said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi speaking at a rally in Himachal Pradesh&#39;s Raitt <a href="https://t.co/OqAhVgjQZU">https://t.co/OqAhVgjQZU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/926729098331697152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister also claimed that senior Congress leaders were not campaigning in Himachal Pradesh because &quot;they have conceded defeat and left CM Virbhadra Singh to his fate.&quot;

&quot;I have heard that Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties,&quot; the prime minister said.

Likening the Congress to termites, PM Modi said the party must be totally finished off as he sought three-fourths majority for the BJP in the state.

&quot;There should not be one polling booth where the Congress termites are left,&quot; the prime minister said.&nbsp;(Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-downplaying-world-bank-report-23490">PM Modi slams opposition for downplaying World Bank report</a>)

&quot;I haven&#39;t come here to ask you to make BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a three-fourths majority,&quot; he said.

The prime minister promised that the BJP&#39;s chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal and himself would take the state to new heights of development. He had high praise for Mr Dhumal when he was the chief minister of the state

&quot;The pair of Modi, Dhumal (BJP&#39;s CM candidate) will take Himachal to new heights of development,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;There was maximum development in Himachal when Atal ji was in Delhi and Dhumal ji was here in Himachal. You have a chance again,&quot; he said.

The prime minister also criticised the Congress over the party leaders&#39; alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. He added that in those years (the UPA government rule from 2004-2014) one discussed how much money was lost, while now one discussed how much money had come in the government coffers.

&quot;There was a time when newspapers were full of 2G Spectrum and corruption news all over,&quot; he said.

The polling for the 68-seat Himachal Pradesh Assembly will take place on November 9. Results will be declared on December 18.

The BJP is hopeful of getting a clear majority and defeating the incumbent Congress government in the hill state.

The Congress has already projected Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh as the campaign committee chief.

PM Modi said the Congress will observe 'black money day' on the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 and burn his effigies, angered over his fight against corruption

Ahead of the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took potshots at the Congress party at an election rally in the hill state's Kangra district. PM Modi said the Congress will observe "black money day" on the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 and burn his effigies, angered over his fight against corruption. "They're going to celebrate November 8 as black day and burn my effigies. They don't know Modi is a disciple of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and won't be cowed down," PM Modi said at an election rally in Raitt, Kangra. "Congress is angry because I am fighting corruption," PM Modi said. #WATCH: PM Modi speaking at a rally in Himachal Pradesh's Raitt https://t.co/OqAhVgjQZU — ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017 × The prime minister also claimed that senior Congress leaders were not campaigning in Himachal Pradesh because "they have conceded defeat and left CM Virbhadra Singh to his fate." "I have heard that Congress has lost the trust of its own leaders and is looking for rebels in other parties," the prime minister said. Likening the Congress to termites, PM Modi said the party must be totally finished off as he sought three-fourths majority for the BJP in the state. "There should not be one polling booth where the Congress termites are left," the prime minister said. (Also Read: PM Modi slams opposition for downplaying World Bank report) "I haven't come here to ask you to make BJP win. I have come here to ask you to give it a three-fourths majority," he said. The prime minister promised that the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal and himself would take the state to new heights of development. He had high praise for Mr Dhumal when he was the chief minister of the state "The pair of Modi, Dhumal (BJP's CM candidate) will take Himachal to new heights of development," PM Modi said. "There was maximum development in Himachal when Atal ji was in Delhi and Dhumal ji was here in Himachal. You have a chance again," he said. The prime minister also criticised the Congress over the party leaders' alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. He added that in those years (the UPA government rule from 2004-2014) one discussed how much money was lost, while now one discussed how much money had come in the government coffers. "There was a time when newspapers were full of 2G Spectrum and corruption news all over," he said. The polling for the 68-seat Himachal Pradesh Assembly will take place on November 9. Results will be declared on December 18. The BJP is hopeful of getting a clear majority and defeating the incumbent Congress government in the hill state. The Congress has already projected Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh as the campaign committee chief.

Congress angry because I am fighting corruption: PM Modi in Himachal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the World Food India 2017 event in New Delhi, gave emphasis to the food processing industry in his speech.

The prime minister gave credit to the farmers as being central to the country&#39;s efforts in food processing.

&quot;Our farmers, whom we respectfully call as &#39;annadatas&#39; are central to our efforts in food processing,&quot; PM Modi said on the first day of the three-day event organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

PM Modi said passengers who consumed food on trains were potential customers for the food processing industry.

&quot;Over a million passengers consume food on trains in India in a single day, they are potential customers for food processing industry,&quot; PM Modi said.

The prime minister said simple, home-based techniques had resulted in the creation of Indian dishes famous across the world.

&quot;Simple, home-based techniques, like fermentation, have resulted in creation of our famous pickles, papads, chutneys &amp; murabbas...that excite both the elite and the masses across the world,&quot; PM Modi said.

PM Modi also pitched India as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had &quot;eliminated a multiplicity of taxes.&quot;

&quot;India has jumped 30 ranks this year in World Bank&#39;s ease of doing business rankings,&quot; the prime minister said.

Global investors and business leaders of major food companies have congregated at the event which is being held from November 3 to 5 at New Delhi&#39;s Vigyan Bhavan.

Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Badal, called this event &quot;historic&quot; and said over 11 billion dollars worth of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) would be signed in the next three days.

&quot;Today is a historic day. 7,000 stakeholders from almost 60 countries have come under one roof,&quot; Ms Badal said.

&quot;Over 11 billion dollars worth of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are to be signed over the next three days.&quot;

Minister of Food Processing Industries added that India was geared up for a revolution in the food processing sector and it was clear that the global companies were eagerly looking towards India for collaboration.

Harsimrat Badal also highlighted that India was one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that its demand for food would double over the next five years.

&quot;As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and having a 1.3 billion population base, a 600 billion dollar retail sector is said to treble to 1.3 trillion by 2020 and 70 per cent of this sector in food retail. India is the third largest economy in terms of purchasing power and our demand for food is said to double over the next five years,&quot; Badal said.

She also said that as the world moves towards 2050, the global population is set to increase by 25 per cent and demand for food by 50 per cent, adding that &quot;we need to wage a war against food waste to ensure adequate food for all.&quot;

This is the first time that India is hosting an event for the food processing sector.

During the event, a specially-curated experiential platform by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor will showcase Indian and foreign cuisines using Indian ingredients, flavours and fragrances.&nbsp;

India will host over 2,000 participants and over 200 companies from 30 countries.

Representatives from 28 states, 18 ministerial and business delegations, nearly 50 global CEOs along with CEOs of all leading domestic food processing companies will also participate at the event.

Germany, Japan and Denmark are partner countries to World Food India, while Italy and the Netherlands are the focus countries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the World Food India 2017 event in New Delhi, gave emphasis to the food processing industry in his speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the World Food India 2017 event in New Delhi, gave emphasis to the food processing industry in his speech. The prime minister gave credit to the farmers as being central to the country's efforts in food processing. "Our farmers, whom we respectfully call as 'annadatas' are central to our efforts in food processing," PM Modi said on the first day of the three-day event organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. PM Modi said passengers who consumed food on trains were potential customers for the food processing industry. "Over a million passengers consume food on trains in India in a single day, they are potential customers for food processing industry," PM Modi said. The prime minister said simple, home-based techniques had resulted in the creation of Indian dishes famous across the world. "Simple, home-based techniques, like fermentation, have resulted in creation of our famous pickles, papads, chutneys & murabbas...that excite both the elite and the masses across the world," PM Modi said. PM Modi also pitched India as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had "eliminated a multiplicity of taxes." "India has jumped 30 ranks this year in World Bank's ease of doing business rankings," the prime minister said. Global investors and business leaders of major food companies have congregated at the event which is being held from November 3 to 5 at New Delhi's Vigyan Bhavan. Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Badal, called this event "historic" and said over 11 billion dollars worth of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) would be signed in the next three days. "Today is a historic day. 7,000 stakeholders from almost 60 countries have come under one roof," Ms Badal said. "Over 11 billion dollars worth of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are to be signed over the next three days." Minister of Food Processing Industries added that India was geared up for a revolution in the food processing sector and it was clear that the global companies were eagerly looking towards India for collaboration. Harsimrat Badal also highlighted that India was one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that its demand for food would double over the next five years. "As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and having a 1.3 billion population base, a 600 billion dollar retail sector is said to treble to 1.3 trillion by 2020 and 70 per cent of this sector in food retail. India is the third largest economy in terms of purchasing power and our demand for food is said to double over the next five years," Badal said. She also said that as the world moves towards 2050, the global population is set to increase by 25 per cent and demand for food by 50 per cent, adding that "we need to wage a war against food waste to ensure adequate food for all." This is the first time that India is hosting an event for the food processing sector. During the event, a specially-curated experiential platform by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor will showcase Indian and foreign cuisines using Indian ingredients, flavours and fragrances. India will host over 2,000 participants and over 200 companies from 30 countries. Representatives from 28 states, 18 ministerial and business delegations, nearly 50 global CEOs along with CEOs of all leading domestic food processing companies will also participate at the event. Germany, Japan and Denmark are partner countries to World Food India, while Italy and the Netherlands are the focus countries. (With inputs from ANI)

Farmers central to food processing efforts: PM Modi at World Food India 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-dead-in-suspected-terrorist-truck-attack-on-manhattan-bike-path-23254">terror attack in New York</a> in which eight people have been killed.

&quot;Strongly condemn the terror attack in New York City. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased &amp; prayers with those injured,&quot; PM Modi tweeted.

A driver in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists on a bike path alongside the Hudson River in New York City on Tuesday, killing eight people and injuring about a dozen others.

It was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-condemns-new-york-terrorist-attack-23255">greatest loss of life</a> from a suspected terrorist attack in New York since suicide hijackers crashed jetliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, killing more than 2,600 people.

The 29-year-old suspect in Tuesday&#39;s attack was shot in the abdomen by police and taken into custody after he crashed the truck into a school bus and fled his vehicle, New York City Police Commissioner James O&#39;Neill told a news conference.

"Strongly condemn the terror attack in New York City. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with those injured," PM Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terror attack in New York in which eight people have been killed. "Strongly condemn the terror attack in New York City. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with those injured," PM Modi tweeted. A driver in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists on a bike path alongside the Hudson River in New York City on Tuesday, killing eight people and injuring about a dozen others. It was the greatest loss of life from a suspected terrorist attack in New York since suicide hijackers crashed jetliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, killing more than 2,600 people. The 29-year-old suspect in Tuesday's attack was shot in the abdomen by police and taken into custody after he crashed the truck into a school bus and fled his vehicle, New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill told a news conference.

New York terror attack: My thoughts with families of deceased, tweets PM Modi

In a significant&nbsp;development <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-doklamindia-to-boost-infrastructure-along-india-china-border-22398">in the wake of Doklam border stand-off, China and India</a> have decided to hold &quot;Track Two&quot;&nbsp;meeting at Minjing resort hotel in the city of Cheng Du in China on November 3rd and 4th.

The Indian delegation led by<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-maintaining-sizeable-troops-near-dokalam-sources-21062"> former foreign secretary Shyam Saran would land in </a>China on November 2nd. The invitation for the &quot;Track Two&quot;&nbsp;was extended by China two weeks after the Doklam crisis.

Sources confirmed to WION&nbsp;that the task for this meeting is to understand both China and India in context of Xi and Modi, two powerful leaders of Asia who hold sway over their respective countries. The job of the participants would be to understand each other&#39;s concern.

Sources also said that both countries want to avoid a showdown like Doklam and to this end &quot;Track Two&quot;&nbsp;will have participation by PLA and military from the Chinese side. The idea is to know each other better and discuss contentious issues which cannot be developed outside the public eye. Issues ranging from belt and road project to terrorism would be discussed by the participants.

The issue of border dispute will be discussed between Chen Xiaogong and Jayadeva Ranade. Jayadeva Ranade is a&nbsp;member of the National Security Advisory Board and Chen is former Vice Commander of the Air Force of the PLA and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Professor Madhav Nalapat, Director of Geo Politics will address the session of regional stability and terrorism. His Chinese counterpart would be Hu Shisheng. Hu is the Director of Institute of Contemporary International Relations.

This visit assumes importance as many on the Indian side believe that China wants to understand India&rsquo;s concern on the belt and road project.

Sources have also told WION that the thrust would be to ensure that in future a situation like Doklam doesn&rsquo;t arise and China gets to understand the Indian mind under Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s dispensation.

Dipankar Banerjee, the Director of Institute of Peace and Conflict in India and Ashok Kantha from Vivekananda Foundation will also attend the &quot;Track Two&quot; meeting.

The visit assumes importance as many on the Indian side believe that China wants to understand India?s concern on the belt and road project.

In a significant development in the wake of Doklam border stand-off, China and India have decided to hold "Track Two" meeting at Minjing resort hotel in the city of Cheng Du in China on November 3rd and 4th. The Indian delegation led by former foreign secretary Shyam Saran would land in China on November 2nd. The invitation for the "Track Two" was extended by China two weeks after the Doklam crisis. Sources confirmed to WION that the task for this meeting is to understand both China and India in context of Xi and Modi, two powerful leaders of Asia who hold sway over their respective countries. The job of the participants would be to understand each other's concern. Sources also said that both countries want to avoid a showdown like Doklam and to this end "Track Two" will have participation by PLA and military from the Chinese side. The idea is to know each other better and discuss contentious issues which cannot be developed outside the public eye. Issues ranging from belt and road project to terrorism would be discussed by the participants. The issue of border dispute will be discussed between Chen Xiaogong and Jayadeva Ranade. Jayadeva Ranade is a member of the National Security Advisory Board and Chen is former Vice Commander of the Air Force of the PLA and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Professor Madhav Nalapat, Director of Geo Politics will address the session of regional stability and terrorism. His Chinese counterpart would be Hu Shisheng. Hu is the Director of Institute of Contemporary International Relations. This visit assumes importance as many on the Indian side believe that China wants to understand India’s concern on the belt and road project. Sources have also told WION that the thrust would be to ensure that in future a situation like Doklam doesn’t arise and China gets to understand the Indian mind under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dispensation. Dipankar Banerjee, the Director of Institute of Peace and Conflict in India and Ashok Kantha from Vivekananda Foundation will also attend the "Track Two" meeting.

Post-Doklam, India to hold 'Track Two' meeting inside China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni, who held delegation-level talks on Monday, signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various fields to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The MoUs signed between the two sides included Joint Declaration of Cooperation for Safety in the Railway Sector, MoU on 70 years of Diplomatic Relations, MoU on Cooperation in the field of Energy, Executive Protocol on Cultural Cooperation, MoU between MFA, Italy &amp; FSI, MEA, India and MoU for Promoting Mutual Investment.

PM Modi said both countries were committed to fight against terror, to increase tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

&quot;Discussed several aspects of cooperation between India and Italy in our detailed meetings today,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;Both of us are committed to fight unitedly against terror and on the issue of cybersecurity,&quot; PM Modi after meeting his Italian counterpart.

The Italian Prime Minister, who was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by PM Modi, said that both the nations have strong economic relations, common interest and are fighting against terrorism.

PM Modi and the Italian prime minister also released a commemorative stamp to mark 70 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Italy.

Earlier in the day, the two leaders interacted with Indian and Italian CEOs for boosting economic and investment cooperation.

The visiting dignitaries also met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The Italian Prime Minister and his wife Emanuela Gentiloni also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

The Italian PM also called on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.

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Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind met Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni at Rashtrapati Bhavan, earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/18idcdbntJ">pic.twitter.com/18idcdbntJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/924982353990115328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PM Gentiloniwill also deliver a lecture at an event organised by Observers Research Foundation (ORF), a Delhi-based think tank.&nbsp;

 
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Indian PM Modi and Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni, who held delegation-level talks in New Delhi, signed six MoUs across various fields

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni, who held delegation-level talks on Monday, signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various fields to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. The MoUs signed between the two sides included Joint Declaration of Cooperation for Safety in the Railway Sector, MoU on 70 years of Diplomatic Relations, MoU on Cooperation in the field of Energy, Executive Protocol on Cultural Cooperation, MoU between MFA, Italy & FSI, MEA, India and MoU for Promoting Mutual Investment. PM Modi said both countries were committed to fight against terror, to increase tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries. "Discussed several aspects of cooperation between India and Italy in our detailed meetings today," PM Modi said. "Both of us are committed to fight unitedly against terror and on the issue of cybersecurity," PM Modi after meeting his Italian counterpart. The Italian Prime Minister, who was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by PM Modi, said that both the nations have strong economic relations, common interest and are fighting against terrorism. PM Modi and the Italian prime minister also released a commemorative stamp to mark 70 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Italy. Earlier in the day, the two leaders interacted with Indian and Italian CEOs for boosting economic and investment cooperation. The visiting dignitaries also met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Italian Prime Minister and his wife Emanuela Gentiloni also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The Italian PM also called on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind. Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind met Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni at Rashtrapati Bhavan, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/18idcdbntJ — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2017 × PM Gentiloniwill also deliver a lecture at an event organised by Observers Research Foundation (ORF), a Delhi-based think tank.

India, Italy committed to fight terror: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme &quot;Mann Ki Baat&quot; during which he highlighted the contributions made by Indian soldiers to peacekeeping missions across the world,&nbsp;&nbsp;the transformative role of Khadi and the importance of Yogi in fighting off lifestyle diseases.

&quot;Celebrating Diwali with soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Gurez sector was an unforgettable experience for me,&quot; the prime minister said.

He highlighted the contributions made by the Indian soldiers to UN peacekeeping missions all over the world.

&quot;We must try to know of the tales of valour of our soldiers. More than 18,000 soldiers have contributed to UN Peacekeeping missions. Currently, 7,000 soldiers, Indian troops are deployed with UN peacekeeping initiatives, it&#39;s third highest in the world.

Our role is not confined to peacekeeping operations. India also trains peacekeepers of 85 countries,&quot; PM&nbsp; Modi said.

He added that Indian women soldiers had contributed significantly to peacekeeping missions and that India was first nation to send women to peacekeeping missions.

&quot;United Nations Declaration of Human Rights is a testimony to India&#39;s push for gender equality,&quot; PM Modi said

He also wished children on the upcoming occasion of Children&#39;s Day (November 14), congratulated the Indian hockey team on winning the Asia Cup after 10 years and badminton player Kidambi Srinath for winning the Denmark Open.

&quot;After 10 years India won Asia Cup. I congratulate entire team and the support staff,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;I congratulate Shuttler Kidambi Srikanth for winning Denmark Open and for making India proud,&quot; PM Modi said.

On football as a sport, the PM said, &quot;Young Indian players won hearts of fans. Future of football is bright in India.&quot;

PM Modi also spoke about the &quot;Khadi for transformation&quot; that was taking place in the country. Using phrases such as &quot;Khadi for Nation&quot; and &quot;Khadi for fashion&quot;, the Indian PM said that Delhi&#39;s Khadi Gramodyog store had recorded sales of Rs 1 crore&nbsp;on the occasion of Dhanteras.

The prime minister urged the youth to practice yoga. and said it would prevent and help them to fight lifestyle diseases.

He also announced that a &quot;Run for Unity&quot; would be organised on October 31.

&quot;&#39;Run for Unity&#39; will be organised throughout the country on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel,&quot; the PM said, adding, &quot;Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel not only suggested revolutionary ideas but also implemented them, and united India.&quot;

He also made special mention of spiritual leaders Guru Nanak and Sister Nivedita and said, &quot;India has been blessed with great people, who served humanity with selflessness.&quot;

&quot;On November 4 we&#39;ll celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti. Guru Nanak Dev ji is not only the first Guru of Sikhs, but he is also a Jagat Guru (guru of the world),&quot; he said.

&quot;Sister Nivedita worked to unite people by awakening national consciousness&quot;.

PM Modi said celebrating Diwali with soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez sector was an 'unforgettable' experience for him

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat" during which he highlighted the contributions made by Indian soldiers to peacekeeping missions across the world, the transformative role of Khadi and the importance of Yogi in fighting off lifestyle diseases. "Celebrating Diwali with soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez sector was an unforgettable experience for me," the prime minister said. He highlighted the contributions made by the Indian soldiers to UN peacekeeping missions all over the world. "We must try to know of the tales of valour of our soldiers. More than 18,000 soldiers have contributed to UN Peacekeeping missions. Currently, 7,000 soldiers, Indian troops are deployed with UN peacekeeping initiatives, it's third highest in the world. Our role is not confined to peacekeeping operations. India also trains peacekeepers of 85 countries," PM Modi said. He added that Indian women soldiers had contributed significantly to peacekeeping missions and that India was first nation to send women to peacekeeping missions. "United Nations Declaration of Human Rights is a testimony to India's push for gender equality," PM Modi said He also wished children on the upcoming occasion of Children's Day (November 14), congratulated the Indian hockey team on winning the Asia Cup after 10 years and badminton player Kidambi Srinath for winning the Denmark Open. "After 10 years India won Asia Cup. I congratulate entire team and the support staff," PM Modi said. "I congratulate Shuttler Kidambi Srikanth for winning Denmark Open and for making India proud," PM Modi said. On football as a sport, the PM said, "Young Indian players won hearts of fans. Future of football is bright in India." PM Modi also spoke about the "Khadi for transformation" that was taking place in the country. Using phrases such as "Khadi for Nation" and "Khadi for fashion", the Indian PM said that Delhi's Khadi Gramodyog store had recorded sales of Rs 1 crore on the occasion of Dhanteras. The prime minister urged the youth to practice yoga. and said it would prevent and help them to fight lifestyle diseases. He also announced that a "Run for Unity" would be organised on October 31. "'Run for Unity' will be organised throughout the country on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel," the PM said, adding, "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel not only suggested revolutionary ideas but also implemented them, and united India." He also made special mention of spiritual leaders Guru Nanak and Sister Nivedita and said, "India has been blessed with great people, who served humanity with selflessness." "On November 4 we'll celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti. Guru Nanak Dev ji is not only the first Guru of Sikhs, but he is also a Jagat Guru (guru of the world)," he said. "Sister Nivedita worked to unite people by awakening national consciousness".

We must know the valour of soldiers: PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Karnataka today, criticised Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/talk-of-azadi-or-greater-autonomy-for-jk-against-national-interest-jaitley-slams-congress-23084">P Chidambaram for his remarks yesterday that when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for &quot;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/talk-of-azadi-or-greater-autonomy-for-jk-against-national-interest-jaitley-slams-congress-23084">azadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/talk-of-azadi-or-greater-autonomy-for-jk-against-national-interest-jaitley-slams-congress-23084">&quot;, most of them meant they want greater autonomy</a>.

&quot;Why are Congress leaders lending their voice to those who want &#39;azadi&#39;&nbsp;in Kashmir? This is an insult to our brave soldiers,&quot; PM Modi said at a public meeting in Bengaluru.

&quot;Yesterday&#39;s statement of a Congress leader on Kashmir clearly shows how the party feels on surgical strikes and the bravery of our Army,&quot; he added.

&quot;Those who were in power till yesterday, how come they have suddenly taken a U-turn and a shamelessly giving such statements,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;They are mixing their voices with those who want freedom for Kashmir,&quot; he added.

&quot;Do such people, who base their politics upon the sacrifices of the brave do good for the country?&quot;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>:PM Modi says &quot;Congress leaders lending their voice to those who want Azadi in Kashmir, is an insult to our brave soldiers&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1xX7XcOb0">pic.twitter.com/Q1xX7XcOb0</a>
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Chidambaram said in a statement that PM Modi was &quot;imagining a ghost and attacking it.&quot;

&quot;It is obvious the Prime Minister has not read the whole answer to the question put to me on Jammu and Kashmir. Those who criticise must read the whole answer and tell me, which word in the answer was wrong,&quot; the former finance minister said.

In his speech, PM Modi also said that Bengaluru was a &quot;land of startups&quot;, the innovativeness of the youth must be used to bring clean cooking to the doors of the poor.

&quot;Bengaluru is the land of startups. Youth here are innovative. Let&#39;s begin a startup to bring clean cooking to the doors of poor,&quot; PM Modi said. 
 
The prime minister earlier addressed a public meeting in the town of Ujire. 
 
In his speech, the prime minister spoke about the importance of skill development in the 21st century and said a &quot;youthful India must harness its demographic dividend&quot;.

The prime minister said he was ensuring that the fruits of development reach intended beneficiaries without scope for corruption.

He also emphasised that India should not lag behind in the digital currency era and said that his government had linked RuPay card, mobiles, and bank services with Aadhaar.

The prime minister distributed RuPay cards to account holders of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in Ujare, drawing praise from Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa.

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuPay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuPay</a> cards will enable the self-help groups to begin cashless digital transactions. Another step towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DigitalIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DigitalIndia</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInKarnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInKarnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZNtMYmMR50">https://t.co/ZNtMYmMR50</a>
&mdash; B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP/status/924552061592539136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Linked RuPay card, mobiles, bank services with Aadhaar. Till now Rs 57,000 crores has reached beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer,&quot; PM Modi said in his speech.

The prime minister also raised the topic of micro-irrigation and said that if India adopted the principle of &quot;per drop, more crop&quot;, then a lot of change could be brought about.

He also spoke about the need for reducing the usage of urea.

&quot;We need to give importance towards living in harmony with nature and not think about short-term gains. We need to reduce the usage of Urea,&quot; PM Modi said.

Earlier, PM Modi offered prayers at the Shri Manjunatha Swami Temple in Dharmasthala

&quot;Happy that I got the opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Manjunatha,&quot; the prime minister said.

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PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple at Dharmasthala, Karnataka. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInKarnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInKarnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/vYhYuxea4T">pic.twitter.com/vYhYuxea4T</a>
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PM Modi also inaugurated a railway line connecting Bidar to Kalaburagi which is expected to reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and New Delhi by over six to eight hours and the distance by over 350 km.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Karnataka today, criticised Congress leader P Chidambaram for his remarks yesterday that when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for "azadi", most of them meant they want greater autonomy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Karnataka today, criticised Congress leader P Chidambaram for his remarks yesterday that when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for "azadi", most of them meant they want greater autonomy. "Why are Congress leaders lending their voice to those who want 'azadi' in Kashmir? This is an insult to our brave soldiers," PM Modi said at a public meeting in Bengaluru. "Yesterday's statement of a Congress leader on Kashmir clearly shows how the party feels on surgical strikes and the bravery of our Army," he added. "Those who were in power till yesterday, how come they have suddenly taken a U-turn and a shamelessly giving such statements," PM Modi said. "They are mixing their voices with those who want freedom for Kashmir," he added. "Do such people, who base their politics upon the sacrifices of the brave do good for the country?" #WATCH:PM Modi says "Congress leaders lending their voice to those who want Azadi in Kashmir, is an insult to our brave soldiers" #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/Q1xX7XcOb0 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2017 × Chidambaram said in a statement that PM Modi was "imagining a ghost and attacking it." "It is obvious the Prime Minister has not read the whole answer to the question put to me on Jammu and Kashmir. Those who criticise must read the whole answer and tell me, which word in the answer was wrong," the former finance minister said. In his speech, PM Modi also said that Bengaluru was a "land of startups", the innovativeness of the youth must be used to bring clean cooking to the doors of the poor. "Bengaluru is the land of startups. Youth here are innovative. Let's begin a startup to bring clean cooking to the doors of poor," PM Modi said. The prime minister earlier addressed a public meeting in the town of Ujire. In his speech, the prime minister spoke about the importance of skill development in the 21st century and said a "youthful India must harness its demographic dividend". The prime minister said he was ensuring that the fruits of development reach intended beneficiaries without scope for corruption. He also emphasised that India should not lag behind in the digital currency era and said that his government had linked RuPay card, mobiles, and bank services with Aadhaar. The prime minister distributed RuPay cards to account holders of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in Ujare, drawing praise from Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa. The #RuPay cards will enable the self-help groups to begin cashless digital transactions. Another step towards #DigitalIndia. #ModiInKarnataka https://t.co/ZNtMYmMR50 — B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) October 29, 2017 × "Linked RuPay card, mobiles, bank services with Aadhaar. Till now Rs 57,000 crores has reached beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer," PM Modi said in his speech. The prime minister also raised the topic of micro-irrigation and said that if India adopted the principle of "per drop, more crop", then a lot of change could be brought about. He also spoke about the need for reducing the usage of urea. "We need to give importance towards living in harmony with nature and not think about short-term gains. We need to reduce the usage of Urea," PM Modi said. Earlier, PM Modi offered prayers at the Shri Manjunatha Swami Temple in Dharmasthala "Happy that I got the opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Manjunatha," the prime minister said. PM Shri @narendramodi offers prayers at Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple at Dharmasthala, Karnataka. #ModiInKarnataka pic.twitter.com/vYhYuxea4T — BJP (@BJP4India) October 29, 2017 × PM Modi also inaugurated a railway line connecting Bidar to Kalaburagi which is expected to reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and New Delhi by over six to eight hours and the distance by over 350 km.

Why is Congress lending its voice to those who want 'azadi' in Kashmir? PM Modi in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping for securing a second term as the head of the ruling Communist Party, saying he looks forward to further promote India-China ties together.

&quot;Congratulations to President Xi on getting re-elected as CPC General Secretary. Look forward to further promote India- China ties together,&quot; Modi said in his message on popular Chinese microblog Weibo which is akin to Twitter.

Modi&#39;s message was posted both in English and Mandarin.

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PM Modi congratulated Xi Jinping on CHina&#39;s popular mice-blogging website Weibo (WION)
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Xi was formally handed a second term in power and his doctrine was written into the party constitution, elevating him on par with modern China&#39;s founder Chairman Mao Zedong and his successor Deng Xiaoping.

Modi&#39;s message comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector.

The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army.

Last month, Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit in Chinese port city Xiamen and held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Dokalam standoff and agreed to move forward in their ties.

Xi was formally handed a second term in power and his doctrine was written into the party constitution, elevating him on par with modern China's founder Chairman Mao Zedong and his successor Deng Xiaoping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping for securing a second term as the head of the ruling Communist Party, saying he looks forward to further promote India-China ties together. "Congratulations to President Xi on getting re-elected as CPC General Secretary. Look forward to further promote India- China ties together," Modi said in his message on popular Chinese microblog Weibo which is akin to Twitter. Modi's message was posted both in English and Mandarin. PM Modi congratulated Xi Jinping on CHina's popular mice-blogging website Weibo (WION) × Xi was formally handed a second term in power and his doctrine was written into the party constitution, elevating him on par with modern China's founder Chairman Mao Zedong and his successor Deng Xiaoping. Modi's message comes amid diplomatic efforts by the two sides to overcome the bitterness caused by the 73-day face-off between their troops in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector. The Chinese and the Indian troops were engaged in a standoff since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army. Last month, Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit in Chinese port city Xiamen and held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Dokalam standoff and agreed to move forward in their ties.

PM Modi congratulates Xi Jinping, hopes to promote India-China ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Gujarat today for the third time this month, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts.

Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Rs 615-crore &#39;roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro)&#39; ferry service between Ghogha in Bhavnagar district and Dahej in Bharuch in the Gulf of Khambhat.

The prime minister had called the ferry service, which will reduce the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres, his &quot;dream project&quot; while addressing a gathering at Gandhinagar on Monday.

He will address a gathering in Ghogha and undertake a journey to Dahej from Ghogha on the ferry. From Dahej, he will leave for Vadodara, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore.

Ajay Bhadoo, Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat Maritime Board which is executing the ro-ro project, said the first phase of the service to be inaugurated by Modi on Sunday is meant for passengers.

In the second phase, which would be ready in two months, cars can also be carried between the two towns.

&quot;It is a complex project which involves complicated marine structure of the Gulf of Khambhat, on which it is built. The service reduces the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres which can be covered in one hour,&quot; Bhadoo said.

Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project in January 2012, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.

.In Vadodara, Modi will inaugurate eight different projects worth Rs 1,140 crore.

Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Vinod Rao said Modi will dedicate to people a Rs 100-crore city command and control centre in Badamadi Garden, Rs 125-crore Janmahal city transport hub and multi-level parking (under PPP), a Rs 160 crore multi-modal city transport hub, Rs 267 crore waste-to- energy processing plant.

The other projects are a Rs 166-crore water treatment plant, two flyovers collectively worth Rs 265 crore, a Rs 55- crore deer safari park, and a Rs 6-crore veterinary hospital.

He will also address people at Navlakhi compound in Vadodara.

Modi had last visited Vadodara, a constituency from where he contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election and won by a record margin, on October 22 last year to inaugurate a new airport terminal building and distribute assistance devices to the divyang (specially-abled) people. He had also won from Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh which he retained.

The prime minister had visited Gujarat on Monday, when he addressed the BJP workers at a rally in Gandhinagar.

Prior to that, Modi had visited his home town Vadnagar on October 8 and also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of various projects in Rajkot, Vadnagar, Gandhinagar, and Bharuch. 
His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December.

Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe here and launched the bullet train project. Modi had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.

PM Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Gujarat today for the third time this month, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a number of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodara districts. Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Rs 615-crore 'roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro)' ferry service between Ghogha in Bhavnagar district and Dahej in Bharuch in the Gulf of Khambhat. The prime minister had called the ferry service, which will reduce the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres, his "dream project" while addressing a gathering at Gandhinagar on Monday. He will address a gathering in Ghogha and undertake a journey to Dahej from Ghogha on the ferry. From Dahej, he will leave for Vadodara, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore. Ajay Bhadoo, Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat Maritime Board which is executing the ro-ro project, said the first phase of the service to be inaugurated by Modi on Sunday is meant for passengers. In the second phase, which would be ready in two months, cars can also be carried between the two towns. "It is a complex project which involves complicated marine structure of the Gulf of Khambhat, on which it is built. The service reduces the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres which can be covered in one hour," Bhadoo said. Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project in January 2012, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. .In Vadodara, Modi will inaugurate eight different projects worth Rs 1,140 crore. Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Vinod Rao said Modi will dedicate to people a Rs 100-crore city command and control centre in Badamadi Garden, Rs 125-crore Janmahal city transport hub and multi-level parking (under PPP), a Rs 160 crore multi-modal city transport hub, Rs 267 crore waste-to- energy processing plant. The other projects are a Rs 166-crore water treatment plant, two flyovers collectively worth Rs 265 crore, a Rs 55- crore deer safari park, and a Rs 6-crore veterinary hospital. He will also address people at Navlakhi compound in Vadodara. Modi had last visited Vadodara, a constituency from where he contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election and won by a record margin, on October 22 last year to inaugurate a new airport terminal building and distribute assistance devices to the divyang (specially-abled) people. He had also won from Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh which he retained. The prime minister had visited Gujarat on Monday, when he addressed the BJP workers at a rally in Gandhinagar. Prior to that, Modi had visited his home town Vadnagar on October 8 and also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of various projects in Rajkot, Vadnagar, Gandhinagar, and Bharuch. His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December. Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe here and launched the bullet train project. Modi had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.

PM Modi to visit poll-bound Gujarat, inaugurate ferry service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat for a day-long visit&nbsp;today morning <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-poll-bound-gujarat-today-22710">for inaugurating a slew of projects</a>&nbsp;in Bhavnagar and Vadodra, the highlight being a ferry service from&nbsp;Ghogha in Bhavnagar district to Dahej in Bharuch.

The prime minister said he was happy to be in Gujarat and that the ferry service programme was of vital importance for the entire nation.

&quot;The ferry service is a first of sorts. Its a dream come true for people of Gujarat,&quot; PM Modi said as he launched the first phase of the project.

He also added that the government was planning to link a number of other places also through ferries.

&quot;This ferry service will not be restricted to this one route. We are planning to link other places also through ferries. This Ro-Ro ferry service will start the phase of social and economic development. Thousands of new jobs will be created,&quot; the prime minister said.

&quot;Sadly, our transport sector was not integrated enough. We have changed that in the last three years. The goal is to make our transport sector integrated and state-of-the-art. We are planning to extend the route to the other parts of Gujarat,&quot; he said. 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> PM Modi on board RO-RO ferry between from Ghogha &amp; Dahej; He also interacted with students on board the ferry (Earlier Visuals) <a href="https://t.co/dOA64mPB0b">pic.twitter.com/dOA64mPB0b</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922079651148599297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi on board RO-RO ferry between Ghogha and Dahej <a href="https://t.co/KkXJnok1Zr">pic.twitter.com/KkXJnok1Zr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922025239784992769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi said he faced &quot;hostility from the then central government&quot; when&nbsp;he was the chief minister of the state and that &quot;efforts were made to stall the state&#39;s growth.&quot;

&quot;When I was serving as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012, I faced hostility from the then Central government. Efforts were made to stall industries and the state&#39;s growth. Over the last three years, we have changed that and given importance to the development of Gujarat,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;The Ro-Ro (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service, which the PM earlier called his &quot;dream project&quot;, will reduce travel time between the two cities from seven to eight hours to an hour.

The ferry service will reduce the distance from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres.

When fully operationalised, it will also enable movement of vehicles. Phase 1, which the prime minister will inaugurate today, will allow passenger movement. 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of RO-RO ferry service and other projects in Ghogha, Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/0W1wruJKq0">pic.twitter.com/0W1wruJKq0</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921980219862298625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Bhavnagar, received by CM Rupani and Deputy CM Nitin Patel <a href="https://t.co/RFXDgYHQA9">pic.twitter.com/RFXDgYHQA9</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921973557676015618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi undertook the maiden voyage from Ghogha to Dahej.

The prime minister interacted with schoolchildren upon his arrival in Dahej.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Dahej aboard RO-RO ferry from Ghogha, interacts with school children on arrival in Dahej <a href="https://t.co/POVjUXiYkg">pic.twitter.com/POVjUXiYkg</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922027865322823680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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At a public meeting in the port town, PM Modi said India needed better and more ports.

&quot;Our mantra is P for P - Ports for Prosperity,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;Without proper connectivity, the economic development of a nation slows down. Keeping this in mind we are focussing on ports infrastructure.

Our focus is on the blue economy. We see the blue economy as integral to our vision of a new India,&quot; he said.

PM Modi emphasised that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and that the economy was moving in the right direction after reforms.

&quot;Many economists agree that the fundamentals of the economy are strong.

After all hardcore reforms, the&nbsp;economy is on track and moving in right direction,&quot;&nbsp;PM Modi at the rally in Dahej.

We have taken tough decisions for the economy and will continue to do so while maintaining financial stability,&quot; he said.

The prime minister&#39;s next stop was Vadodara, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore.

&quot;The scale of development works being inaugurated in Vadodara today is unprecedented,&quot; he said at a public meeting.

PM Modi also participated in a road show in his 2014 Lok Sabha constituency before leaving for Delhi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s roadshow underway in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadodara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadodara</a>, loud cheers by the crowds <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/PpcJOVE5G0">pic.twitter.com/PpcJOVE5G0</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922086489625804801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Vadodara, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi <a href="https://t.co/Wgstxix8B4">pic.twitter.com/Wgstxix8B4</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922089197325791233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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This is PM Modi&#39;s third visit to the poll-bound state in a month.

Earlier this month, the prime minister inaugurated several projects in Gandhinagar, Rajkot, his hometown Vadnagar and Bharuch.

His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December.

Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Gujarat and launched the bullet train project.He had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on&nbsp;Narmada&nbsp;river at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday. 
&nbsp;

PM Modi said he faced 'hostility from the then central government' when?he was the chief minister of the state and that 'efforts were made to stall the state's growth'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat for a day-long visit today morning for inaugurating a slew of projects in Bhavnagar and Vadodra, the highlight being a ferry service from Ghogha in Bhavnagar district to Dahej in Bharuch. The prime minister said he was happy to be in Gujarat and that the ferry service programme was of vital importance for the entire nation. "The ferry service is a first of sorts. Its a dream come true for people of Gujarat," PM Modi said as he launched the first phase of the project. He also added that the government was planning to link a number of other places also through ferries. "This ferry service will not be restricted to this one route. We are planning to link other places also through ferries. This Ro-Ro ferry service will start the phase of social and economic development. Thousands of new jobs will be created," the prime minister said. "Sadly, our transport sector was not integrated enough. We have changed that in the last three years. The goal is to make our transport sector integrated and state-of-the-art. We are planning to extend the route to the other parts of Gujarat," he said. #Gujarat PM Modi on board RO-RO ferry between from Ghogha & Dahej; He also interacted with students on board the ferry (Earlier Visuals) pic.twitter.com/dOA64mPB0b — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × #Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi on board RO-RO ferry between Ghogha and Dahej pic.twitter.com/KkXJnok1Zr — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × PM Modi said he faced "hostility from the then central government" when he was the chief minister of the state and that "efforts were made to stall the state's growth." "When I was serving as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012, I faced hostility from the then Central government. Efforts were made to stall industries and the state's growth. Over the last three years, we have changed that and given importance to the development of Gujarat," he said. The Ro-Ro (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service, which the PM earlier called his "dream project", will reduce travel time between the two cities from seven to eight hours to an hour. The ferry service will reduce the distance from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres. When fully operationalised, it will also enable movement of vehicles. Phase 1, which the prime minister will inaugurate today, will allow passenger movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of RO-RO ferry service and other projects in Ghogha, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/0W1wruJKq0 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Bhavnagar, received by CM Rupani and Deputy CM Nitin Patel pic.twitter.com/RFXDgYHQA9 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × PM Modi undertook the maiden voyage from Ghogha to Dahej. The prime minister interacted with schoolchildren upon his arrival in Dahej. #Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Dahej aboard RO-RO ferry from Ghogha, interacts with school children on arrival in Dahej pic.twitter.com/POVjUXiYkg — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × At a public meeting in the port town, PM Modi said India needed better and more ports. "Our mantra is P for P - Ports for Prosperity," PM Modi said. "Without proper connectivity, the economic development of a nation slows down. Keeping this in mind we are focussing on ports infrastructure. Our focus is on the blue economy. We see the blue economy as integral to our vision of a new India," he said. PM Modi emphasised that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and that the economy was moving in the right direction after reforms. "Many economists agree that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. After all hardcore reforms, the economy is on track and moving in right direction," PM Modi at the rally in Dahej. We have taken tough decisions for the economy and will continue to do so while maintaining financial stability," he said. The prime minister's next stop was Vadodara, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore. "The scale of development works being inaugurated in Vadodara today is unprecedented," he said at a public meeting. PM Modi also participated in a road show in his 2014 Lok Sabha constituency before leaving for Delhi. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow underway in #Vadodara, loud cheers by the crowds #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/PpcJOVE5G0 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Vadodara, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi pic.twitter.com/Wgstxix8B4 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × This is PM Modi's third visit to the poll-bound state in a month. Earlier this month, the prime minister inaugurated several projects in Gandhinagar, Rajkot, his hometown Vadnagar and Bharuch. His visits assume significance as Assembly elections are due in Gujarat in December. Last month, he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Gujarat and launched the bullet train project.He had also dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada river at an event coinciding with his 67th birthday.

PM Modi in Gujarat, inaugurates ferry service and 'dream project'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Uttarakhand&#39;s Kedarnath, inaugurated various development projects in the pilgrimage town.

PM Modi, who offered prayers at the famous Kedarnath temple, said in his address that through the development work in Kedarnath, the government wanted to show how an ideal &quot;Tirth Kshetra&quot; (pilgrimage centre) should be.

He clarified that the government was building modern infrastructure in the town while ensuring that environmental laws were not flouted.

&quot;Building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath but the traditional soul will be preserved and will ensure environmental laws not flouted,&quot; PM Modi said.

The prime minister said he would seek Lord Shiva&#39;s blessings and &quot;resolve to devote myself to fulfilling the dream of a developed India by 2022.&quot;

The prime minister also spoke about the floods in 2013 in the state and said as then chief minister of Gujarat, he had offered to help the government which was &quot;nervous&quot; about taking his help.

&quot;When floods of 2013 occurred I was not PM, I was Gujarat CM. I offered to help in rebuilding but Centre became nervous,&quot;&nbsp;PM Modi said. 
 
He also praised the people of Uttarakhand for their discipline, saying that the hill state had given the country many soldiers.

&quot;Discipline is in the blood of people here in Uttarakhand. At least one person from each family is a soldier,&quot; PM Modi said.

This is PM Modi&#39;s second visit to the Kedarnath shrine this season. He had visited it on May 3 when its gates had been reopened after the winter break.&nbsp;

PM Modi, who offered prayers at the famous Kedarnath temple, said that through the development work, the government wanted to show how an ideal pilgrimage centre should be

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath, inaugurated various development projects in the pilgrimage town. PM Modi, who offered prayers at the famous Kedarnath temple, said in his address that through the development work in Kedarnath, the government wanted to show how an ideal "Tirth Kshetra" (pilgrimage centre) should be. He clarified that the government was building modern infrastructure in the town while ensuring that environmental laws were not flouted. "Building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath but the traditional soul will be preserved and will ensure environmental laws not flouted," PM Modi said. The prime minister said he would seek Lord Shiva's blessings and "resolve to devote myself to fulfilling the dream of a developed India by 2022." The prime minister also spoke about the floods in 2013 in the state and said as then chief minister of Gujarat, he had offered to help the government which was "nervous" about taking his help. "When floods of 2013 occurred I was not PM, I was Gujarat CM. I offered to help in rebuilding but Centre became nervous," PM Modi said. He also praised the people of Uttarakhand for their discipline, saying that the hill state had given the country many soldiers. "Discipline is in the blood of people here in Uttarakhand. At least one person from each family is a soldier," PM Modi said. This is PM Modi's second visit to the Kedarnath shrine this season. He had visited it on May 3 when its gates had been reopened after the winter break.

Building infrastructure without flouting environmental laws: PM Modi in Kedarnath

PM Narendra Modi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-inside-president-trumps-diwali-celebrations-at-the-white-house-22571">will celebrate Diwali at Gurez valley along the </a>Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-having-best-development-ideas-not-enough-prime-minister-modi-21272">PM Modi will be joined by Army chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command</a> chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu in India&#39;s forward post along the Line of Control.

The Indian prime minister landed at Srinagar airport on Thursday morning and went straight to the Gurez sector.

Earlier in the day, Modi greeted the nation on Twitter as he left for the border to celebrate the occasion with the Indian troops.

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??????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyDiwali</a> to everyone!
&mdash; Narendra Modi PM (@Narendramodi_PM) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narendramodi_PM/status/920856845425680384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Just after taking office in 2014, PM Modi had spent Diwali in Kashmir after floods had devastated the Valley.

PM Modi will be joined by Army chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu

PM Narendra Modi will celebrate Diwali at Gurez valley along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi will be joined by Army chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu in India's forward post along the Line of Control. The Indian prime minister landed at Srinagar airport on Thursday morning and went straight to the Gurez sector. Earlier in the day, Modi greeted the nation on Twitter as he left for the border to celebrate the occasion with the Indian troops. ??????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????? #HappyDiwali to everyone! — Narendra Modi PM (@Narendramodi_PM) October 19, 2017 × Just after taking office in 2014, PM Modi had spent Diwali in Kashmir after floods had devastated the Valley.

PM Modi to celebrate Diwali along LoC with Indian troops

Prime Minister Modi today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dedicates-first-all-india-institute-of-ayurveda-to-country-22531">celebrated Diwali with Indian troops at a forward military </a>post along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Gurez sector.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-wagah-border-india-pak-troops-exchange-gifts-504">&quot;I have an </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-having-best-development-ideas-not-enough-prime-minister-modi-21272">opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-wagah-border-india-pak-troops-exchange-gifts-504">.</a> The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians,&quot; the prime minister wrote in the visitors&#39; book.

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Modi arrived at Gurez on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-celebrates-diwali-503">morning </a>in an unannounced visit with Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu present during the celebrations along the LoC.

&quot;To accomplish the dream of &#39;New India&#39;, this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it,&quot; the Indian Prime Minister said.

PM Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the BSF soldiers at Gurez.

The PM said each Indian citizen must cultivate a new resolve as India celebrates its 75th independence in 2022, adding that he considers the Indian Army his family.

Modi encouraged the soldiers to practise yoga and said after leaving the armed forces they can become excellent yoga trainers.

Modi said the Centre was committed to the welfare armed forces pointing towards the implementation of One Rank, One Pension.

Earlier in the day, Modi greeted the nation on Twitter as he left for the border to celebrate the occasion with the Indian troops.

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??????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyDiwali</a> to everyone!
&mdash; Narendra Modi PM (@Narendramodi_PM) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narendramodi_PM/status/920856845425680384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> with jawans in Gurez Valley, near LoC, in J&amp;K <a href="https://t.co/gu2HxLRtq0">pic.twitter.com/gu2HxLRtq0</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/920959324733583360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the BSF soldiers at Gurez.

Prime Minister Modi today celebrated Diwali with Indian troops at a forward military post along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez sector. "I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians," the prime minister wrote in the visitors' book. × Modi arrived at Gurez on Thursday morning in an unannounced visit with Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu present during the celebrations along the LoC. "To accomplish the dream of 'New India', this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it," the Indian Prime Minister said. PM Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the BSF soldiers at Gurez. The PM said each Indian citizen must cultivate a new resolve as India celebrates its 75th independence in 2022, adding that he considers the Indian Army his family. Modi encouraged the soldiers to practise yoga and said after leaving the armed forces they can become excellent yoga trainers. Modi said the Centre was committed to the welfare armed forces pointing towards the implementation of One Rank, One Pension. Earlier in the day, Modi greeted the nation on Twitter as he left for the border to celebrate the occasion with the Indian troops. ??????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????? #HappyDiwali to everyone! — Narendra Modi PM (@Narendramodi_PM) October 19, 2017 × #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi celebrate #Diwali with jawans in Gurez Valley, near LoC, in J&K pic.twitter.com/gu2HxLRtq0 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2017 ×

Watch: Presence of brave soldiers at the border lights the lamp of hope, says PM Modi at LoC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated the first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda to the nation.

PM Modi said there should be an Ayurvedic hospital in every district of the country and that the&nbsp; AYUSH ((Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) ministry was working in this direction,&quot; PM Modi said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live: PM Modi dedicates first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda to the nation on occasion of 2nd Ayurveda <a href="https://t.co/nTbGUAIqqA">https://t.co/nTbGUAIqqA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/920168941485408256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian prime minister also said that a nation could not progress unless its people were proud of its history.

&quot;A country may want to develop as far as possible, but it cannot progress until it learns to be proud of its history and legacy&quot;, PM Modi said. 
&nbsp;

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PM Modi was dedicating the first All India Institute of Ayurveda to the country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated the first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda to the nation. PM Modi said there should be an Ayurvedic hospital in every district of the country and that the AYUSH ((Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) ministry was working in this direction," PM Modi said. #WATCH Live: PM Modi dedicates first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda to the nation on occasion of 2nd Ayurveda https://t.co/nTbGUAIqqA — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2017 × The Indian prime minister also said that a nation could not progress unless its people were proud of its history. "A country may want to develop as far as possible, but it cannot progress until it learns to be proud of its history and legacy", PM Modi said.

WATCH: Should be Ayurveda hospital in every district, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Bihar for the centenary celebrations of the Patna University, today praised chief minister Nitish Kumar for his commitment towards the progress of Bihar.

&quot;The commitment of Nitish Kumar ji towards the progress of Bihar is commendable,&quot; PM Modi said in his address at Patna University.

PM Modi and Nitish Kumar shared the stage for the first time in eight years.

&quot;When the country celebrates 75 years of independence in 2022, then Bihar should also feature in the list of leading states of the nation. This is what we are aiming and working towards. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar`s plan will help Bihar achieve its goal as seeds sown 100 years ago in Patna University are giving fruits now,&quot; PM Modi said.

The prime minister had high words of praise for Patna University, saying that it had given the country top civil servants.

&quot;In every state, the senior level of the civil services has officers who have studied in Patna University,&quot; PM Modi said.

He added that Bihar was blessed with both &quot;Gyaan&quot; (knowledge) and the Ganga river.

The university&#39;s famous alumni&nbsp;and BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha, however, didn&#39;t attend the event.

Shatrughan Sinha sarcastically wrote on Twitter that his invitation came very late and at short notice, &quot;delayed by the more loyal than the King&#39;s people&quot;. The former actor&nbsp;had earlier told a media outlet that he was &quot;pained&quot; at not being invited for the celebrations.

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....even I got an invitaion, alas very late and with a very short notice...delayed by the &quot;more loyal than the King&#39;s people&quot; involved..2&gt;3
&mdash; Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/919061023209824257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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...in the affair. So, though &quot;Muhabbat Karne waale kam na honge...Teri mehfil mein lekin hum na honge&quot;. However, my best wishes.....3&gt;4
&mdash; Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/919061269503606784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The actor tweeted his best wishes on the occasion.

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Bihar is the strength &amp; weakness of your Bihari Babu. Long live Bihar, Long live Patna Univ, Long live Hon&#39;ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> . Jai Bihar!
&mdash; Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShatruganSinha/status/919067135174787073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PM Modi, whose BJP has an alliance with Nitish Kumar&#39;s JD-U in Bihar, said 10 private and 10 public universities will be given a fund of Rs 10,000 Crore over a period of five years to make them world-class.

Nitish Kumar requested the prime minister to grant central university status to Patna University.

The prime minister arrived in Patna today morning on a day-long visit to Bihar. He will also lay the foundation stone of several projects including four National Highways worth over 3,700 crore rupees in Mokama.&nbsp;The&nbsp;projects also include a six-lane bridge over river Ganga.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a>: PM Modi arrives in Mokama; he will lay foundation Stone of Projects under Namami Gange programme, and National Highway projects <a href="https://t.co/pCaMp5hiMg">pic.twitter.com/pCaMp5hiMg</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/919122778950746112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister addressed&nbsp;a public meeting in Mokama and took note of the large crowds that had gathered for his speech.

&quot;Wherever I can see, people are visible,&quot; PM Modi said.

He assured the people that the central and Bihar governments would do &quot;everything possible&quot; for Bihar&#39;s growth and that the projects whose foundation stones were being laid would give an impetus to the development of the state.

The prime minister also said that the Railway Ministry had started four special trains so that people in Bihar and north-eastern Uttar Pradesh did not have any difficulty in reaching home for Diwali and the Chhath festival.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Bihar for the centenary celebrations of the Patna University

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Bihar for the centenary celebrations of the Patna University, today praised chief minister Nitish Kumar for his commitment towards the progress of Bihar. "The commitment of Nitish Kumar ji towards the progress of Bihar is commendable," PM Modi said in his address at Patna University. PM Modi and Nitish Kumar shared the stage for the first time in eight years. "When the country celebrates 75 years of independence in 2022, then Bihar should also feature in the list of leading states of the nation. This is what we are aiming and working towards. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar`s plan will help Bihar achieve its goal as seeds sown 100 years ago in Patna University are giving fruits now," PM Modi said. The prime minister had high words of praise for Patna University, saying that it had given the country top civil servants. "In every state, the senior level of the civil services has officers who have studied in Patna University," PM Modi said. He added that Bihar was blessed with both "Gyaan" (knowledge) and the Ganga river. The university's famous alumni and BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha, however, didn't attend the event. Shatrughan Sinha sarcastically wrote on Twitter that his invitation came very late and at short notice, "delayed by the more loyal than the King's people". The former actor had earlier told a media outlet that he was "pained" at not being invited for the celebrations. ....even I got an invitaion, alas very late and with a very short notice...delayed by the "more loyal than the King's people" involved..2>3 — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) October 14, 2017 × ...in the affair. So, though "Muhabbat Karne waale kam na honge...Teri mehfil mein lekin hum na honge". However, my best wishes.....3>4 — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) October 14, 2017 × The actor tweeted his best wishes on the occasion. Bihar is the strength & weakness of your Bihari Babu. Long live Bihar, Long live Patna Univ, Long live Hon'ble PM @narendramodi . Jai Bihar! — Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) October 14, 2017 × PM Modi, whose BJP has an alliance with Nitish Kumar's JD-U in Bihar, said 10 private and 10 public universities will be given a fund of Rs 10,000 Crore over a period of five years to make them world-class. Nitish Kumar requested the prime minister to grant central university status to Patna University. The prime minister arrived in Patna today morning on a day-long visit to Bihar. He will also lay the foundation stone of several projects including four National Highways worth over 3,700 crore rupees in Mokama. The projects also include a six-lane bridge over river Ganga. #Bihar: PM Modi arrives in Mokama; he will lay foundation Stone of Projects under Namami Gange programme, and National Highway projects pic.twitter.com/pCaMp5hiMg — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2017 × The prime minister addressed a public meeting in Mokama and took note of the large crowds that had gathered for his speech. "Wherever I can see, people are visible," PM Modi said. He assured the people that the central and Bihar governments would do "everything possible" for Bihar's growth and that the projects whose foundation stones were being laid would give an impetus to the development of the state. The prime minister also said that the Railway Ministry had started four special trains so that people in Bihar and north-eastern Uttar Pradesh did not have any difficulty in reaching home for Diwali and the Chhath festival.

Nitish Kumar's commitment towards Bihar commendable: PM Modi at Patna University

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar tomorrow to attend the centenary celebrations of the Patna University and launch several development projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore.

This will be the prime minister&#39;s first full-fledged official tour to the state since the BJP became a part of the ruling coalition in Bihar in July this year.

In August, Modi along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had made an aerial survey of the flood-hit districts of Bihar.

After attending the Patna University function, the prime minister will fly by helicopter to Mokama, which is in Patna district about 100 km from the capital city.

Modi will launch a number of development projects there.

The state BJP president has been hinting that a bonanza was on the cards, terming the prime minister&#39;s visit as a &quot;Diwali gift&quot; to the people of Bihar in general and Mokama in particular.

At Mokama, Modi will lay the foundation stone for four Rs 3031 crore national highways projects and as many sewage treatment plants (STPs) and related works worth Rs 738.04 crore tomorrow, an official statement said.

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, who also holds the portfolio of water resources, will accompany the prime minister for the ceremony.

The four highway projects for which the foundation stone will be laid, include the four-laning of Aunta-Simariya section of NH-31 and the construction of six-lane Ganga Setu at a cost of Rs 1,161 crore.

The other projects were four laning of Bakhtiyapur-Mokama section of NH-31 spending Rs 837 crore, two-lane construction of Maheshkhunt-Saharsa-Purnea section of NH 107 at a cost of Rs 736 crore and two-lane construction of Bihar Sharif Barbigha-Mokama section of NH-82 at the cost of Rs 297 crore.

The sewerage projects include the development of STPs and related network at Beur and Saidpur. These will create a capacity of treating 120 million litres daily (MLD), the statement said.

The project also includes upgradation of existing 20 MLD-capacity system. Besides, sewer network of 234.84 km will also be developed in the Beur and Saidpur zones, the statement said.

In Patna, seven other sewerage projects are already at various stages of implementation.

The existing population in the city is 16.83 lakh and the existing sewage generated in the city is 220 MLD and sewage load is expected to be 320 MLD by the year 2035.

&quot;Considering the existing treatment capacity of the city and existing waste generation and (estimated) waste generation till 2035, a total of 11 projects under World Bank funding are sanctioned for six zones which will create a total of 350 MLD of STP capacity and will lay down 1140.26 km of sewerage network at a cost of Rs 3582.41crore,&quot; the statement said.

After completion of these 11 projects, Patna will become a town having 100 per cent sewerage infrastructure and no sewage water will drain into Ganga, it said.

The impoverished state has high hopes from the prime minister, who had announced a &quot;package&quot; of Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 2015.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangements were in place for the prime minister&#39;s visit.

Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) said seven Superintendents of Police and 12 deputy SPs had been deployed to oversee the security arrangements and regulation of road traffic during nearly five-hour stay of the prime minister in the state.

&quot;Four companies of the Bihar Military Police and a Quick Response Team comprising eight units of Special Task Force and two of Anti-Terrorist Squad have also been deployed,&quot; he said.

&quot;Special arrangements have been made for Mokama where one company of CRPF and two units of STF will be assisting the local police in maintaining security,&quot; Singhal said.

Preparations were also in full swing at the Patna University for Saturday&#39;s function.

However, a minor controversy has erupted with actor-turned-politician and local BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha raising the issue of not being invited to the programme despite being a Patna University alumnus.

Sinha has also questioned the rationale behind the exclusion of senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha and RJD chief Lalu Prasad from the function despite being university alumni.

Patna University Vice-Chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh, however, sought to clear the air over the issue, claiming that the &quot;printing of invitation cards got delayed and that&#39;s why cards have not been sent to them. But, they are very much in our guest list&quot;.

This will be the prime minister's first full-fledged official tour to the state since the BJP became a part of the ruling coalition in Bihar in July this year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar tomorrow to attend the centenary celebrations of the Patna University and launch several development projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore. This will be the prime minister's first full-fledged official tour to the state since the BJP became a part of the ruling coalition in Bihar in July this year. In August, Modi along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had made an aerial survey of the flood-hit districts of Bihar. After attending the Patna University function, the prime minister will fly by helicopter to Mokama, which is in Patna district about 100 km from the capital city. Modi will launch a number of development projects there. The state BJP president has been hinting that a bonanza was on the cards, terming the prime minister's visit as a "Diwali gift" to the people of Bihar in general and Mokama in particular. At Mokama, Modi will lay the foundation stone for four Rs 3031 crore national highways projects and as many sewage treatment plants (STPs) and related works worth Rs 738.04 crore tomorrow, an official statement said. Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, who also holds the portfolio of water resources, will accompany the prime minister for the ceremony. The four highway projects for which the foundation stone will be laid, include the four-laning of Aunta-Simariya section of NH-31 and the construction of six-lane Ganga Setu at a cost of Rs 1,161 crore. The other projects were four laning of Bakhtiyapur-Mokama section of NH-31 spending Rs 837 crore, two-lane construction of Maheshkhunt-Saharsa-Purnea section of NH 107 at a cost of Rs 736 crore and two-lane construction of Bihar Sharif Barbigha-Mokama section of NH-82 at the cost of Rs 297 crore. The sewerage projects include the development of STPs and related network at Beur and Saidpur. These will create a capacity of treating 120 million litres daily (MLD), the statement said. The project also includes upgradation of existing 20 MLD-capacity system. Besides, sewer network of 234.84 km will also be developed in the Beur and Saidpur zones, the statement said. In Patna, seven other sewerage projects are already at various stages of implementation. The existing population in the city is 16.83 lakh and the existing sewage generated in the city is 220 MLD and sewage load is expected to be 320 MLD by the year 2035. "Considering the existing treatment capacity of the city and existing waste generation and (estimated) waste generation till 2035, a total of 11 projects under World Bank funding are sanctioned for six zones which will create a total of 350 MLD of STP capacity and will lay down 1140.26 km of sewerage network at a cost of Rs 3582.41crore," the statement said. After completion of these 11 projects, Patna will become a town having 100 per cent sewerage infrastructure and no sewage water will drain into Ganga, it said. The impoverished state has high hopes from the prime minister, who had announced a "package" of Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 2015. Meanwhile, tight security arrangements were in place for the prime minister's visit. Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) said seven Superintendents of Police and 12 deputy SPs had been deployed to oversee the security arrangements and regulation of road traffic during nearly five-hour stay of the prime minister in the state. "Four companies of the Bihar Military Police and a Quick Response Team comprising eight units of Special Task Force and two of Anti-Terrorist Squad have also been deployed," he said. "Special arrangements have been made for Mokama where one company of CRPF and two units of STF will be assisting the local police in maintaining security," Singhal said. Preparations were also in full swing at the Patna University for Saturday's function. However, a minor controversy has erupted with actor-turned-politician and local BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha raising the issue of not being invited to the programme despite being a Patna University alumnus. Sinha has also questioned the rationale behind the exclusion of senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha and RJD chief Lalu Prasad from the function despite being university alumni. Patna University Vice-Chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh, however, sought to clear the air over the issue, claiming that the "printing of invitation cards got delayed and that's why cards have not been sent to them. But, they are very much in our guest list".

PM Modi to visit Bihar to attend Patna University centenary celebrations

Firefighters battled wildfires in California&#39;s wine region on Tuesday as the death toll rose to 15 and thousands were left homeless in neighborhoods reduced to ashes.

&quot;The homes are gone, they are like dust,&quot; said Jack Dixon, a personal trainer who lives in Santa Rosa, a city of 175,000 in Sonoma County. &quot;It is just like we were nuked.&quot;

Dixon told AFP that his own neighborhood was spared when the fire &quot;miraculously&quot; changed direction but many others were not so fortunate.

&quot;I am surrounded by devastation and feel lucky it didn&#39;t happen to me,&quot; Dixon said.

US President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in California, freeing up federal funding and resources to help fight the 17 large wildfires in the western state.

Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in eight counties -- including wine-producing Napa and Sonoma -- and said thousands of firefighters had been deployed to fight the blazes.

The state fire prevention agency Calfire forecast strong winds for Wednesday, which could fan the fires.

Nine deaths were reported in Sonoma County, three in Mendocino County, two in Napa County and one in Yuba County and the governor said &quot;emergency responders anticipate the number of fatalities could grow.&quot;

Among the dead were a couple aged 99 and 100-years-old from Napa who had been married for 75 years, KTVU-TV said. They were unable to evacuate their home in time.

The Sonoma County Sheriff&#39;s Department said on its Facebook page it had received reports of 200 missing people.

Forty-five had been located and the department said it was confident that many of the rest would be found safe.

About 25,000 people have been evacuated in Sonoma County alone, the department said, and 5,000 have sought refuge in shelters.

The fires have torched more than 115,000 acres (46,500 hectares) and destroyed over 2,000 homes and businesses, according to the authorities.

Winds have weakened 
 
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said 17 large fires were continuing to burn on Tuesday.

&quot;The winds that fanned these fires Sunday night and Monday morning have decreased significantly, but local winds and dry conditions continue to pose a challenge,&quot; Cal Fire said.

&quot;With the decrease in the winds combined with cooler weather, firefighters made good progress overnight,&quot; it added.

Governor Brown said the &quot;devastation and disruption caused by these fires is extraordinary.

&quot;Thousands have been made homeless.&quot;

Much of the worst damage was in Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County, and could be seen from US Route 101, the north-south highway which runs from California through Oregon to Washington state.

The Sonoma County Hilton perched on a hill overlooking 101 was a smoldering ruin of charred wood and twisted metal, as was the nearby Fountaingrove Inn.

An enormous K-Mart store was entirely destroyed with only a couple of blackened walls still standing.&nbsp;

Among the wineries which reportedly suffered damage were William Hill Estate Winery in Napa, Signorello Vineyards, Stags&#39; Leap and Chimney Rock.&nbsp;

Maureen Fairchild, a nurse, was working at a hospital in Marin County where some of the evacuees were brought.

&quot;I was working in a memory-impaired unit,&quot; Fairchild told AFP. &quot;We had all these people who were already confused and now they were in an unfamiliar place with all this frenzy going on around them.&quot;

Kris Hammar, who lives in Santa Rosa on the edge of a mandatory evacuation zone, had not yet evacuated but was monitoring maps, wind direction, and fire updates to see if she and her family should bolt.

&quot;The fire is close, very close,&quot; Hammer said. &quot;Everything is in the car, and we are checking constantly to see if anything has changed.&quot;

Troy Newton, 46, a Sonoma County sheriff&#39;s detective, was among those who fled Santa Rosa. &nbsp;

Newton told The Los Angeles Times he was returning home when he saw a &quot;growing red snake&quot; of fire.

&quot;I ran into my house and told my wife to get our four-year-old boy ready to leave,&quot; Newton said, before raising the alarm for around 40 neighbors.

&quot;It was boom, boom, boom. Ring the door bell. Boom, boom -- until someone inside got the message,&quot; he said.

Pacific Gas &amp; Electric said more than 196,000 customers had initially lost electricity although half had had their power restored.

Governor Brown in April declared the official end of the state&#39;s drought that lasted more than five years.

But California is still dealing with the Santa Ana winds, a meteorological phenomenon which brings dry winds down from the high mountains east of the coastal areas -- a recipe for perfect wildfire conditions.

Forest fires are common in the western United States during dry, hot summer months.

Last month, a massive fire described as the biggest in the history of Los Angeles forced hundreds to evacuate their homes.

'Efforts have to be comprehensive and outcome driven, not output driven,' he added

Firefighters battled wildfires in California's wine region on Tuesday as the death toll rose to 15 and thousands were left homeless in neighborhoods reduced to ashes. "The homes are gone, they are like dust," said Jack Dixon, a personal trainer who lives in Santa Rosa, a city of 175,000 in Sonoma County. "It is just like we were nuked." Dixon told AFP that his own neighborhood was spared when the fire "miraculously" changed direction but many others were not so fortunate. "I am surrounded by devastation and feel lucky it didn't happen to me," Dixon said. US President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in California, freeing up federal funding and resources to help fight the 17 large wildfires in the western state. Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in eight counties -- including wine-producing Napa and Sonoma -- and said thousands of firefighters had been deployed to fight the blazes. The state fire prevention agency Calfire forecast strong winds for Wednesday, which could fan the fires. Nine deaths were reported in Sonoma County, three in Mendocino County, two in Napa County and one in Yuba County and the governor said "emergency responders anticipate the number of fatalities could grow." Among the dead were a couple aged 99 and 100-years-old from Napa who had been married for 75 years, KTVU-TV said. They were unable to evacuate their home in time. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Department said on its Facebook page it had received reports of 200 missing people. Forty-five had been located and the department said it was confident that many of the rest would be found safe. About 25,000 people have been evacuated in Sonoma County alone, the department said, and 5,000 have sought refuge in shelters. The fires have torched more than 115,000 acres (46,500 hectares) and destroyed over 2,000 homes and businesses, according to the authorities. Winds have weakened The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said 17 large fires were continuing to burn on Tuesday. "The winds that fanned these fires Sunday night and Monday morning have decreased significantly, but local winds and dry conditions continue to pose a challenge," Cal Fire said. "With the decrease in the winds combined with cooler weather, firefighters made good progress overnight," it added. Governor Brown said the "devastation and disruption caused by these fires is extraordinary. "Thousands have been made homeless." Much of the worst damage was in Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County, and could be seen from US Route 101, the north-south highway which runs from California through Oregon to Washington state. The Sonoma County Hilton perched on a hill overlooking 101 was a smoldering ruin of charred wood and twisted metal, as was the nearby Fountaingrove Inn. An enormous K-Mart store was entirely destroyed with only a couple of blackened walls still standing. Among the wineries which reportedly suffered damage were William Hill Estate Winery in Napa, Signorello Vineyards, Stags' Leap and Chimney Rock. Maureen Fairchild, a nurse, was working at a hospital in Marin County where some of the evacuees were brought. "I was working in a memory-impaired unit," Fairchild told AFP. "We had all these people who were already confused and now they were in an unfamiliar place with all this frenzy going on around them." Kris Hammar, who lives in Santa Rosa on the edge of a mandatory evacuation zone, had not yet evacuated but was monitoring maps, wind direction, and fire updates to see if she and her family should bolt. "The fire is close, very close," Hammer said. "Everything is in the car, and we are checking constantly to see if anything has changed." Troy Newton, 46, a Sonoma County sheriff's detective, was among those who fled Santa Rosa. Newton told The Los Angeles Times he was returning home when he saw a "growing red snake" of fire. "I ran into my house and told my wife to get our four-year-old boy ready to leave," Newton said, before raising the alarm for around 40 neighbors. "It was boom, boom, boom. Ring the door bell. Boom, boom -- until someone inside got the message," he said. Pacific Gas & Electric said more than 196,000 customers had initially lost electricity although half had had their power restored. Governor Brown in April declared the official end of the state's drought that lasted more than five years. But California is still dealing with the Santa Ana winds, a meteorological phenomenon which brings dry winds down from the high mountains east of the coastal areas -- a recipe for perfect wildfire conditions. Forest fires are common in the western United States during dry, hot summer months. Last month, a massive fire described as the biggest in the history of Los Angeles forced hundreds to evacuate their homes.

Just having best development ideas not enough: Prime Minister Modi

A visibly happy Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with chants of &quot;Modi Modi&quot; as he undertook a roadshow in his hometown Vadnagar on the second day of his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-was-like-diwali-yesterday-when-we-made-important-changes-in-gst-pm-modi-in-gujarat-21101">Gujarat visit</a> on Sunday.

PM Modi, who was born in Vadnagar is visiting his hometown for the first time after becoming the prime minister in 2014.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/highlights-of-pm-modis-speech-on-day-2-of-gujarat-visit-21123">While addressing a public meeting in his hometown</a>, PM Modi said, &quot;Whatever I am today is because of the values taught by this land.&quot; &quot;I will go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation.&quot;

&quot;Immense love showered by people of Vadnagar gives me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal, the PM added. 
 
He also criticised the Congress-led UPA government&#39;s health policy and said it did not pay attention to increasing the number of seats in medical colleges.

&quot;Till the time Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee&#39;s government was in power 15, 16, 17 years back, our country made its health policy.&nbsp;After that for the next 10 years, a government came that hated development,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;Due to the rules formulated by the past governments, very few students were able to secure admission in the medical colleges. Thus, we have taken up the task of opening one medical college for (every) three to four Lok Sabha constituencies across the country,&quot; PM Modi said. 
 
&quot;Since we also need good professors for such colleges, we have also increased 6,000 seats in PG medical courses in the last one year. Though some people criticised the move, we remained firm because we understand that we will need good professors for producing good doctors,&quot; he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi&#39;s roadshow in his hometown <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadnagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadnagar</a>, crowd chants &#39;Modi Modi&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/twwMQ7AfDl">pic.twitter.com/twwMQ7AfDl</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/916879924094320640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The roadshow was followed by a visit to his school, after which the Indian PM offered prayers at the Hatkeshwar Temple.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he reached his school in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadnagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadnagar</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/hIl6DRgI25">pic.twitter.com/hIl6DRgI25</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/916890464225083392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadnagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadnagar</a>&#39;s Hatkeshwar Temple. <a href="https://t.co/VMMCtSFK7S">pic.twitter.com/VMMCtSFK7S</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/916891707500781568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He next dedicated Vadnagar&#39;s Rs&nbsp;500 crore multi-speciality GMERS Medical College to the nation and interacted with the medical students in the classroom.

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Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi dedicates <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadnagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadnagar</a>&#39;s GMERS Medical College to the nation; Gujarat CM, Dy CM &amp; Union Min JP Nadda also present. <a href="https://t.co/M9ySQBIcfZ">pic.twitter.com/M9ySQBIcfZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/916896707270426630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi interacts with students at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vadnagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vadnagar</a>&#39;s GMERS Medical College. <a href="https://t.co/JNUF1hWm60">pic.twitter.com/JNUF1hWm60</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/916897592742572032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The railway station where PM Modi helped his father sell tea as a child has been decorated with flowers. A photography exhibition is underway nearby giving an insight into the childhood of the prime minister.

The Prime Minister&#39;s next stop was the city of Bharuch where he laid the foundation stone for the Bhadbhut Barrage to be built over Narmada River and flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna in Surat&nbsp;and Jaynagar, Bihar.

PM Modi called the&nbsp;Antyodaya Express &quot;a commendable initiative by Railways&quot;, and said it would&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier for people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to go home for the Chhath Puja&nbsp;(festival).

PM Modi also addressing a public meeting in Bharuch before returning to Delhi.

Yesterday, while speaking at a function to dedicate the newly-constructed building of IIT Gandhinagar to the nation, PM Modi took a jibe at the criticism of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train which is being built.

The prime minister recalled that as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he had allotted 400 acres in the state capital for its campus in 2011.

He said some people would have gone all out to criticise him had the allocation been announced during elections in the state, &nbsp;&quot;the way they criticise bullet trains these days&quot;.

The prime minister was referring to the Gujarat elections which will be held later this year. 
 
Yesterday, in Dwarka,&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Modi also addressed the topic of GST and said the central government had made the tax simpler.

&quot;It was like Diwali yesterday when we made some important changes in the Goods and Services Tax. I had already stated earlier that we would look into GST for 3 months and make changes, mend loopholes as per the experience.&nbsp;Centre has tried to make the tax simpler.

&nbsp;The PM the foundation stone for four national highways projects worth Rs 5,825 crore at Dwarka.&nbsp;

He also laid the foundation stones for a greenfield airport at Rajkot.

 
&nbsp;

A visibly happy Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with chants of 'Modi Modi' as he undertook a roadshow in his hometown Vadnagar

A visibly happy Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with chants of "Modi Modi" as he undertook a roadshow in his hometown Vadnagar on the second day of his Gujarat visit on Sunday. PM Modi, who was born in Vadnagar is visiting his hometown for the first time after becoming the prime minister in 2014. While addressing a public meeting in his hometown, PM Modi said, "Whatever I am today is because of the values taught by this land." "I will go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation." "Immense love showered by people of Vadnagar gives me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal, the PM added. He also criticised the Congress-led UPA government's health policy and said it did not pay attention to increasing the number of seats in medical colleges. "Till the time Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee's government was in power 15, 16, 17 years back, our country made its health policy. After that for the next 10 years, a government came that hated development," PM Modi said. "Due to the rules formulated by the past governments, very few students were able to secure admission in the medical colleges. Thus, we have taken up the task of opening one medical college for (every) three to four Lok Sabha constituencies across the country," PM Modi said. "Since we also need good professors for such colleges, we have also increased 6,000 seats in PG medical courses in the last one year. Though some people criticised the move, we remained firm because we understand that we will need good professors for producing good doctors," he said. #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi's roadshow in his hometown #Vadnagar, crowd chants 'Modi Modi' #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/twwMQ7AfDl — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 × The roadshow was followed by a visit to his school, after which the Indian PM offered prayers at the Hatkeshwar Temple. #WATCH: #Visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he reached his school in #Vadnagar, #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/hIl6DRgI25 — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 × Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at #Vadnagar's Hatkeshwar Temple. pic.twitter.com/VMMCtSFK7S — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 × He next dedicated Vadnagar's Rs 500 crore multi-speciality GMERS Medical College to the nation and interacted with the medical students in the classroom. Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi dedicates #Vadnagar's GMERS Medical College to the nation; Gujarat CM, Dy CM & Union Min JP Nadda also present. pic.twitter.com/M9ySQBIcfZ — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 × Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi interacts with students at #Vadnagar's GMERS Medical College. pic.twitter.com/JNUF1hWm60 — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 × The railway station where PM Modi helped his father sell tea as a child has been decorated with flowers. A photography exhibition is underway nearby giving an insight into the childhood of the prime minister. The Prime Minister's next stop was the city of Bharuch where he laid the foundation stone for the Bhadbhut Barrage to be built over Narmada River and flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna in Surat and Jaynagar, Bihar. PM Modi called the Antyodaya Express "a commendable initiative by Railways", and said it would make it easier for people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to go home for the Chhath Puja (festival). PM Modi also addressing a public meeting in Bharuch before returning to Delhi. Yesterday, while speaking at a function to dedicate the newly-constructed building of IIT Gandhinagar to the nation, PM Modi took a jibe at the criticism of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train which is being built. The prime minister recalled that as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he had allotted 400 acres in the state capital for its campus in 2011. He said some people would have gone all out to criticise him had the allocation been announced during elections in the state, "the way they criticise bullet trains these days". The prime minister was referring to the Gujarat elections which will be held later this year. Yesterday, in Dwarka, PM Modi also addressed the topic of GST and said the central government had made the tax simpler. "It was like Diwali yesterday when we made some important changes in the Goods and Services Tax. I had already stated earlier that we would look into GST for 3 months and make changes, mend loopholes as per the experience. Centre has tried to make the tax simpler. The PM the foundation stone for four national highways projects worth Rs 5,825 crore at Dwarka. He also laid the foundation stones for a greenfield airport at Rajkot.

Vadnagar gives PM Modi a blockbuster homecoming on Day 2 of Gujarat visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in his hometown Vadnagar in Gujarat&#39;s Mehsana district on the second day of his visit to Gujarat.

This is PM Modi&#39;s first visit to his hometown and birthplace since he became prime minister in 2014.

Other milestones of PM Modi&#39;s Vadnagar visit were a visit to his school and the inauguration of a Rs 500 crore multi-speciality medical college.

The Prime Minister&#39;s next stop was the city of Bharuch where he laid the foundation stone for the Bhadbhut Barrage to be built over Narmada River and flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna in Surat&nbsp;and Jaynagar, Bihar.

Excerpts from his speech at a public rally in Vadnagar:

Whatever I am today is because of the values taught by this land

I will go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation

Immense love showered by people of Vadnagar gives me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal 
 
Chinese scholar Xuanzang visited my village in India and in China he visited President Xi&#39;s village

Doctors may or may not guarantee good health, but cleanliness does

Till the time Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee&#39;s government was in power 15, 16, 17 years back, our country made its health policy

After that for the next 10 years, a government came that hated development

We brought prices of stents down. Work is constantly being done to make healthcare affordable for the poor

Today I met youngsters from a medical college. We as a society require more doctors who can serve people

Highlights from his speech in Bharuch

We decided that 100% neem coating of urea has to be done so that it can only be used in farming and not in chemical factories

Neem coating of urea helped farmers and stopped corruption as well as theft: PM

However big those who plunder the country become, ultimately only honesty will win&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

This is PM Modi's first visit to his hometown and birthplace Vadnagar since he became prime minister in 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in his hometown Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district on the second day of his visit to Gujarat. This is PM Modi's first visit to his hometown and birthplace since he became prime minister in 2014. Other milestones of PM Modi's Vadnagar visit were a visit to his school and the inauguration of a Rs 500 crore multi-speciality medical college. The Prime Minister's next stop was the city of Bharuch where he laid the foundation stone for the Bhadbhut Barrage to be built over Narmada River and flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna in Surat and Jaynagar, Bihar. Excerpts from his speech at a public rally in Vadnagar: Whatever I am today is because of the values taught by this land I will go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation Immense love showered by people of Vadnagar gives me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal Chinese scholar Xuanzang visited my village in India and in China he visited President Xi's village Doctors may or may not guarantee good health, but cleanliness does Till the time Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee's government was in power 15, 16, 17 years back, our country made its health policy After that for the next 10 years, a government came that hated development We brought prices of stents down. Work is constantly being done to make healthcare affordable for the poor Today I met youngsters from a medical college. We as a society require more doctors who can serve people Highlights from his speech in Bharuch We decided that 100% neem coating of urea has to be done so that it can only be used in farming and not in chemical factories Neem coating of urea helped farmers and stopped corruption as well as theft: PM However big those who plunder the country become, ultimately only honesty will win

Highlights from PM Modi's speech on Day 2 of Gujarat visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a tough task at hand - to get power to a school in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. The school, in Sarnath area of Varanasi, is without power for the last 13 years. And the situation will remain the same till 2019, says a board inside the school.

The students in Sarnath Primary School have to brave cold wave and blistering heat to study. And they sit on the floor as there are no benches. The school has fans, but no electricity.

&quot;There are no doors, no table and benches, even water is missing,&quot; said Deepti Patel, one of the students. &quot;It&rsquo;s too hot here,&quot; said Neha, another student.

Others too echoed similar sentiments. &quot;We are studying without water and electricity. The school doesn&rsquo;t even have a toilet, which makes things worse,&quot; said Lakshmi Maurya.

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The school board which shows the agonising 13-year-long wait for power (WION)
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The principal said the situation is a result of officials&rsquo; apathy. &quot;It&rsquo;s been a year since I came here and the situation is the same since then. Windows are broken, there are no doors. Forget students, even teachers do not have desks and chairs. I have made several efforts, approached my seniors but we are still without power,&quot; said Pratibha Pandey, the principal of the school.

Ironically, the school is among the&nbsp;29 institutions which are part of state government&rsquo;s model school initiative.

&quot;The students face a lot of problems during extreme weather. The school is in pretty bad shape. Children have to sit through classes with a leaking roof. I hope this model school initiative changes our fortunes,&quot; the principal said.&nbsp;

Officials, meanwhile, say the situation will improve soon. &quot;We have started this scheme of announcing model schools. The building will get new tiles. The funds that we are receiving, will be put to good use,&quot; said chief development officer Sunil Kumar Verma.

The officer also said that the government plans to install solar-powered lights and fans in the school. The school will also have solar-powered cooler and the RO plant, he added.

The students in Sarnath Primary School have to brave cold wave and blistering heat to study

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a tough task at hand - to get power to a school in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. The school, in Sarnath area of Varanasi, is without power for the last 13 years. And the situation will remain the same till 2019, says a board inside the school. The students in Sarnath Primary School have to brave cold wave and blistering heat to study. And they sit on the floor as there are no benches. The school has fans, but no electricity. "There are no doors, no table and benches, even water is missing," said Deepti Patel, one of the students. "It’s too hot here," said Neha, another student. Others too echoed similar sentiments. "We are studying without water and electricity. The school doesn’t even have a toilet, which makes things worse," said Lakshmi Maurya. The school board which shows the agonising 13-year-long wait for power (WION) × The principal said the situation is a result of officials’ apathy. "It’s been a year since I came here and the situation is the same since then. Windows are broken, there are no doors. Forget students, even teachers do not have desks and chairs. I have made several efforts, approached my seniors but we are still without power," said Pratibha Pandey, the principal of the school. Ironically, the school is among the 29 institutions which are part of state government’s model school initiative. "The students face a lot of problems during extreme weather. The school is in pretty bad shape. Children have to sit through classes with a leaking roof. I hope this model school initiative changes our fortunes," the principal said. Officials, meanwhile, say the situation will improve soon. "We have started this scheme of announcing model schools. The building will get new tiles. The funds that we are receiving, will be put to good use," said chief development officer Sunil Kumar Verma. The officer also said that the government plans to install solar-powered lights and fans in the school. The school will also have solar-powered cooler and the RO plant, he added.

13 years on, a school in Varanasi waits for electricity

In his inaugural address to the BJP Executive Meeting, &nbsp;BJP President Amit Shah slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on dynastic politics.&nbsp;

He said that the BJP believes in the politics of performance while Congress follows &quot;politics of appeasement and dynasty&quot;.

During a speech at the University of California at Berkeley Rahul Gandhi defended dynastic politics. He said &ldquo;Dynastic politics is a problem in all political parties. Akhilesh Yadav, Stalin and even actor Abhishek Bachchan are dynasts... So don&rsquo;t go just after me.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Citing the examples of the current president, vice president and prime minister, the BJP chief said that they have reached to their position due of their work.&nbsp;

Amit Shah also&nbsp;claimed that the economy is flourishing well under the present government than compared to how it was under the UPA government. He presented figures to substantiate his claims.&nbsp;

The party president also appreciated the government&#39;s response to the handling of Naxalism and terrorism. He said&nbsp;more terrorists were killed during the last three years than any other spell of three years.&nbsp;

He attacked the TMC government in West Bengal and the Left in Kerala for the&nbsp;alleged political violence on BJP workers.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;event was followed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal&#39;s address in which he said his party was relentlessly working&nbsp;in the interest of the people.&nbsp;

Referring to the latest verbal attacks by Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Goyal said that Gandhi has been undermining the country for which he has received a befitting reply from the Amit Shah.&nbsp;He said he was confident that BJP will register a &quot;historic win&quot;&nbsp;in the upcoming Gujarat polls.&nbsp;

He added that the party leader Amit Shah will hold a padyatra&nbsp;(journey by road) &nbsp;in Kerala from October 3-17, to connect with the people.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash">#Visuals</a> from BJP National Executive Meet in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/slrL5L15gZ">pic.twitter.com/slrL5L15gZ</a>
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The Govt is relentlessly working in the interests of the poor: Union Minister Piyush Goyal during BJP National Executive meet <a href="https://t.co/x4xENKwQIx">pic.twitter.com/x4xENKwQIx</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912207510890672128">September 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Amit Shah ji said that from October 3-17 BJP workers will do a &#39;padyatra&#39; in Kerala and connect with the people: Piyush Goyal
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912207725957832704">September 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi ji has been undermining India these days, Amit Shah ji gave a befitting reply with facts: Piyush Goyal on BJP Natl Exec meet <a href="https://t.co/VEuFUtNKLh">pic.twitter.com/VEuFUtNKLh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/912208440197496833">September 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Amit Shah ji ne kaha vanshvaad Congress ki sanskriti hai: Piyush Goyal
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BJP will register a historic win in upcoming Gujarat polls: Union Minister Piyush Goyal <a href="https://t.co/uW6GdfLoPL">pic.twitter.com/uW6GdfLoPL</a>
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The two-day BJP National Executive meet in New Delhi, which will conclude&nbsp;today after PM Modi&#39;s address, is being attended by an estimated 2000 party leaders including&nbsp;1400 Members of Legislative Assembly, 337 Members of Parliament, and all Members of Legislative Council.

The meet will trace the political and economic development of the&nbsp;government.&nbsp;

It&nbsp;coincides with the 100th birth centenary of independence leader Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah said the BJP believes in the politics of performance while Congress follows 'politics of appeasement and dynasty'

In his inaugural address to the BJP Executive Meeting, BJP President Amit Shah slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on dynastic politics. He said that the BJP believes in the politics of performance while Congress follows "politics of appeasement and dynasty". During a speech at the University of California at Berkeley Rahul Gandhi defended dynastic politics. He said “Dynastic politics is a problem in all political parties. Akhilesh Yadav, Stalin and even actor Abhishek Bachchan are dynasts... So don’t go just after me.” Citing the examples of the current president, vice president and prime minister, the BJP chief said that they have reached to their position due of their work. Amit Shah also claimed that the economy is flourishing well under the present government than compared to how it was under the UPA government. He presented figures to substantiate his claims. The party president also appreciated the government's response to the handling of Naxalism and terrorism. He said more terrorists were killed during the last three years than any other spell of three years. He attacked the TMC government in West Bengal and the Left in Kerala for the alleged political violence on BJP workers. The event was followed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal's address in which he said his party was relentlessly working in the interest of the people. Referring to the latest verbal attacks by Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Goyal said that Gandhi has been undermining the country for which he has received a befitting reply from the Amit Shah. He said he was confident that BJP will register a "historic win" in the upcoming Gujarat polls. He added that the party leader Amit Shah will hold a padyatra (journey by road) in Kerala from October 3-17, to connect with the people. #Visuals from BJP National Executive Meet in Delhi pic.twitter.com/slrL5L15gZ — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2017 × The Govt is relentlessly working in the interests of the poor: Union Minister Piyush Goyal during BJP National Executive meet pic.twitter.com/x4xENKwQIx — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2017 × Amit Shah ji said that from October 3-17 BJP workers will do a 'padyatra' in Kerala and connect with the people: Piyush Goyal — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2017 × Rahul Gandhi ji has been undermining India these days, Amit Shah ji gave a befitting reply with facts: Piyush Goyal on BJP Natl Exec meet pic.twitter.com/VEuFUtNKLh — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2017 × Amit Shah ji ne kaha vanshvaad Congress ki sanskriti hai: Piyush Goyal — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2017 × BJP will register a historic win in upcoming Gujarat polls: Union Minister Piyush Goyal pic.twitter.com/uW6GdfLoPL — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2017 × The two-day BJP National Executive meet in New Delhi, which will conclude today after PM Modi's address, is being attended by an estimated 2000 party leaders including 1400 Members of Legislative Assembly, 337 Members of Parliament, and all Members of Legislative Council. The meet will trace the political and economic development of the government. It coincides with the 100th birth centenary of independence leader Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

At BJP's executive meet, Amit Shah takes potshots at Rahul Gandhi for defending dynasty politics

Answering his critics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday&nbsp;said he uses his monthly radio programme &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; to reflect the views and aspirations of the people of the country rather than expressing his own opinions.

He said he had kept this three-year-old programme away from politics and had tried to connect with the people without getting swayed by the (political) &quot;heat&quot; and &quot;anger&quot; that may prevail at any particular time.

In the 36th episode of the radio broadcast, Modi expressed confidence that social scientists, universities, research scholars and media experts would conduct analysis of the programme and highlight its positives and negatives.

He said the &quot;Mann Ki Baat&quot;&nbsp;programme reflects positive strength of the country.

&quot;(Through the programme) I got a unique opportunity of connecting with the people and knowing their feelings, wishes, aspirations and even complaints and I never said that this is my &quot;Mann Ki Baat&quot;&nbsp;(my voice),&quot; the prime minister said.

He was clearly answering his critics from the opposition parties who have been accusing him of expressing only his views through the programme and not listening to the voice of the people.

Modi said through this programme, he reflects views of the people who keep sending him inputs through emails, by telephone and on MyGov app and NarendraModi App. 
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PM Modi said he had used his three-year-old programme away from politics and had tried to connect with the people

Answering his critics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he uses his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' to reflect the views and aspirations of the people of the country rather than expressing his own opinions. He said he had kept this three-year-old programme away from politics and had tried to connect with the people without getting swayed by the (political) "heat" and "anger" that may prevail at any particular time. In the 36th episode of the radio broadcast, Modi expressed confidence that social scientists, universities, research scholars and media experts would conduct analysis of the programme and highlight its positives and negatives. He said the "Mann Ki Baat" programme reflects positive strength of the country. "(Through the programme) I got a unique opportunity of connecting with the people and knowing their feelings, wishes, aspirations and even complaints and I never said that this is my "Mann Ki Baat" (my voice)," the prime minister said. He was clearly answering his critics from the opposition parties who have been accusing him of expressing only his views through the programme and not listening to the voice of the people. Modi said through this programme, he reflects views of the people who keep sending him inputs through emails, by telephone and on MyGov app and NarendraModi App.

Tried to keep 'Mann Ki Baat' away from politics: PM Modi in address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in Varanasi&#39;s Shahanshahpur village on&nbsp;the second&nbsp;day of his visit to his&nbsp;Lok Sabha constituency.

PM Modi said that for him&nbsp;governance about the well-being of a nation and not about politics or winning elections.

&quot;For us, governance is not about politics or winning elections. The priority is the well-being of the nation,&quot; he said.

In his speech, PM Modi stressed the importance of co-operatives in the dairy sector. He highlighted the efforts the government was taking to double the income of farmers with the help of schemes such as the soil health card.&nbsp;

&quot;Let us build on the strides we have made in the dairy sector. Cooperatives can help in this regard, as they have in parts of the nation,&quot; he said.

Doubling of farmers income is an area in which significant work is being done. Schemes like soil health card are benefiting farmers.&quot;

&quot;Focus on animal health is commendable. This focus will benefit the farmers across the state,&quot; the Indian PM said.

Earlier in the day, prime minister Narendra Modi laid down the foundation stone for a toilet as a part of his &quot;Swachhata Hi Seva&quot;&nbsp;cleanliness movement. The prime minister said that the people of the village had decided to make the village Open Defecation Free (ODF).

He emphasised that cleanliness had to become a habit for it to be sustainable. He added that cleanliness was like worship for him and a way to keep the nation clean.

&quot;Swachhata (cleanliness) has to become &#39;Swabhav&#39; (habit) - it is our collective responsibility to keep our nation clean,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;A clean India also means a healthier India,&quot; he added. 
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As a part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwachhataHiSeva?src=hash">#SwachhataHiSeva</a> movement, did Shramdan for the construction of a twin pit toilet at Shahanshahpur, Varanasi. <a href="https://t.co/53WDxYL7nq">pic.twitter.com/53WDxYL7nq</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/911476597554765825">September 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Minister of State for Rural Development Mahendra Singh and BJP State Unit President Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present.

The Prime Minister, who inaugurated the Pashu Arogya Mela on the last day of his two-day visit,&nbsp;congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Government &quot;especially Yogi Adityanath&quot;&nbsp;for holding the animal fair.

He also&nbsp;distributed&nbsp;certificates to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the morning.

Yesterday, the prime minister flagged off a direct train service to Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat and&nbsp;dedicated a weaving centre, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, to the nation.

PM Modi said his government wanted the works of weavers -- who constitute a major chunk of the city&#39;s population -- to be showcased globally so as to enhance their economic prospects.

He also launched several development initiatives and&nbsp;gifted schemes worth Rs 1,000 crore to his Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp; 
 
While addressing a public meeting, the Indian PM also lashed out at previous governments and said they seemed to hate development and &quot;looted&quot; public money to win elections.

PM Modi also released a postage stamp on different aspects of Lord Ram&#39;s life at the famous Tulsi Manas Mandir. 
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On the second day of his Varanasi visit and as a part of his Swachhata Hi Seva cleanliness movement, prime minister Narendra Modi laid down the foundation stone for a toilet in his Lok Sabha constituency's Shahanshahpur village

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in Varanasi's Shahanshahpur village on the second day of his visit to his Lok Sabha constituency. PM Modi said that for him governance about the well-being of a nation and not about politics or winning elections. "For us, governance is not about politics or winning elections. The priority is the well-being of the nation," he said. In his speech, PM Modi stressed the importance of co-operatives in the dairy sector. He highlighted the efforts the government was taking to double the income of farmers with the help of schemes such as the soil health card. "Let us build on the strides we have made in the dairy sector. Cooperatives can help in this regard, as they have in parts of the nation," he said. Doubling of farmers income is an area in which significant work is being done. Schemes like soil health card are benefiting farmers." "Focus on animal health is commendable. This focus will benefit the farmers across the state," the Indian PM said. Earlier in the day, prime minister Narendra Modi laid down the foundation stone for a toilet as a part of his "Swachhata Hi Seva" cleanliness movement. The prime minister said that the people of the village had decided to make the village Open Defecation Free (ODF). He emphasised that cleanliness had to become a habit for it to be sustainable. He added that cleanliness was like worship for him and a way to keep the nation clean. "Swachhata (cleanliness) has to become 'Swabhav' (habit) - it is our collective responsibility to keep our nation clean," PM Modi said. "A clean India also means a healthier India," he added. As a part of #SwachhataHiSeva movement, did Shramdan for the construction of a twin pit toilet at Shahanshahpur, Varanasi. pic.twitter.com/53WDxYL7nq — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2017 × Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Minister of State for Rural Development Mahendra Singh and BJP State Unit President Mahendra Nath Pandey were also present. The Prime Minister, who inaugurated the Pashu Arogya Mela on the last day of his two-day visit, congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Government "especially Yogi Adityanath" for holding the animal fair. He also distributed certificates to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the morning. Yesterday, the prime minister flagged off a direct train service to Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat and dedicated a weaving centre, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, to the nation. PM Modi said his government wanted the works of weavers -- who constitute a major chunk of the city's population -- to be showcased globally so as to enhance their economic prospects. He also launched several development initiatives and gifted schemes worth Rs 1,000 crore to his Lok Sabha constituency. While addressing a public meeting, the Indian PM also lashed out at previous governments and said they seemed to hate development and "looted" public money to win elections. PM Modi also released a postage stamp on different aspects of Lord Ram's life at the famous Tulsi Manas Mandir.

Governance about the well-being of a nation: PM Modi in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Varanasi on Friday, gifted schemes worth Rs 1,000 crore to his Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

While addressing a public meeting, the Indian PM also lashed out at previous governments and said they seemed to hate development and &quot;looted&quot; public money to win elections.

&quot;Development is the solution to all our problems. Previous governments seemed to hate development and looted public money to win elections,&quot; he said addressing a public meeting here.

After inaugurating several development initiatives, PM Modi said, &quot;We not only launch but also complete projects.&quot;

He said his government&#39;s effort was to empower the poor. &quot;Our aim is to see that the dream of development is fulfilled and lives of poor changes and they get opportunities.&quot;

Modi said even the poor people do not want their future generations to eke out a living like themselves. &quot;No poor person wants to give their children their poverty in inheritance,&quot; Modi said.

He said his government shares their dream and is working to realise it. &quot;Our government has a dream to wipe out poverty,&quot; he said.

The Indian PM, who is on a two-day visit to Varanasi,&nbsp;inaugurated a direct train service via a video link which will connect his home constituency to Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat. He also dedicated&nbsp;a&nbsp;weaving centre, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, to the nation.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was present in Vadodara. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha was present in Surat during the flagging-off ceremony. 
 
The Mahamana Express will reach Vadodara via Madhya Pradesh. It currently runs on the Varanasi-New Delhi and the Bhopal-Khajuraho routes.

The train, which will be run as a special train, will reach Vadodara on Saturday.&nbsp;The 1,531-km journey between the two cities will take 27 hours and 30 minutes, officials said.

During his visit, PM Modi will also unveil plaques which will act as a foundation stone for various development&nbsp;projects in the city. He will also inaugurate the banking services of the Utkarsh Bank which specialises in micro-finance.

The trade facilitation centre, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, will enable weavers to showcase and sell their wares. It was the first project which was unveiled by the prime minister in the city&#39;s Bada Lalpur area upon his arrival.

PM Modi said his government wanted the works of weavers -- who constitute a major chunk of the city&#39;s population -- to be showcased globally so as to enhance their economic prospects.

&quot;Our weavers need a global market which will enhance their economic prospects significantly,&quot; he said. 
 
In the evening, the PM Modi will offer prayers at the historic&nbsp;Tulsi Manas Temple. The PM had tweeted yesterday that he looked forward to praying at the temple. He will also visit the Durga Mata Temple.

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I look forward to praying at the historic Tulsi Manas Temple &amp; Durga Mata Temple. A postage stamp on the Ramayana will also be released.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/910881052628881409">September 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister will also launch a &#39;Jal Ambulance&#39; service and a &#39;Jal Shav Vahan Sewa&#39; in Varanasi.&nbsp;

PM Modi, who arrived in Varanasi by a special Indian Air Force aircraft, was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath as soon as he touched down at the airport.

The direct train service will connect PM Modi's home constituency to Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Varanasi on Friday, gifted schemes worth Rs 1,000 crore to his Lok Sabha constituency. While addressing a public meeting, the Indian PM also lashed out at previous governments and said they seemed to hate development and "looted" public money to win elections. "Development is the solution to all our problems. Previous governments seemed to hate development and looted public money to win elections," he said addressing a public meeting here. After inaugurating several development initiatives, PM Modi said, "We not only launch but also complete projects." He said his government's effort was to empower the poor. "Our aim is to see that the dream of development is fulfilled and lives of poor changes and they get opportunities." Modi said even the poor people do not want their future generations to eke out a living like themselves. "No poor person wants to give their children their poverty in inheritance," Modi said. He said his government shares their dream and is working to realise it. "Our government has a dream to wipe out poverty," he said. The Indian PM, who is on a two-day visit to Varanasi, inaugurated a direct train service via a video link which will connect his home constituency to Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat. He also dedicated a weaving centre, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, to the nation. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was present in Vadodara. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha was present in Surat during the flagging-off ceremony. The Mahamana Express will reach Vadodara via Madhya Pradesh. It currently runs on the Varanasi-New Delhi and the Bhopal-Khajuraho routes. The train, which will be run as a special train, will reach Vadodara on Saturday. The 1,531-km journey between the two cities will take 27 hours and 30 minutes, officials said. During his visit, PM Modi will also unveil plaques which will act as a foundation stone for various development projects in the city. He will also inaugurate the banking services of the Utkarsh Bank which specialises in micro-finance. The trade facilitation centre, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, will enable weavers to showcase and sell their wares. It was the first project which was unveiled by the prime minister in the city's Bada Lalpur area upon his arrival. PM Modi said his government wanted the works of weavers -- who constitute a major chunk of the city's population -- to be showcased globally so as to enhance their economic prospects. "Our weavers need a global market which will enhance their economic prospects significantly," he said. In the evening, the PM Modi will offer prayers at the historic Tulsi Manas Temple. The PM had tweeted yesterday that he looked forward to praying at the temple. He will also visit the Durga Mata Temple. I look forward to praying at the historic Tulsi Manas Temple & Durga Mata Temple. A postage stamp on the Ramayana will also be released. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2017 × The Prime Minister will also launch a 'Jal Ambulance' service and a 'Jal Shav Vahan Sewa' in Varanasi. PM Modi, who arrived in Varanasi by a special Indian Air Force aircraft, was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath as soon as he touched down at the airport.

Previous governments seemed to hate development: PM Modi in Varanasi

India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a fast beginning today for the next nine days on the occasion of Navratri&nbsp;- a practice he has been following with devotion for the past four decades.

PM Modi will be on a liquid diet - mainly water even then he is set to continue his daily routine like any other day in office.

On the first day of Navratri today, Modi will be taking part in the birth centenary of late Lakshmanrao Inamdar, his political mentor and the founding father of RSS in Gujarat.

Modi will be visiting his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday where he will be participating in several programmes set out for him.

PM Modi often tours the country despite fasting for several days at a time. In 2014, PM Modi&#39;s first US visit was during the Navratri period. He attended the General Assembly of the United Nations while he was still fasting.

Former US President Barack Obama had organised customary dinner in PM Modi&#39;s honour but the Indian prime minister only drank water as he did not want to make any changes in his Navratri&nbsp;plans.

During Navratri, the prime minister offers prayers to Kamakhya and Ambaji. On Vijayadashmi, after Navratri, Modi does Shastra Puja.

As Gujarat chief minister, Modi used to do Shastra Puja with his security personnel on every Vijayadashmi.

In 2011, when Anna Hazare was sitting on a fast in Delhi demanding the Lokpal Bill, Modi in a letter to the Gandhian social activist had said he too was fasting since it was Navratri at that time in November.

PM Modi will be on a liquid diet - mainly water even then he is set to continue his daily routine like any other day in office.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a fast beginning today for the next nine days on the occasion of Navratri - a practice he has been following with devotion for the past four decades. PM Modi will be on a liquid diet - mainly water even then he is set to continue his daily routine like any other day in office. On the first day of Navratri today, Modi will be taking part in the birth centenary of late Lakshmanrao Inamdar, his political mentor and the founding father of RSS in Gujarat. Modi will be visiting his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday where he will be participating in several programmes set out for him. PM Modi often tours the country despite fasting for several days at a time. In 2014, PM Modi's first US visit was during the Navratri period. He attended the General Assembly of the United Nations while he was still fasting. Former US President Barack Obama had organised customary dinner in PM Modi's honour but the Indian prime minister only drank water as he did not want to make any changes in his Navratri plans. During Navratri, the prime minister offers prayers to Kamakhya and Ambaji. On Vijayadashmi, after Navratri, Modi does Shastra Puja. As Gujarat chief minister, Modi used to do Shastra Puja with his security personnel on every Vijayadashmi. In 2011, when Anna Hazare was sitting on a fast in Delhi demanding the Lokpal Bill, Modi in a letter to the Gandhian social activist had said he too was fasting since it was Navratri at that time in November.

PM Modi on nine-day fast during Navratri

Prime Minister Narendra turned 67 today (September 17) and the chief of his Bharatiya Janata Party Amit Shah said &quot;sewa&quot; or &quot;service&quot; was the best way to celebrate the birthday of &quot;pradhan (head) sewak&quot;.&nbsp;

PM Modi inaugurated the Sardar Sarovar project at Kevadia in Gujarat.

BJP leaders and ministers participated in cleanliness and other campaigns across Delhi.

The BJP president recalled his decades-long association with the prime minister, and said Narendra Modi had never celebrated his birthday.&nbsp;

He said that he first met Modi as a young BJP worker and neither of them was drawn to power as the saffron party then was far from the force it later became. What mattered, he said, was that they devoted every moment of their time for India&#39;s welfare.

&quot;We will continue to serve the nation and support him (Modi) as he takes India to new heights of success and glory,&quot; Shah said citing the Mudra scheme, Jan Dhan accounts, surgical strikes and demonetisation to underline Modi&#39;s resolve and commitment to the country&#39;s welfare.&nbsp;

In a blog, Amit Shah heaped praise on the Indian PM and said he had achieved the economic integration of India -- through initiatives like demonetisation, the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax and the Jan Dhan Yojana -- after Sardar Vallabhai Patel and BR Ambedkar achieved the country&#39;s territorial and social unification.

&quot;India remembers Sardar Patel for the territorial integration of our nation and we recall the role of Babasaheb Ambedkar in our social integration. Through initiatives starting from the Jan Dhan Yojana to the GST, Narendra Bhai has set the ball rolling for the economic integration of India,&quot; Shah said in a blog.

Amit Shah said, honest taxpayers, a majority of whom belonged to the middle class, felt valued following crackdowns against black money and corruption through various measures, including demonetisation and the benami law.

The BJP chief also said PM Modi&#39;s life was a &quot;personification of the spirit of India&quot; in many ways and claimed his sensitivity towards the aspirations of the poor had led to &quot;historic poverty alleviation initiatives taking shape at a scale unheard of in the history&quot; of India.

Modi&#39;s heart, he said, &quot;beats for the poor, downtrodden, marginalised and the farmers of India&quot;, adding that the PM&#39;s deep concern for their welfare had motivated him to immerse himself in nation building from a very young age.

Targeting the prime minister&#39;s critics, he said Modi had ruffled several feathers by his actions against the corrupt and status quo -- &quot;after all, years of the privilege of a select few are now over and the poor are now getting their due&quot;.

&quot;India First is a belief that Narendra Bhai has lived at every point of his life,&quot; Amit Shah wrote.

People saw Modi as a compassionate leader, he said.

&quot;They see him as their own, a person working round the clock for their and the nation&#39;s welfare, without any self-interest. His popularity has transcended all boundaries,&quot; the BJP chief said.

 
&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah recalled his decades-long association with the prime minister, and said Narendra Modi had never celebrated his birthday

Prime Minister Narendra turned 67 today (September 17) and the chief of his Bharatiya Janata Party Amit Shah said "sewa" or "service" was the best way to celebrate the birthday of "pradhan (head) sewak". PM Modi inaugurated the Sardar Sarovar project at Kevadia in Gujarat. BJP leaders and ministers participated in cleanliness and other campaigns across Delhi. The BJP president recalled his decades-long association with the prime minister, and said Narendra Modi had never celebrated his birthday. He said that he first met Modi as a young BJP worker and neither of them was drawn to power as the saffron party then was far from the force it later became. What mattered, he said, was that they devoted every moment of their time for India's welfare. "We will continue to serve the nation and support him (Modi) as he takes India to new heights of success and glory," Shah said citing the Mudra scheme, Jan Dhan accounts, surgical strikes and demonetisation to underline Modi's resolve and commitment to the country's welfare. In a blog, Amit Shah heaped praise on the Indian PM and said he had achieved the economic integration of India -- through initiatives like demonetisation, the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax and the Jan Dhan Yojana -- after Sardar Vallabhai Patel and BR Ambedkar achieved the country's territorial and social unification. "India remembers Sardar Patel for the territorial integration of our nation and we recall the role of Babasaheb Ambedkar in our social integration. Through initiatives starting from the Jan Dhan Yojana to the GST, Narendra Bhai has set the ball rolling for the economic integration of India," Shah said in a blog. Amit Shah said, honest taxpayers, a majority of whom belonged to the middle class, felt valued following crackdowns against black money and corruption through various measures, including demonetisation and the benami law. The BJP chief also said PM Modi's life was a "personification of the spirit of India" in many ways and claimed his sensitivity towards the aspirations of the poor had led to "historic poverty alleviation initiatives taking shape at a scale unheard of in the history" of India. Modi's heart, he said, "beats for the poor, downtrodden, marginalised and the farmers of India", adding that the PM's deep concern for their welfare had motivated him to immerse himself in nation building from a very young age. Targeting the prime minister's critics, he said Modi had ruffled several feathers by his actions against the corrupt and status quo -- "after all, years of the privilege of a select few are now over and the poor are now getting their due". "India First is a belief that Narendra Bhai has lived at every point of his life," Amit Shah wrote. People saw Modi as a compassionate leader, he said. "They see him as their own, a person working round the clock for their and the nation's welfare, without any self-interest. His popularity has transcended all boundaries," the BJP chief said.

What PM Modi's oldest associate said on his 67th birthday

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