<p>The year 2019 has just begun and we already have the selfie of the year. On Thursday, Karan Johar and a bunch of young stars from Bollywood came to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss on how cinema can help in nation building.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Post meeting, the stars posed for an epic selfie with the PM. The photo was shared on Instagram by Karan Johar, who thanked PM Modi for slashing GST rates of movie tickets and wrote, "Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity.</p>

<p>As a community, there is a huge interest to contribute to nation building. There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India.</p>

<p>The film industry would also like to send a huge thanks for the GST reduction in movie ticket prices that was implemented recently!&nbsp;<br />
Thank you so much for your time, Sir!"</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdDW4sjWjH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity. As a community, there is a huge interest to contribute to nation building. There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India. The film industry would also like to send a huge thanks for the GST reduction in movie ticket prices that was implemented recently! Thank you so much for your time, Sir!</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karanjohar/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Karan Johar</a> (@karanjohar) on <time datetime="2019-01-10T12:24:54+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 10, 2019 at 4:24am PST</time></p>
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<p>A few weeks earlier, Bollywood producers met the Prime Minister and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss GST rates in movie tickets. The meeting though was called out by many for not having any female representation.&nbsp;</p>


The year 2019 has just begun and we already have the selfie of the year. On Thursday, Karan Johar and a bunch of young stars from Bollywood came to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss on how cinema can help in nation building.

The year 2019 has just begun and we already have the selfie of the year. On Thursday, Karan Johar and a bunch of young stars from Bollywood came to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss on how cinema can help in nation building. The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation. Post meeting, the stars posed for an epic selfie with the PM. The photo was shared on Instagram by Karan Johar, who thanked PM Modi for slashing GST rates of movie tickets and wrote, "Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity. As a community, there is a huge interest to contribute to nation building. There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India. The film industry would also like to send a huge thanks for the GST reduction in movie ticket prices that was implemented recently! Thank you so much for your time, Sir!" View this post on Instagram Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity. As a community, there is a huge interest to contribute to nation building. There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India. The film industry would also like to send a huge thanks for the GST reduction in movie ticket prices that was implemented recently! Thank you so much for your time, Sir! A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) on Jan 10, 2019 at 4:24am PST × A few weeks earlier, Bollywood producers met the Prime Minister and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss GST rates in movie tickets. The meeting though was called out by many for not having any female representation.

Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hoped that the bill providing 10 per cent reservation for the General category poor in jobs and education is passed in Rajya Sabha. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>''I hope the bill providing 10 per cent quota for the General category poor in jobs and education is passed in Rajya Sabha by members respecting the public opinion,'' Modi said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister was addressing a public rally in Solapur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Passage of the bill that provides 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education a "strong answer" by Parliament to those spreading lies on the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi also addressed the concerns of the people of the northeast on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and assured the people of northeast and Assam that their rights will not be compromised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Yesterday, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in Lok Sabha. I want to assure people from northeast &amp; Assam that their rights will not be compromised with this decision,'' Modis said.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister also launched road and underground sewerage system projects developed at an investment of Rs 1,100 crore here in Solapur.</p>

<p>He also laid the foundation stone for Rs 1811 crore housing project of 30,000 units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.</p>

<p>Modi also commissioned the four-laned 98.717 km Solapur- Tuljapur-Osmanabad section on NH-211 (New NH-52). The Rs 972.50-crore toll road project will improve connectivity between Solapur and the Marathwada region.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hoped that the bill providing 10 per cent reservation for the General category poor in jobs and education is passed in Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hoped that the bill providing 10 per cent reservation for the General category poor in jobs and education is passed in Rajya Sabha. ''I hope the bill providing 10 per cent quota for the General category poor in jobs and education is passed in Rajya Sabha by members respecting the public opinion,'' Modi said. The Prime Minister was addressing a public rally in Solapur. Passage of the bill that provides 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education a "strong answer" by Parliament to those spreading lies on the move. Modi also addressed the concerns of the people of the northeast on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and assured the people of northeast and Assam that their rights will not be compromised. ''Yesterday, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in Lok Sabha. I want to assure people from northeast & Assam that their rights will not be compromised with this decision,'' Modis said. The Prime Minister also launched road and underground sewerage system projects developed at an investment of Rs 1,100 crore here in Solapur. He also laid the foundation stone for Rs 1811 crore housing project of 30,000 units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Modi also commissioned the four-laned 98.717 km Solapur- Tuljapur-Osmanabad section on NH-211 (New NH-52). The Rs 972.50-crore toll road project will improve connectivity between Solapur and the Marathwada region.

Hope bill providing 10 per cent quota for poor is passed in Rajya Sabha: PM Modi

<p>Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-norway-to-ink-pact-tuesday-to-facilitate-dialogue-to-boost-bilateral-trade-188804">who is on a three-day visit</a> to India called on "friendship and partnership" with India on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today is the main day of engagement for the Norway prime minister and she will be calling on President Kovind, Vice-President Naidu and will meet with PM Modi at Hyderabad House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue at 6pm today. Speaking to the media after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, she said, "I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and an impressive reception. Good tradition. I hope the meetings today will have even better way for cooperating in very big and important issues."</p>

<p>She added,"We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to talks."</p>

<p>She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat. In the visitor's book, she wrote,"I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the globe."</p>

<p>She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in the new year. On the first day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian business summit and opened the "green" compound at the Norwegian embassy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi has met&nbsp;Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi with a football. The football had SDG - sustainable development - goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, PM Modi met the Norway prime minister during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17th last year.</p>


Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a three-day visit to India called on "friendship and partnership" with India on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues".

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a three-day visit to India called on "friendship and partnership" with India on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". Today is the main day of engagement for the Norway prime minister and she will be calling on President Kovind, Vice-President Naidu and will meet with PM Modi at Hyderabad House. Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue at 6pm today. Speaking to the media after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, she said, "I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and an impressive reception. Good tradition. I hope the meetings today will have even better way for cooperating in very big and important issues." She added,"We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to talks." She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat. In the visitor's book, she wrote,"I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the globe." She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in the new year. On the first day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian business summit and opened the "green" compound at the Norwegian embassy. PM Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi with a football. The football had SDG - sustainable development - goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year, PM Modi met the Norway prime minister during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17th last year.

Want friendship and partnership with India: Norway PM Erna Solberg

Watch: WION Gravitas, 7th January, 2019

Watch: WION Fineprint, 8th January 2019

Watch: WION Your Story, 8th January 2019

Sushma Swaraj addresses world leaders in Delhi

<p>Soon after the Centre approved <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-10-quota-for-economically-weak-among-upper-castes-188798">10 percent quota for economically weaker upper castes</a> in government jobs and education, several political leaders called the decision a politically-motivated move ahead of 2019 general elections.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well &amp; truly sounded."</p>

<p>Former cabinet minister Yashwant Singh also hit out at the Centre while calling the decision a "jumla" (hollow promise).</p>

<p>"The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed," Singh, a former BJP leader said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-raises-question-on-the-legal-aspect-of-10-reservation-for-poor-among-upper-castes-188864">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is misleading the unemployed youth only for elections.</p>

<p>"My question is, in the name of elections can a government cheat people or ditch unemployed youth? They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally and legally valid or not," she questioned.</p>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also trained guns at the Centre calling the move a "mere political stunt".</p>

<p>Congress leader and former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat said that the Centre took the decision when election is around the corner.</p>

<p>"They took the decision very late that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas'&nbsp;they give, nothing is going to save this government," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla hailed the decision saying, "It's a historic step by Modi government. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs&nbsp;8 lakhs and who possess less than five acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories." &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Soon after the Centre approved 10 percent quota for economically weaker upper castes in government jobs and education, several political leaders called the decision a politically-motivated move ahead of 2019 general elections.

Soon after the Centre approved 10 percent quota for economically weaker upper castes in government jobs and education, several political leaders called the decision a politically-motivated move ahead of 2019 general elections. Taking to Twitter, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded." Former cabinet minister Yashwant Singh also hit out at the Centre while calling the decision a "jumla" (hollow promise). "The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed," Singh, a former BJP leader said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is misleading the unemployed youth only for elections. "My question is, in the name of elections can a government cheat people or ditch unemployed youth? They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally and legally valid or not," she questioned. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also trained guns at the Centre calling the move a "mere political stunt". Congress leader and former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat said that the Centre took the decision when election is around the corner. "They took the decision very late that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this government," he added. Meanwhile, MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla hailed the decision saying, "It's a historic step by Modi government. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs 8 lakhs and who possess less than five acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories."

Opposition corners Centre over general category quota

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-us-president-trump-discuss-indo-pacific-and-afghanistan-in-phone-call-188905">PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-on-4-day-visit-to-china-to-meet-president-xi-report-188901">Kim Jong-un on 4-day visit to China to meet President Xi: Report</a><br />
<br />
Kim Jong-un is on a four-day visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, Chinese and North Korean state media said Tuesday, after a special train was reported to have been seen crossing the border.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-introduce-new-law-to-curb-unauthorised-demonstrations-pm-edouard-philippe-188896">France to introduce new law to curb unauthorised demonstrations: PM Edouard Philippe</a></p>

<p>French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday announced plans to ban participation in unauthorised demonstrations as the government scrambles to try to end weeks of violent "yellow vest" protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-over-2-lakh-litre-water-pumped-out-in-efforts-to-rescue-trapped-miners-188885">Meghalaya: Over 2 lakh litre water pumped out in efforts to rescue trapped miners</a></p>

<p>Coal India Limited (CIL) on Monday started pumping out water from the old shaft at around 3.30 pm as part of the ongoing operations to rescue the miners who have been trapped in a mine at Ksan near Lyteiñ River in East Jaintia Hills.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-knocked-out-of-fa-cup-by-wolves-188887">Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup by Wolves</a></p>

<p>Premier League leaders Liverpool paid the price for fielding a weakened side as they were knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.</p>


PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership. Kim Jong-un on 4-day visit to China to meet President Xi: Report Kim Jong-un is on a four-day visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, Chinese and North Korean state media said Tuesday, after a special train was reported to have been seen crossing the border. France to introduce new law to curb unauthorised demonstrations: PM Edouard Philippe French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday announced plans to ban participation in unauthorised demonstrations as the government scrambles to try to end weeks of violent "yellow vest" protests. Meghalaya: Over 2 lakh litre water pumped out in efforts to rescue trapped miners Coal India Limited (CIL) on Monday started pumping out water from the old shaft at around 3.30 pm as part of the ongoing operations to rescue the miners who have been trapped in a mine at Ksan near Lyteiñ River in East Jaintia Hills. Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup by Wolves Premier League leaders Liverpool paid the price for fielding a weakened side as they were knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-and-pm-modi-discuss-trade-afghanistan-in-phone-call-white-house-188894">telephonic conversation last evening</a> in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US&nbsp;strategic partnership.</p>

<p>According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US&nbsp;and Japan."</p>

<p>According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US&nbsp;bilateral relations in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi &amp; US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&amp;energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082456716510261248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The development comes a week after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi</a> and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however,&nbsp;it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities.</p>

<p>Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi".</p>

<p>India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington.</p>

<p>On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019.</p>

<p>During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership. According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US and Japan." According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.” The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US bilateral relations in 2019. PM Modi & US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019. — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × The development comes a week after President Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however, it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities. Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi". India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington. On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019. During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call

<p>US&nbsp;President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> discussed reducing the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said.</p>

<p>"The leaders agreed to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement.</p>

<p>The United States has slapped tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from India, part of Trump's drive to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit and boost American manufacturing jobs.</p>

<p>India has threatened to retaliate but said it would not take action until the end of this month.</p>

<p>In Afghanistan, Trump is planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US&nbsp;troops there, a US&nbsp;official said last month.</p>

<p>With a reduced military presence in Afghanistan, the United States would almost certainly have to curtail its missions, which include training and advising Afghan forces and waging an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.</p>


US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed reducing the US trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed reducing the US trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said. "The leaders agreed to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement. The United States has slapped tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from India, part of Trump's drive to reduce the US trade deficit and boost American manufacturing jobs. India has threatened to retaliate but said it would not take action until the end of this month. In Afghanistan, Trump is planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops there, a US official said last month. With a reduced military presence in Afghanistan, the United States would almost certainly have to curtail its missions, which include training and advising Afghan forces and waging an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.

Trump and PM Modi discuss trade, Afghanistan in phone call: White House

Norway PM, Narendra Modi hold bilateral talks

<p>Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership.</p>

<p>Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and address India-Norway Business Summit during her visit.</p>

<p>She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Solberg during her India visit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg arrived in Delhi earlier tonight. She is on a three-day state visit to India. <a href="https://t.co/z6pnUksTp7">pic.twitter.com/z6pnUksTp7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082022232346509312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of common interest, the MEA had said in a statement.</p>

<p>Ahead of the visit, Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said this is the first visit to India by a Norwegian prime minister in a decade.</p>

<p>"The visit has the potential of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries and further strengthen the already good relationship," he said.</p>

<p>Norway is a leading ocean country, a key producer of maritime and sub sea technology and a major exporter of seafood, oil and gas, he said.</p>

<p>"We thus think that Norway has a lot to offer and we are hopeful that the bilateral talks during the visit will focus on sustainable use of the oceans that benefits both countries in the long run," the envoy said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership. Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and address India-Norway Business Summit during her visit. She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Solberg during her India visit. Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg arrived in Delhi earlier tonight. She is on a three-day state visit to India. pic.twitter.com/z6pnUksTp7 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2019 × The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of common interest, the MEA had said in a statement. Ahead of the visit, Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said this is the first visit to India by a Norwegian prime minister in a decade. "The visit has the potential of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries and further strengthen the already good relationship," he said. Norway is a leading ocean country, a key producer of maritime and sub sea technology and a major exporter of seafood, oil and gas, he said. "We thus think that Norway has a lot to offer and we are hopeful that the bilateral talks during the visit will focus on sustainable use of the oceans that benefits both countries in the long run," the envoy said.

Norwegian PM Erna Solberg arrives in Delhi on 3-day visit

Watch: WION Your Story, 7th January 2019

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest.</p>

<p>According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit.</p>

<p>The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7. Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India. Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest. According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year". Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually. Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years. According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion. Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls PM Modi, discusses key strategic issues wishes success in Lok Sabha polls

Watch: WION Dispatch, 7th January 2019

PM Modi, Vladimir Putin discuss bilateral issues over phone

<p>Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said.</p>

<p>Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue.</p>

<p>"The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018.</p>

<p>More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday. "Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said. Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls. Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue. "The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said. The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day. Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018. More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway. A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway. According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.

Norway PM to land in India on Monday, green solutions will be on her agenda

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


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

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

Argentine President Mauricio Macri to visit India in February

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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