The Supreme Court today deferred till November 26 hearing on the plea of Zakia Jafri challenging the clean chit given by the Special Investigating Team (SIT) to Narendra Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

Zakia, the wife of&nbsp;Ehsan Jafri, an ex-Congress lawmker&nbsp;who was killed in one of the worst incidents during the riots, has challenged the Gujarat High Court's October 5, 2017 order rejecting her plea against the SIT's decision.

A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar said, "The matter will take some time for hearing. The plea will be heard on November 26".

At the outset, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing for the SIT, said Zakia's plea was not maintainable and social activist Teesta Setalvad cannot be the second petitioner in the case.

The bench said it will look into the application before hearing the matter on making Setalvad as the second petitioner in Ms Jafri's plea.

During the previous hearing, Ms Jafri's counsel had said that notice needs to be issued in the plea as it pertains to the aspect of alleged "larger conspiracy" during the period from February 27, 2002 and May 2002 and had also maintained that after the SIT gave a clean chit in its closure report in the case before a trial judge, a protest was filed by the petitioner which was dismissed by the magistrate without considering "substantiated merits".

On February 8, 2012, the SIT filed a closure report, giving the clean chit to PM Modi and 63 others, including senior government officials, saying there was "no prosecutable evidence" against them.

"The present Special Leave Petition is filed before this Court against the final judgement and order dated October 5, 2017 passed by the High Court of Gujarat...which erroneously upheld the order of the magistrate accepting the closure report filed by the Special Investigative Agency appointed by this Court concerning the violence in Gujarat in 2002," Zakia, in her plea filed through advocate Aparna Bhat, submitted.

The plea had further said the high court "failed to appreciate" the petitioner's complaint which was independent of the Gulberg case registered at Meghaninagar Police Station.

Zakia had sought an interim order to the SIT to carry out further investigation and the evidence provided by her before the magistrate through the protest petition.

The Supreme Court today deferred till November 26 hearing on the plea of Zakia Jafri challenging the clean chit given by the Special Investigating Team (SIT) to Narendra Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

The Supreme Court today deferred till November 26 hearing on the plea of Zakia Jafri challenging the clean chit given by the Special Investigating Team (SIT) to Narendra Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots. Zakia, the wife of Ehsan Jafri, an ex-Congress lawmker who was killed in one of the worst incidents during the riots, has challenged the Gujarat High Court's October 5, 2017 order rejecting her plea against the SIT's decision. A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar said, "The matter will take some time for hearing. The plea will be heard on November 26". At the outset, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing for the SIT, said Zakia's plea was not maintainable and social activist Teesta Setalvad cannot be the second petitioner in the case. The bench said it will look into the application before hearing the matter on making Setalvad as the second petitioner in Ms Jafri's plea. During the previous hearing, Ms Jafri's counsel had said that notice needs to be issued in the plea as it pertains to the aspect of alleged "larger conspiracy" during the period from February 27, 2002 and May 2002 and had also maintained that after the SIT gave a clean chit in its closure report in the case before a trial judge, a protest was filed by the petitioner which was dismissed by the magistrate without considering "substantiated merits". On February 8, 2012, the SIT filed a closure report, giving the clean chit to PM Modi and 63 others, including senior government officials, saying there was "no prosecutable evidence" against them. "The present Special Leave Petition is filed before this Court against the final judgement and order dated October 5, 2017 passed by the High Court of Gujarat...which erroneously upheld the order of the magistrate accepting the closure report filed by the Special Investigative Agency appointed by this Court concerning the violence in Gujarat in 2002," Zakia, in her plea filed through advocate Aparna Bhat, submitted. The plea had further said the high court "failed to appreciate" the petitioner's complaint which was independent of the Gulberg case registered at Meghaninagar Police Station. Zakia had sought an interim order to the SIT to carry out further investigation and the evidence provided by her before the magistrate through the protest petition.

Supreme Court defers Zakia Jafri’s plea hearing in Gujarat riots till Monday

Ibrahim Solih sworn-in as the 6th president of Maldives

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being.&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/solih-sworn-in-as-maldives-president-replacing-pro-china-leader-177868"> inaugurated on Saturday</a> as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the&nbsp;pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-meets-maldives-president-ibrahim-mohamed-solih-in-male-177884">PM Modi</a> as the highest ranking visitor at the inauguration ceremony of the new president Mohd Solih in the Maldives - and with the defeat of Abdulla Yameen -- India is hoping to regain lost ground.

Solih has promised an 'India first policy' and his team is reviewing millions of dollars worth of investment from China - as well as debt and how to restructure it to reduce its dependence on the Chinese.

But while he plans to tighten his grip, he also hopes to get at least 200 to 300 million from friendly nations - like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US to pay back China it's whopping US 1.5 billion of debt - which is more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product.

How will the Maldives pay back the debt? And until its paid, are the Chinese very much the stakeholder?

This year alone - the Chinese have completed a mile-long China-Maldives friendship bridge Which connects the airport on one island to the capital on another.

The Chinese are also expanding the airport itself. The airport development is an especially sore point with India after the Maldivian government canceled a US $511 million deal with India's GMR Infrastructure and later gave the contract to Beijing.&nbsp;

The Chinese also own many lagoons and islands with the Maldives archipelago

It could take months to rid the Maldives of the Chinese influence and many of these deals are enveloped in secrecy.

But India is willing to help and has in the past provided a US $75 million credit line of which a third had been utilised before the diplomatic chill set in with the previous administration.

There is also currency swap agreement between the two nations and defence deals which have seen several recent setbacks under the Yameen administration who withdrew from agreements and sent back Indian military helicopters as well.

So India will hope to get back some of those defense agreements and access to key ports and islands which are strategically important to India.

But China remains a big player. Which means the relationship is unlikely to completely unravel anytime soon.

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated on Saturday as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated on Saturday as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections. With PM Modi as the highest ranking visitor at the inauguration ceremony of the new president Mohd Solih in the Maldives - and with the defeat of Abdulla Yameen -- India is hoping to regain lost ground. Solih has promised an 'India first policy' and his team is reviewing millions of dollars worth of investment from China - as well as debt and how to restructure it to reduce its dependence on the Chinese. But while he plans to tighten his grip, he also hopes to get at least 200 to 300 million from friendly nations - like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US to pay back China it's whopping US 1.5 billion of debt - which is more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product. How will the Maldives pay back the debt? And until its paid, are the Chinese very much the stakeholder? This year alone - the Chinese have completed a mile-long China-Maldives friendship bridge Which connects the airport on one island to the capital on another. The Chinese are also expanding the airport itself. The airport development is an especially sore point with India after the Maldivian government canceled a US $511 million deal with India's GMR Infrastructure and later gave the contract to Beijing. The Chinese also own many lagoons and islands with the Maldives archipelago It could take months to rid the Maldives of the Chinese influence and many of these deals are enveloped in secrecy. But India is willing to help and has in the past provided a US $75 million credit line of which a third had been utilised before the diplomatic chill set in with the previous administration. There is also currency swap agreement between the two nations and defence deals which have seen several recent setbacks under the Yameen administration who withdrew from agreements and sent back Indian military helicopters as well. So India will hope to get back some of those defense agreements and access to key ports and islands which are strategically important to India. But China remains a big player. Which means the relationship is unlikely to completely unravel anytime soon.

The Maldives win: What it means for India

PM Modi meets Maldivian president after swearing-in ceremony

PM Modi's first official visit to Maldives; Solih sworn in as 6th president of Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September.&nbsp;

This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011.&nbsp;

"I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity &amp; human resource development," Modi said in a series of tweets ahead of the visit.

He said the recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future.&nbsp;

"We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," the prime minister said.

Modi also congratulated Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him "the very best for his tenure".&nbsp;

"India and the Maldives share a strong partnership rooted in history, strong bonds between our peoples, and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. My Government's vision of inclusive development "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' extends to all our neighbours too," he said.&nbsp;

Modi also said he will convey to Solih his wish to work with the new Maldives government in different areas to boost bilateral ties.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who surprisingly emerged victorious over incumbent president Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi.

The Maldives is the only South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the Maldives, a strategically vital island and a popular tourist destination, was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation then.

India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi.&nbsp;

Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September. This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011. "I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity & human resource development," Modi said in a series of tweets ahead of the visit. He said the recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future. "We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," the prime minister said. Modi also congratulated Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him "the very best for his tenure". "India and the Maldives share a strong partnership rooted in history, strong bonds between our peoples, and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. My Government's vision of inclusive development "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' extends to all our neighbours too," he said. Modi also said he will convey to Solih his wish to work with the new Maldives government in different areas to boost bilateral ties. Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi arrives in Malé. PM Modi is on a visit to Maldives to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Malé. pic.twitter.com/IQPUZ4dVAI — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2018 × Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who surprisingly emerged victorious over incumbent president Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi. The Maldives is the only South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the Maldives, a strategically vital island and a popular tourist destination, was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation then. India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi. Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

PM Modi arrives in Maldives to attend President-elect Solih's inauguration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule.

"It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it.&nbsp;

"What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest," he added.

Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing.

"Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit.

"Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years," he said.

"What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things," he said, listing the achievements of his government.

Calling Congress leaders "jhooth ke shehanshah" (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was "part of the Congress' character".

Without naming anyone, Modi said, "In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh."

Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of "anger and hatred" and "thanked" them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only "love" for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister.

Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on Friday said he was surprised as to how the country's oldest political party could get elected "for so many years". Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now.

"Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the 'shehanshah of lies' speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep," he quipped.

Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said "only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying" over the note ban and not the common man.

Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016.

"They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now," he said.

He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money "lying under the pillows and elsewhere" into the banking system.

"Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man," he said.

Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities.

The PM said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was ready for a contest between the performance of "four generations" of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that of "four years of a chaiwala", and asserted his government provided the poor people with amenities like access to banks, power and LPG which the Congress was unable to do during its 55-year rule. Addressing a rally here ahead of the November 28 polls in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said the Congress, which was seeking an account of the BJP government's performance, should explain what it did for the state during its over five-decade rule. "It is clear before you, 15 years (of the BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh) versus 55 years (of the Congress rule). And I am surprised! You should also seek an account of (the performance of) Modi. I insist on it. "What have the governments of four generations of a family given to the nation and what has a chaiwala given in four years. Come on, let there be a contest," he added. Modi said his government has ensured that every poor in the country has a bank account and it was done in just four years, while the Congress gave the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (eradicate poverty) in early 1970s, but did nothing. "Indira Gandhi had carried out nationalisation of banks with an aim to ensure that all have access to the banking facilities. But the poor did not benefit. "Now this government has ensured that all poor have bank accounts and we did it in just four years," he said. "What they were unable to do in 55 years, we have done in four years including in (providing) electricity, LPG and roads, among other things," he said, listing the achievements of his government. Calling Congress leaders "jhooth ke shehanshah" (king of lies), he alleged that their actions belie their words and it was "part of the Congress' character". Without naming anyone, Modi said, "In Parliament, too, Congress leaders talk of love, but express anger in Madhya Pradesh." Speaking on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on July 20 this year, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had targeted Modi and projected the RSS, BJP and its top leaders as agents of "anger and hatred" and "thanked" them for making him understand the meaning of being a Congressman, an Indian and a Hindu and enabling him to have only "love" for them. Gandhi had reated a flutter when he went across to the treasury benches and embraced the Prime Minister. Accusing the Congress of spreading lies, Modi on Friday said he was surprised as to how the country's oldest political party could get elected "for so many years". Modi said it was because the opposition was less powerful then and the media was not as vibrant as it is now. "Hence, whatever lies they would serve, those would percolate down. And people would buy the lies as being truths. Now, we learn how much lies the 'shehanshah of lies' speaks, how many times and where. They must be blabbering lies when asleep," he quipped. Hitting back at Gandhi, who termed demonetisation as the biggest scam in the history of independent India during a rally in the state, Modi said "only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying" over the note ban and not the common man. Modi said that the common man was no longer hassled due to the note-ban exercise announced by him on November 8, 2016. "They did face problems earlier and even we have said so, but not now," he said. He asked the audience whether they were still facing problems due to the scrapping of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and they replied in the negative. Modi also asked whether or not it was not right to bring the money "lying under the pillows and elsewhere" into the banking system. "Post-demonetisation only those Congress leaders, who earned money unfairly, are crying and not the common man," he said. Modi hailed the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state for building roads, hospitals and other public infrastructure facilities. The PM said the Centre was working towards achieving the goal of housing for all by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its independence.

Let there be contest to assess performance of 'family' and 'chaiwala': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies".

The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh."

"What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added.

Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures.

He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.

"How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the Congress party a "manufacturer of lies". The Prime Minister while addressing an election rally here said, "These elections are not about who would win or who would not win. These elections are about welfare of people of Madhya Pradesh." "What did the four generations of a party do for our country? However, a tea-seller, did what not in just four years? "he added. Underlining the initiatives taken by the Madhya Pradesh Government-led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the past 15 years, the Prime Minister said that the Congress would never speak of the good work Chouhan did during his three tenures. He said that the Congress party was in power in Madhya Pradesh for so long, but did not do anything for the development of the people. One cannot draw a comparison between the development work done by the Congress party and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. "How can anyone trust Congress? When they were in power in MP and Chhattisgarh, they did not fulfill even what they had promised in their election manifesto," he added. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting will be held on December 11.

Congress a manufacturer of lies: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time. The oath-taking ceremony will be taking place at 5 pm local time. Among the foreign leaders present in the oath ceremony, India's representation is amongst the highest level.&nbsp;

Announcing the visit MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, "Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night"&nbsp;

Welcoming Indian PM's participation, Mariya Didi, Spokesperson of President-elect Solih had tweeted - "Delighted to hear that the Indian PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia has accepted President-Elect @ibusolih’s invitation and will attend the Presidential inauguration. We look forward to a new era of friendship and co-operation with India in the years ahead @PresElectMv @AkhileshIFS"

PM Modi had called Solih after his election victory and congratulated him on his victory in the Presidential elections. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives" under the leadership of Solih.&nbsp;

Experts believe visit by India PM to the Maldives sends a message. A message that India fully backs in new government in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited since taking over in 2014. The 2nd Quad meeting that took place in Singapore this year also discussed the Maldives with statements from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo all calling to support the new govt in the Maldives.&nbsp;

Sigh of relief for Delhi

Since the change in Maldives due to the elections, its a sigh of relief in Delhi because India-Maldives relations under President Yameen had suffered. President Yameen junked "India First" policy and was pro-China. Yameen allowed a number of Chinese Infrastructure projects in the country and gave a go-ahead to Maldives China Free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Under Yameen, people to people ties also suffered from visas and work permit being denied to Indians. Former President Nasheed speaking to WION had slammed Yameen's informal ban on Indians and said, "that will have a negative impact on the Maldives as most of the skilled force come from India". &nbsp;

Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians

Recently Dunya Maumoon, daughter of Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving president of Maldives and architect of democracy in the country visited New Delhi.

She met India's external affairs minister during the visit. Speaking to WION during her Delhi visit, she lambasted Yameen and said, "While he brought some development, mostly a lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of a lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict a lot of innocent people under various charges this included my father who at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family. My brother, my brother in law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail."

China, Japan to send representatives&nbsp;

Both China &amp; Japan are also sending representatives. China will be sending President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who is already in the country.

Japan will be sending the member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. He is going to Male as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time.

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time. The oath-taking ceremony will be taking place at 5 pm local time. Among the foreign leaders present in the oath ceremony, India's representation is amongst the highest level. Announcing the visit MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, "Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night" Welcoming Indian PM's participation, Mariya Didi, Spokesperson of President-elect Solih had tweeted - "Delighted to hear that the Indian PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia has accepted President-Elect @ibusolih’s invitation and will attend the Presidential inauguration. We look forward to a new era of friendship and co-operation with India in the years ahead @PresElectMv @AkhileshIFS" PM Modi had called Solih after his election victory and congratulated him on his victory in the Presidential elections. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives" under the leadership of Solih. Experts believe visit by India PM to the Maldives sends a message. A message that India fully backs in new government in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited since taking over in 2014. The 2nd Quad meeting that took place in Singapore this year also discussed the Maldives with statements from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo all calling to support the new govt in the Maldives. Sigh of relief for Delhi Since the change in Maldives due to the elections, its a sigh of relief in Delhi because India-Maldives relations under President Yameen had suffered. President Yameen junked "India First" policy and was pro-China. Yameen allowed a number of Chinese Infrastructure projects in the country and gave a go-ahead to Maldives China Free trade agreement. Under Yameen, people to people ties also suffered from visas and work permit being denied to Indians. Former President Nasheed speaking to WION had slammed Yameen's informal ban on Indians and said, "that will have a negative impact on the Maldives as most of the skilled force come from India". Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians Recently Dunya Maumoon, daughter of Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving president of Maldives and architect of democracy in the country visited New Delhi. She met India's external affairs minister during the visit. Speaking to WION during her Delhi visit, she lambasted Yameen and said, "While he brought some development, mostly a lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of a lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict a lot of innocent people under various charges this included my father who at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family. My brother, my brother in law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail." China, Japan to send representatives Both China & Japan are also sending representatives. China will be sending President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who is already in the country. Japan will be sending the member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. He is going to Male as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In PM Modi's presence at Solih's oath taking ceremony Delhi sends a message

India's former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari is currently the general secretary of the foreign affairs department of the Congress. He spoke to WION on the current foreign policy initiative of the BJP government.

Q: How will you evaluate PM Modi’s foreign policy initiative?

A: PM has done something unique. He has turned diplomacy and mass outreach into a spectacle which has not yielded any dividends for India.

Q: Why have our relationships deteriorated in South Asia?

A: India today stands very isolated in its neighbourhood. This government over the past four years has had no policy towards Pakistan. The blockade of Nepal was absolutely ill-conceived.

In so far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the government is not on top of the rapid developments which are taking place on the island. There has been a genuine growing Chinese influence in South Asia which the government has not been able to push back.

Q: Is India safer today?

A: If the question is that if India’s security concerns are being&nbsp;better taken care of then in the past, then the answer is no. It is because at the moment India has unsettled strategic situation in both the eastern and western borders.

Q: Does India require a new strategic framework with China?

A: India requires a new strategic framework so far as its foreign policy is concerned. The UPA government and those that&nbsp;preceded it understood the global power dynamic and were successful in balancing competing world powers like US, Russia, China or even Japan.

Q: Prime Minister Modi conducted meetings with his Chinese and Russian counterparts which had no structured agendas. Do such meetings work?

A: If PM believes that non-structured summit review of global events and developments helps to enhance his personal understanding as to how leadership in China and Russia view regional and other developments then it is entirely within his purview.&nbsp;

However, the point is India’s strategic objectives cannot be served by such opaque conversations in which the establishment or other stakeholders of Indian foreign policy do not find a place or are not even given a readout on what has actually transpired.

Q: Did the Indian engagement with China substantially change under Narendra Modi?

A: There has been a substantial deterioration and Doklam was the high point of that deterioration.

In the past three decades there had not been stand-off of that dimension with China. After the breakthrough in relations with China under Rajiv Gandhi, successive prime minister’s like PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh took the relationship forward.

There was an anticipation that this relationship would actually consolidate and grow from strength to strength but what you really see is an estrangement of another dimension which is being played out.

Q: Has "cultural diplomacy" worked which has been the hallmark of this administration?

A: Soft power can only complement hard power. India has been a soft power in terms of its music, films and traditional arts and culture but that has not been utilised in an optimal manner.

The reason is that when you have reports on social divisiveness splashed across papers in the western world, whatever soft power you may try would falter. People understand that there is a huge difference between what is your intent back at home and what you want to project as India’s image abroad.

Q:&nbsp;Is&nbsp;our foreign policy becoming hostage to domestic politics?

A: Unfortunately, yes. Our&nbsp;foreign policy initiatives and strategic initiatives are being used to score domestic brownie points and both have become a casualty.

Q: Did surgical strikes restore deterrence with Pakistan?

A: Many surgical strikes took place before the much publicised surgical strike two year ago. The intention was to change the behaviour of Pakistan. Post-Uri, the cross-border operation seemed to be aimed at domestic audiences rather than at Pakistan and that is why nothing much altered including incursions from across the border.

Q: &nbsp;Has Indian QUAD and South East Asian initiative worked?

A: To be fair to this government, they have tried to reach out to various governments with similar concerns on the&nbsp;South China Sea which is witnessing aggressive manifestation of the Chinese state. How far we have been able to secure the concerns is an open issue.

&nbsp;

India's former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari is currently the general secretary of the foreign affairs department of the Congress. He spoke to WION on the current foreign policy initiative of the BJP government.

India's former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari is currently the general secretary of the foreign affairs department of the Congress. He spoke to WION on the current foreign policy initiative of the BJP government. Q: How will you evaluate PM Modi’s foreign policy initiative? A: PM has done something unique. He has turned diplomacy and mass outreach into a spectacle which has not yielded any dividends for India. Q: Why have our relationships deteriorated in South Asia? A: India today stands very isolated in its neighbourhood. This government over the past four years has had no policy towards Pakistan. The blockade of Nepal was absolutely ill-conceived. In so far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the government is not on top of the rapid developments which are taking place on the island. There has been a genuine growing Chinese influence in South Asia which the government has not been able to push back. Q: Is India safer today? A: If the question is that if India’s security concerns are being better taken care of then in the past, then the answer is no. It is because at the moment India has unsettled strategic situation in both the eastern and western borders. Q: Does India require a new strategic framework with China? A: India requires a new strategic framework so far as its foreign policy is concerned. The UPA government and those that preceded it understood the global power dynamic and were successful in balancing competing world powers like US, Russia, China or even Japan. Q: Prime Minister Modi conducted meetings with his Chinese and Russian counterparts which had no structured agendas. Do such meetings work? A: If PM believes that non-structured summit review of global events and developments helps to enhance his personal understanding as to how leadership in China and Russia view regional and other developments then it is entirely within his purview. However, the point is India’s strategic objectives cannot be served by such opaque conversations in which the establishment or other stakeholders of Indian foreign policy do not find a place or are not even given a readout on what has actually transpired. Q: Did the Indian engagement with China substantially change under Narendra Modi? A: There has been a substantial deterioration and Doklam was the high point of that deterioration. In the past three decades there had not been stand-off of that dimension with China. After the breakthrough in relations with China under Rajiv Gandhi, successive prime minister’s like PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh took the relationship forward. There was an anticipation that this relationship would actually consolidate and grow from strength to strength but what you really see is an estrangement of another dimension which is being played out. Q: Has "cultural diplomacy" worked which has been the hallmark of this administration? A: Soft power can only complement hard power. India has been a soft power in terms of its music, films and traditional arts and culture but that has not been utilised in an optimal manner. The reason is that when you have reports on social divisiveness splashed across papers in the western world, whatever soft power you may try would falter. People understand that there is a huge difference between what is your intent back at home and what you want to project as India’s image abroad. Q: Is our foreign policy becoming hostage to domestic politics? A: Unfortunately, yes. Our foreign policy initiatives and strategic initiatives are being used to score domestic brownie points and both have become a casualty. Q: Did surgical strikes restore deterrence with Pakistan? A: Many surgical strikes took place before the much publicised surgical strike two year ago. The intention was to change the behaviour of Pakistan. Post-Uri, the cross-border operation seemed to be aimed at domestic audiences rather than at Pakistan and that is why nothing much altered including incursions from across the border. Q: Has Indian QUAD and South East Asian initiative worked? A: To be fair to this government, they have tried to reach out to various governments with similar concerns on the South China Sea which is witnessing aggressive manifestation of the Chinese state. How far we have been able to secure the concerns is an open issue.

Government has no policy towards Pak, India isloated in its neighbourhood: Congress leader Manish Tewari to WION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Also read: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore</a>

Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition.

"Financial inclusion has become reality for 1.3 billion Indians. We have generated more than 1.2 billion biometric identities- Aadhaar or foundation- in just a few years," Modi said at the event.

The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology&nbsp;or fintech. In 2017, the event drew as many as 30,000 participants from over 100 countries.

The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital.

Modi said through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government has launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years.

"These are 330 million sources of identity, dignity and opportunities. Less than 50 per cent of Indian had bank accounts in 2014. Now, it is nearly universal. So today, more than a billion biometric identities, more than a billion bank accounts and more than a billion cell phones give India by far the biggest public infrastructure in the world," Modi said.

"We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things, we have come a long way in short time," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here. Also read: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition. "Financial inclusion has become reality for 1.3 billion Indians. We have generated more than 1.2 billion biometric identities- Aadhaar or foundation- in just a few years," Modi said at the event. The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology or fintech. In 2017, the event drew as many as 30,000 participants from over 100 countries. The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital. Modi said through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government has launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years. "These are 330 million sources of identity, dignity and opportunities. Less than 50 per cent of Indian had bank accounts in 2014. Now, it is nearly universal. So today, more than a billion biometric identities, more than a billion bank accounts and more than a billion cell phones give India by far the biggest public infrastructure in the world," Modi said. "We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things, we have come a long way in short time," he said.

Financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians, says PM Modi at Fintech festival in Singapore

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Live: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore</a>

We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. The character of the global economy is changing. Technology is defining competitiveness and power in the new world. And it is creating boundless opportunities to transform lives: PM Modi in Singapore

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-climbs-to-48-in-californias-most-lethal-wildfire-disaster-177208">Death toll climbs to 48 in California's most lethal wildfire disaster</a>

The remains of six more victims were found on Tuesday in and around a northern California town overrun by flames last week, raising the death toll to 48 in a wildfire disaster already ranked as California's most lethal and destructive in state history.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indians-are-very-good-traders-and-negotiators-says-trump-during-diwali-celebrations-177186">Indians are very good traders and negotiators, says Trump during Diwali celebrations</a>

US President Trump while celebrating Diwali at the White House joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators".

"I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harry-winston-jeweller-buys-pink-legacy-diamond-for-record-50-million-christies-177180">Harry Winston jeweller buys 'Pink Legacy' diamond for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harry-winston-jeweller-buys-pink-legacy-diamond-for-record-50-million-christies-177180">record</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harry-winston-jeweller-buys-pink-legacy-diamond-for-record-50-million-christies-177180"> $50 million</a>

The "Pink Legacy", a diamond weighing just under 19 carats, fetched a record 50.375 million Swiss francs ($50 million), purchased by US-based luxury jeweller Harry Winston, Christie's said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-to-hold-hearing-on-cnns-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-177175">US judge to hold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-to-hold-hearing-on-cnns-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-177175">hearing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-to-hold-hearing-on-cnns-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-177175"> on CNN's lawsuit against Trump administration</a>

A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

Live: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. The character of the global economy is changing.

Live: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. The character of the global economy is changing. Technology is defining competitiveness and power in the new world. And it is creating boundless opportunities to transform lives: PM Modi in Singapore Death toll climbs to 48 in California's most lethal wildfire disaster The remains of six more victims were found on Tuesday in and around a northern California town overrun by flames last week, raising the death toll to 48 in a wildfire disaster already ranked as California's most lethal and destructive in state history. Indians are very good traders and negotiators, says Trump during Diwali celebrations US President Trump while celebrating Diwali at the White House joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators". "I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said. Harry Winston jeweller buys 'Pink Legacy' diamond for record $50 million The "Pink Legacy", a diamond weighing just under 19 carats, fetched a record 50.375 million Swiss francs ($50 million), purchased by US-based luxury jeweller Harry Winston, Christie's said on Tuesday. US judge to hold hearing on CNN's lawsuit against Trump administration A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

News brief: Big stories of the day

RBI Governor Urjit Patel is believed to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week in a bid to work out a solution on contentious issues that have been flash point between the central bank and the government during the last few weeks.

Sources said Patel was in the national capital on Friday and met senior officials in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The meetings, which some said also included with the Prime Minister, came amid a face-off between the central bank and the finance ministry over issues ranging from the appropriate size of reserves that RBI must maintain to ease of lending norms to step up growth in an election year.

Sources said there are indications that the RBI may create a special dispensation for lending to small and medium enterprises, but it was not immediately clear if an agreement has been worked out to ease liquidity situation for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and the RBI parting with its substantial part of its surplus.

Tensions between the RBI and the government have escalated recently, with the Finance Ministry initiating discussion under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor.

RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had in a speech last month talked about the independence of the central bank, arguing that any compromise could be "potentially catastrophic" for the economy.

Last week, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg had said the government was not in any dire need of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore.

He further said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI".

Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has a massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves.

Patel's meetings at the PMO came days before the RBI's crucial board meeting on November 19 during which contentious issues are likely to come up for discussion.

Sources said the government nominee directors and a few independent directors could raise the issue of interim dividend along with the capital framework of RBI.

However, any change in the central bank's economic capital framework can be carried out only after making amendments to the RBI Act, 1934.

Other issues which could be raised include alignment of capital adequacy norms with those in advanced countries and some relaxation in the Prompt Corrective Action framework, sources said, adding more measures to enhance lending to MSMEs and NBFCs may also be discussed.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel is believed to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week in a bid to work out a solution on contentious issues that have been flash point between the central bank and the government during the last few weeks.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel is believed to have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week in a bid to work out a solution on contentious issues that have been flash point between the central bank and the government during the last few weeks. Sources said Patel was in the national capital on Friday and met senior officials in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The meetings, which some said also included with the Prime Minister, came amid a face-off between the central bank and the finance ministry over issues ranging from the appropriate size of reserves that RBI must maintain to ease of lending norms to step up growth in an election year. Sources said there are indications that the RBI may create a special dispensation for lending to small and medium enterprises, but it was not immediately clear if an agreement has been worked out to ease liquidity situation for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and the RBI parting with its substantial part of its surplus. Tensions between the RBI and the government have escalated recently, with the Finance Ministry initiating discussion under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had in a speech last month talked about the independence of the central bank, arguing that any compromise could be "potentially catastrophic" for the economy. Last week, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg had said the government was not in any dire need of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore. He further said the only proposal "under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI". Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has a massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves. Patel's meetings at the PMO came days before the RBI's crucial board meeting on November 19 during which contentious issues are likely to come up for discussion. Sources said the government nominee directors and a few independent directors could raise the issue of interim dividend along with the capital framework of RBI. However, any change in the central bank's economic capital framework can be carried out only after making amendments to the RBI Act, 1934. Other issues which could be raised include alignment of capital adequacy norms with those in advanced countries and some relaxation in the Prompt Corrective Action framework, sources said, adding more measures to enhance lending to MSMEs and NBFCs may also be discussed.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel had met PM Modi possibly to sort out differences with Centre

PM Modi leaves for Singapore to attend 13th ASEAN summit

Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the importance of global conversations on social media platforms.

After his meeting, Dorsey tweeted pictures from his meeting and said: "Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for having us today. I enjoyed our conversation about the importance of global conversation. Also: thanks for the ideas for Twitter!"

In response, Modi said: "Delighted to meet you @jack! Happy to see the passion with which you're leading @Twitter. I enjoy being on this medium, where I've made great friends and see every day the creativity of people."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delighted to meet you <a href="https://twitter.com/jack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jack</a>! Happy to see the passion with which you’re leading <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a>. 
 
I enjoy being on this medium, where I’ve made great friends and see everyday the creativity of people. <a href="https://t.co/aUElNJyahk">https://t.co/aUElNJyahk</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1062355963590729729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Dorsey, who is on his maiden trip to India, has already met Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Twitter, which counts India among its priority markets, has a large number of politicians in the country on its platform who engage with residents and extensively use it around elections.

The company has also launched its '#PowerOf18' initiative aimed at encouraging Indian youth to contribute to public debate and participate in civic engagement in the upcoming election season.

Addressing a townhall at IIT-Delhi Monday, Dorsey vowed to check the spread of fake news but said there is no "one fix"&nbsp;solution for the "multi-variable" problem. Social media firms have been facing the menace of rumours and fake news floating on their platforms. Organisations like Facebook and WhatsApp have taken a number of steps, including sensitisation programmes among users across the country.

"In a number of conversations, it's become more important that we scope the problem as tightly as possible because fake news or misinformation as a category is way too big," Dorsey had said Monday.

He had added that if certain content is found to be misleading, it is the company's job to ensure that such information is picked out and prevented from spreading.&nbsp;

Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the importance of global conversations on social media platforms. After his meeting, Dorsey tweeted pictures from his meeting and said: "Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for having us today.

Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the importance of global conversations on social media platforms. After his meeting, Dorsey tweeted pictures from his meeting and said: "Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for having us today. I enjoyed our conversation about the importance of global conversation. Also: thanks for the ideas for Twitter!" In response, Modi said: "Delighted to meet you @jack! Happy to see the passion with which you're leading @Twitter. I enjoy being on this medium, where I've made great friends and see every day the creativity of people." Delighted to meet you @jack! Happy to see the passion with which you’re leading @Twitter. I enjoy being on this medium, where I’ve made great friends and see everyday the creativity of people. https://t.co/aUElNJyahk — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 13, 2018 × Dorsey, who is on his maiden trip to India, has already met Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Twitter, which counts India among its priority markets, has a large number of politicians in the country on its platform who engage with residents and extensively use it around elections. The company has also launched its '#PowerOf18' initiative aimed at encouraging Indian youth to contribute to public debate and participate in civic engagement in the upcoming election season. Addressing a townhall at IIT-Delhi Monday, Dorsey vowed to check the spread of fake news but said there is no "one fix" solution for the "multi-variable" problem. Social media firms have been facing the menace of rumours and fake news floating on their platforms. Organisations like Facebook and WhatsApp have taken a number of steps, including sensitisation programmes among users across the country. "In a number of conversations, it's become more important that we scope the problem as tightly as possible because fake news or misinformation as a category is way too big," Dorsey had said Monday. He had added that if certain content is found to be misleading, it is the company's job to ensure that such information is picked out and prevented from spreading.

Happy to see the passion with which you’re leading: PM Modi meets Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked Tuesday why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on charges of corruption against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and his family.

Addressing a rally in Kharsia Assembly constituency in Raigarh district in the poll-bound state, Gandhi claimed the Prime Minister did not speak about corruption anymore.

"In civil supply scam of Rs 36,000 crore, names of Raman Singh and his wife surfaced. Rs 5,000 chit fund scam took place under the protection of the Raman Singh government," he alleged.

"His (Singh's) son Abhishek Singh was named in Panama papers scandal, but no action was taken in any of these cases," the Congress chief alleged.

"Prime minister Modi used to speak about corruption in his speeches earlier, but why he does not speak about the corruption of Raman Singh and his family? Why Raman Singh too is silent over corruption," he asked.

The ruling BJP has denied the allegations of corruption against the chief minister and his family.

Gandhi campaigned for Congress candidate and incumbent MLA from Kharsia, Umesh Patel, Tuesday.

Patel's father Nandkumar Patel, then state Congress chief, was killed in a Naxal attack in Jhiram valley in Bastar's Darbha area on May 25, 2013.

Remembering Nandkumar Patel, Gandhi accused Modi of insulting the martyrdom of Congress leaders who died in the Naxal attack.

He was apparently referring to the prime minister's recent speech in Bastar where he had accused Congress leaders of supporting urban Naxals.

The Congress chief reiterated his allegation that the Modi government took away the Rafale fighter jets contract from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to industrialist Anil Ambani.

"Modi ji handed over Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani which was your money," Gandhi claimed.

Both the government as well as Ambani have denied the allegations of grant of undue favour to Ambani's firm in the Rafale deal.

The Congress president promised loan waiver to farmers in the state.

"After the Congress government is formed in the state, we will waive the loans of farmers within ten days," he said.

Gandhi&nbsp;said farmers would get a bonus on paddy procurement, and the bonus pending for two years, which the BJP government had promised but not paid, would be disbursed.

On Monday, polling was held in eighteen constituencies of Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. Remaining 72 seats will go to polls on November 20.&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked Tuesday why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on charges of corruption against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and his family.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked Tuesday why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on charges of corruption against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and his family. Addressing a rally in Kharsia Assembly constituency in Raigarh district in the poll-bound state, Gandhi claimed the Prime Minister did not speak about corruption anymore. "In civil supply scam of Rs 36,000 crore, names of Raman Singh and his wife surfaced. Rs 5,000 chit fund scam took place under the protection of the Raman Singh government," he alleged. "His (Singh's) son Abhishek Singh was named in Panama papers scandal, but no action was taken in any of these cases," the Congress chief alleged. "Prime minister Modi used to speak about corruption in his speeches earlier, but why he does not speak about the corruption of Raman Singh and his family? Why Raman Singh too is silent over corruption," he asked. The ruling BJP has denied the allegations of corruption against the chief minister and his family. Gandhi campaigned for Congress candidate and incumbent MLA from Kharsia, Umesh Patel, Tuesday. Patel's father Nandkumar Patel, then state Congress chief, was killed in a Naxal attack in Jhiram valley in Bastar's Darbha area on May 25, 2013. Remembering Nandkumar Patel, Gandhi accused Modi of insulting the martyrdom of Congress leaders who died in the Naxal attack. He was apparently referring to the prime minister's recent speech in Bastar where he had accused Congress leaders of supporting urban Naxals. The Congress chief reiterated his allegation that the Modi government took away the Rafale fighter jets contract from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to industrialist Anil Ambani. "Modi ji handed over Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani which was your money," Gandhi claimed. Both the government as well as Ambani have denied the allegations of grant of undue favour to Ambani's firm in the Rafale deal. The Congress president promised loan waiver to farmers in the state. "After the Congress government is formed in the state, we will waive the loans of farmers within ten days," he said. Gandhi said farmers would get a bonus on paddy procurement, and the bonus pending for two years, which the BJP government had promised but not paid, would be disbursed. On Monday, polling was held in eighteen constituencies of Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. Remaining 72 seats will go to polls on November 20.

Why is PM mum on corruption chages against Raman Singh: Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday.

PM Modi, who will be here on November 14 and 15 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee, will attend the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit, India's High Commission here said in a statement.

He will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current Chair of ASEAN grouping.

"The ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit at Singapore will provide an opportunity to review progress in the relationship," the statement said.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will have a bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lee.

On the margins of these Summits, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.

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On 14Nov,I'll have the honour to be the first Head of Govt to deliver Keynote Address at Singapore Fintech Festival. It is the right forum not only to showcase India's strengths in this fast-growing sector, but also to forge global partnerships for fostering innovation&amp;growth: PM
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Prime Minister Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with US Vice President Pence on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi.

The White House said last week that Pence and Modi would discuss the India-US defence cooperation and the bilateral relationship during their meeting in Singapore.

As strategic partners, India and ASEAN enjoy close trade and economic relations. Trade between India and ASEAN stood at $81.33 billion in 2017-18 and constitutes

10.58 per cent of India's total trade. Exports to ASEAN countries constitute 11.28 per cent of India's total exports.

In January, India hosted ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate 25 years of Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership.

In an unprecedented gesture, all 10 ASEAN Leaders attended the Commemorative Summit and graced the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests.

During the Summit, leaders reviewed the whole range of ASEAN-India cooperation and adopted the Delhi Declaration.

The East Asia Summit is a premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific Region comprising of the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam) and its eight dialogue partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia.

Since its inception in 2005, it has played an important role in reviewing political, security and economic developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the statement said.

"This will be Prime Minister's fifth engagement with EAS. At the 13th EAS, Prime Minister will join other leaders to discuss international developmental issues such as information and communications technology, smart cities, maritime cooperation, education, finance, food security, environment and energy at both the retreat and plenary sessions.

"They will also deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest," the statement said.

PM Modi will attend the RCEP Summit to review the progress made on the negotiations presently underway to finalise the RCEP, a proposed free trade agreement presently being negotiated amongst 16 countries -- 10 ASEAN member-states and India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

The agreement, once finalised, will cover 45 per cent of the world population, 40 per cent of the world trade and 34 per cent of the global GDP amounting to $21.3 trillion.

Since the commencement of negotiations in 2012, considerable progress has been achieved during the 24 rounds of negotiations at experts' level and 12 Ministerial Sessions.

"India remains committed to a forward-looking and balanced outcome that results in a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership," the statement said.

On November 14, Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Fintech Festival- the first Head of Government to do so.

The festival, now in its third edition, is one of the largest events on financial technology and will see participation from Indian companies as well, the statement said.

On the same day, he will felicitate the winners and participants of India-Singapore Hackathon conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday. PM Modi, who will be here on November 14 and 15 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee, will attend the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit, India's High Commission here said in a statement. He will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current Chair of ASEAN grouping. "The ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit at Singapore will provide an opportunity to review progress in the relationship," the statement said. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will have a bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lee. On the margins of these Summits, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders. On 14Nov,I'll have the honour to be the first Head of Govt to deliver Keynote Address at Singapore Fintech Festival. It is the right forum not only to showcase India's strengths in this fast-growing sector, but also to forge global partnerships for fostering innovation&growth: PM — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with US Vice President Pence on November 14, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi. The White House said last week that Pence and Modi would discuss the India-US defence cooperation and the bilateral relationship during their meeting in Singapore. As strategic partners, India and ASEAN enjoy close trade and economic relations. Trade between India and ASEAN stood at $81.33 billion in 2017-18 and constitutes 10.58 per cent of India's total trade. Exports to ASEAN countries constitute 11.28 per cent of India's total exports. In January, India hosted ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate 25 years of Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership. In an unprecedented gesture, all 10 ASEAN Leaders attended the Commemorative Summit and graced the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests. During the Summit, leaders reviewed the whole range of ASEAN-India cooperation and adopted the Delhi Declaration. The East Asia Summit is a premier leaders-led forum in the Indo-Pacific Region comprising of the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam) and its eight dialogue partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia. Since its inception in 2005, it has played an important role in reviewing political, security and economic developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the statement said. "This will be Prime Minister's fifth engagement with EAS. At the 13th EAS, Prime Minister will join other leaders to discuss international developmental issues such as information and communications technology, smart cities, maritime cooperation, education, finance, food security, environment and energy at both the retreat and plenary sessions. "They will also deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest," the statement said. PM Modi will attend the RCEP Summit to review the progress made on the negotiations presently underway to finalise the RCEP, a proposed free trade agreement presently being negotiated amongst 16 countries -- 10 ASEAN member-states and India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The agreement, once finalised, will cover 45 per cent of the world population, 40 per cent of the world trade and 34 per cent of the global GDP amounting to $21.3 trillion. Since the commencement of negotiations in 2012, considerable progress has been achieved during the 24 rounds of negotiations at experts' level and 12 Ministerial Sessions. "India remains committed to a forward-looking and balanced outcome that results in a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership," the statement said. On November 14, Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Fintech Festival- the first Head of Government to do so. The festival, now in its third edition, is one of the largest events on financial technology and will see participation from Indian companies as well, the statement said. On the same day, he will felicitate the winners and participants of India-Singapore Hackathon conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore.

PM Modi to have jam-packed schedule in Singapore, will meet US VP Mike Pence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reached Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to inaugurate a slew of development projects. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

According to reports, PM Modi inaugurated country's first multi-modal terminal on inland waterways in Varanasi on river Ganga. The Prime Minister also received the country's first container cargo transported on inland waterways from Kolkata. This was the first time that a container vessel travelled on inland waterways on river Ganga.&nbsp;

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Kuch der pehle maine nadi marg se pahunche desh ke pehle container vessel ka swagat kiya. Ye container vessel chalne ka matlab hai ki poorvi uttar pradesh, aur purvi bharat jalmarg se ab Bengal ki khaadi se jud gaya hai: PM Modi in Varanasi <a href="https://t.co/axmanr1THb">pic.twitter.com/axmanr1THb</a>
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The terminal is being constructed on the National Waterway-1 (river Ganga) as part of the World Bank-aided Jal Marg Vikas project of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.&nbsp;National Waterway-1, an inland water transport route, stretches between Haldia in West Bengal to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

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Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the first multi modal terminal constructed on River Ganga <a href="https://t.co/ozfx2HQvdv">pic.twitter.com/ozfx2HQvdv</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1061926741944475648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 5,369.18 crore, which will be equally shared between the Government of India and the World Bank, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

PM Modi's Varanasi visit comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls scheduled next year. Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-politics-begins-and-ends-with-one-family-pm-modi-in-bilaspur-chhattisgarh-176829">he visited poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Bilaspu</a>r and addressed a rally ahead of the second phase of elections in the BJP-led state.

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Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first multi modal terminal constructed on River Ganga <a href="https://t.co/qH3eSE9fL6">pic.twitter.com/qH3eSE9fL6</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1061926140762382336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, have gone to polls today in the first phase of the electoral fight marred by Naxal attacks.

The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-assembly-polls-nearly-50-voter-turnout-recorded-till-3pm-176837">recorded at 56.58 per cent till 4.30pm</a>. By 2pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent, the figure rose to nearly 50 per cent by 3pm.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reached Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to inaugurate a slew of development projects. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reached Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to inaugurate a slew of development projects. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. According to reports, PM Modi inaugurated country's first multi-modal terminal on inland waterways in Varanasi on river Ganga. The Prime Minister also received the country's first container cargo transported on inland waterways from Kolkata. This was the first time that a container vessel travelled on inland waterways on river Ganga. Kuch der pehle maine nadi marg se pahunche desh ke pehle container vessel ka swagat kiya. Ye container vessel chalne ka matlab hai ki poorvi uttar pradesh, aur purvi bharat jalmarg se ab Bengal ki khaadi se jud gaya hai: PM Modi in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/axmanr1THb — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 12, 2018 × The terminal is being constructed on the National Waterway-1 (river Ganga) as part of the World Bank-aided Jal Marg Vikas project of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. National Waterway-1, an inland water transport route, stretches between Haldia in West Bengal to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the first multi modal terminal constructed on River Ganga pic.twitter.com/ozfx2HQvdv — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 12, 2018 × The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 5,369.18 crore, which will be equally shared between the Government of India and the World Bank, news agency PTI reported. PM Modi's Varanasi visit comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls scheduled next year. Earlier in the day, he visited poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur and addressed a rally ahead of the second phase of elections in the BJP-led state. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first multi modal terminal constructed on River Ganga pic.twitter.com/qH3eSE9fL6 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 12, 2018 × As many as 18 assembly constituencies, out of a total of 90, have gone to polls today in the first phase of the electoral fight marred by Naxal attacks. The voter turnout in the first phase of Chhattisgarh assembly election on Monday was recorded at 56.58 per cent till 4.30pm. By 2pm the same was recorded at nearly 38 per cent, the figure rose to nearly 50 per cent by 3pm. (With inputs from agencies)

In parliamentary constituency Varanasi, PM Modi inaugurates National Waterway-1 on river Ganga

PM Modi to meet US vice president Mike Pence in Singapore

PM Modi inaugurates new terminal over Ganga river in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family".

Addressing a poll rally here ahead of the second phase polling in the state on November 20, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for development, saying the pace of development under the Congress regime in the state was "far slow" than the one under the BJP-led government.

Singling out the Gandhis, PM Modi said the "mother-son duo" was out on bail and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move. "They forget it was due to demonetisation that they had to seek bail," PM Modi said, adding "those seeking bail are giving a certificate to PM Modi".

PM Modi asserted the BJP was for development and that it was due to this commitment that the opposition was unable to understand how to compete with the ruling party in elections.

He also targeted the Congress president, saying when Congress released its 36-point manifesto for Chhattisgarh polls, Naamdaar (Rahul Gandhi) was referred to as Sir 150 times which shows he is more important for them (Congress) than Chhattisgarh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family". Addressing a poll rally here ahead of the second phase polling in the state on November 20, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for development, saying the pace of development under the Congress regime in the state was "far slow" than the one under the BJP-led government. Singling out the Gandhis, PM Modi said the "mother-son duo" was out on bail and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move. "They forget it was due to demonetisation that they had to seek bail," PM Modi said, adding "those seeking bail are giving a certificate to PM Modi". PM Modi asserted the BJP was for development and that it was due to this commitment that the opposition was unable to understand how to compete with the ruling party in elections. He also targeted the Congress president, saying when Congress released its 36-point manifesto for Chhattisgarh polls, Naamdaar (Rahul Gandhi) was referred to as Sir 150 times which shows he is more important for them (Congress) than Chhattisgarh.

Congress politics begins and ends with one family: PM Modi in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family".

Addressing a poll rally in Chhattisgarh&nbsp;ahead of the second phase polling in the state on November 20, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for development, saying the pace of development under the Congress regime in the state was "far slow" than the one under the BJP-led government.

Singling out the Gandhis, Modi said the "mother-son duo" were out on bail and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move.&nbsp;

"They forget it was due to demonetisation that they had to seek bail," Modi said, adding "those seeking bail are giving certificate to Modi".

Modi asserted the BJP was for development and that it was due to this commitment that the opposition was unable to understand how to compete with ruling party in elections.

He also targeted the Congress president, saying when Congress released its 36-point manifesto for Chhattisgarh polls, 'Naamdaar' (Rahul Gandhi) was referred to as 'Sir' 150 times which shows he is more important for them (Congress) than Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday attacked the Congress, targeting its president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, saying the party's "politics begins and ends with one family". Addressing a poll rally in Chhattisgarh ahead of the second phase polling in the state on November 20, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for development, saying the pace of development under the Congress regime in the state was "far slow" than the one under the BJP-led government. Singling out the Gandhis, Modi said the "mother-son duo" were out on bail and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move. "They forget it was due to demonetisation that they had to seek bail," Modi said, adding "those seeking bail are giving certificate to Modi". Modi asserted the BJP was for development and that it was due to this commitment that the opposition was unable to understand how to compete with ruling party in elections. He also targeted the Congress president, saying when Congress released its 36-point manifesto for Chhattisgarh polls, 'Naamdaar' (Rahul Gandhi) was referred to as 'Sir' 150 times which shows he is more important for them (Congress) than Chhattisgarh.

PM Modi attacks Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh poll rally

Much has been written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Great Unifier of India. While the more obvious political explanation for the move to erect the world's tallest statue is linked to one of his party's pet themes - Nehru family bashing - a closer look would reveal that at play is an aspect of his politics that is not discussed enough: Gujarati pride. Kevadiya, the town of only 6,800 people that is nearest to the statue on the banks of the Narmada river, has an immediate political significance as well.

While the Hindi belt has officially dominated Indian democratic politics since Independence, the fact is that Gujarat had given three major leaders shaping modern India before Modi came on the scene: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai.

Patel welded 562 princely states into a modern republic after Gandhi led the Indian National Congress that spearheaded the movement to win freedom from British rule. Patel's differences with Nehru were healthy and not serious but have provided political ammunition to Nehru bashers six decades later, who act in the belief that the younger generation will see the differences as a deep rift.

Desai came much later but had his own significance. As the prime minister who headed India's first non-Congress government for two years from 1977, Desai was important because his rule came after a brutal Emergency rule under Indira Gandhi. Perhaps even more important, Indira's rise a decade earlier had pitted Desai against her within the Congress before she split the nation's leading party in a populist upsurge backed by a slew of left-wing parties and groups. The Statue of Unity in that sense represents a lineage of differences within the Congress involving towering Gujaratis.

Modi's politics has three different strains. First, is, of course, the Hindutva ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of he has been a long-time soldier. Second is a modern face that stresses clean governance, decisive policy-making and industrialisation. The third and the least spoken about is Gujarati pride.

I have reasons to believe that Modi's attempt to appropriate the late Congress leader, Sardar Patel, despite Patel's criticism of RSS and its ways, is an attempt to project himself in the lineage of a great Gujarati.&nbsp;

Modi knows that no national leader can command a huge following when his own base is not safe. While Gujarat is still under the BJP with Modi's loyalists in power, the last assembly election that saw an eroded party strength and the rise of young anti-BJP leaders like Jignesh Melvani and Hardik Patel showed that he can take nothing for granted in the state that has 26 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The Statue of Unity in that sense speaks for Gujarati unity in a charged political atmosphere.

Modi needs every trick in the bag to tower over Gujarat. Standing at the foot of a giant statue of Sardar Patel in an interior part of the state has strong visual symbolism. The younger generation will see him not just as a spunky small-town tea-seller who made it big as a national leader in India but as one who belongs in a great lineage. Modi knows that in a dynamically changing India, Hindutva has limited value, and his own 'Moditva' that crafts his own cocktail of a personality cult and a slew of slogans and promises would be vital if he has to maintain his front-running role in a volatile democracy of more than 100 crore people. Locating himself in a grand lineage strengthens the Moditva plank.

In the shifting sands of coalition politics in India, Modi cannot afford to play the hardline Hindu card the way the Bharatiya Janata Party played in the high noon of the Ram Mandir movement in the 1990s. Having tried to register his mark as a modern international leader, he needs 'Moditva' with a populist twist. As things stand, local populism based on Gujarati pride works far better - and is a lot less risky - than any plank that deepens Hindu-Muslim divides. Modi simply cannot afford divisive politics anymore, as he has arrived on the national scene already and stands to gain more from cementing divides than fomenting them.&nbsp;

A healthy regional pride is accepted worldwide more than religious parochialism. The Rs 2,989-crore statue of Patel gives Modi an architectural marvel that stands for many things at once: Gujarati pride, ambition, tradition, novelty and creativity. Even if Modi appears small in front of the statue in carefully crafted photographs, he will be seen by Gujarati youth as an inheritor of values of the Grand Unifier. That hopefully enhances Modi's prospects in his home state, even as the BJP struggles to hold on to power in its other strongholds: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/why-a-giant-sardar-patel-statue-is-a-key-piece-in-pm-modis-political-calculation-2154155.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

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Much has been written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Great Unifier of India. While the more obvious political explanation for the move to erect the world's tallest statue is linked to one of his party's pet themes - Nehru family bashing - a closer look would reveal that at play is an aspect of his politics that is not discussed enough: Gujarati pride.

Much has been written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Great Unifier of India. While the more obvious political explanation for the move to erect the world's tallest statue is linked to one of his party's pet themes - Nehru family bashing - a closer look would reveal that at play is an aspect of his politics that is not discussed enough: Gujarati pride. Kevadiya, the town of only 6,800 people that is nearest to the statue on the banks of the Narmada river, has an immediate political significance as well. While the Hindi belt has officially dominated Indian democratic politics since Independence, the fact is that Gujarat had given three major leaders shaping modern India before Modi came on the scene: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai. Patel welded 562 princely states into a modern republic after Gandhi led the Indian National Congress that spearheaded the movement to win freedom from British rule. Patel's differences with Nehru were healthy and not serious but have provided political ammunition to Nehru bashers six decades later, who act in the belief that the younger generation will see the differences as a deep rift. Desai came much later but had his own significance. As the prime minister who headed India's first non-Congress government for two years from 1977, Desai was important because his rule came after a brutal Emergency rule under Indira Gandhi. Perhaps even more important, Indira's rise a decade earlier had pitted Desai against her within the Congress before she split the nation's leading party in a populist upsurge backed by a slew of left-wing parties and groups. The Statue of Unity in that sense represents a lineage of differences within the Congress involving towering Gujaratis. Modi's politics has three different strains. First, is, of course, the Hindutva ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of he has been a long-time soldier. Second is a modern face that stresses clean governance, decisive policy-making and industrialisation. The third and the least spoken about is Gujarati pride. I have reasons to believe that Modi's attempt to appropriate the late Congress leader, Sardar Patel, despite Patel's criticism of RSS and its ways, is an attempt to project himself in the lineage of a great Gujarati. Modi knows that no national leader can command a huge following when his own base is not safe. While Gujarat is still under the BJP with Modi's loyalists in power, the last assembly election that saw an eroded party strength and the rise of young anti-BJP leaders like Jignesh Melvani and Hardik Patel showed that he can take nothing for granted in the state that has 26 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The Statue of Unity in that sense speaks for Gujarati unity in a charged political atmosphere. Modi needs every trick in the bag to tower over Gujarat. Standing at the foot of a giant statue of Sardar Patel in an interior part of the state has strong visual symbolism. The younger generation will see him not just as a spunky small-town tea-seller who made it big as a national leader in India but as one who belongs in a great lineage. Modi knows that in a dynamically changing India, Hindutva has limited value, and his own 'Moditva' that crafts his own cocktail of a personality cult and a slew of slogans and promises would be vital if he has to maintain his front-running role in a volatile democracy of more than 100 crore people. Locating himself in a grand lineage strengthens the Moditva plank. In the shifting sands of coalition politics in India, Modi cannot afford to play the hardline Hindu card the way the Bharatiya Janata Party played in the high noon of the Ram Mandir movement in the 1990s. Having tried to register his mark as a modern international leader, he needs 'Moditva' with a populist twist. As things stand, local populism based on Gujarati pride works far better - and is a lot less risky - than any plank that deepens Hindu-Muslim divides. Modi simply cannot afford divisive politics anymore, as he has arrived on the national scene already and stands to gain more from cementing divides than fomenting them. A healthy regional pride is accepted worldwide more than religious parochialism. The Rs 2,989-crore statue of Patel gives Modi an architectural marvel that stands for many things at once: Gujarati pride, ambition, tradition, novelty and creativity. Even if Modi appears small in front of the statue in carefully crafted photographs, he will be seen by Gujarati youth as an inheritor of values of the Grand Unifier. That hopefully enhances Modi's prospects in his home state, even as the BJP struggles to hold on to power in its other strongholds: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why a giant Sardar Patel statue is a key piece in PM Modi's political calculation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who&nbsp;have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth".

"The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," PM Modi said.

Addressing his first election rally in poll-bound&nbsp;Chhattisgarh, PM Modi also said he will not rest until he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh.

PM Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace.

"For 10 years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress," PM Modi said.

"Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added.

"I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis . Once I had gone for a rally to the Northeast of our country and there had worn a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of that hat, it was an insult of adivasi culture" PM Modi said.

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I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/a7r5wjxKXN">pic.twitter.com/a7r5wjxKXN</a>
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"I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists", PM Modi said.

He further targetted the Congress party over the recent death of a cameraman in the state.

"A brave and innocent cameraman from DD, Achutyanand Sahu was killed by Maoists. Recently our valiant jawans were also martyred in an encounter with Maoists and for Congress party these Maoists are revolutionaries? What sort of vocabulary is this?".

Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and November 20. 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress saying that the party supports the urban Maoists "who have ruined the lives of poor Adivasi youth". "The urban Maoists who live in air-conditioned homes in the cities, look clean and whose children study abroad, remote control the adivasi children in the Naxal dominated areas. I want to ask the Congress why it supports the urban Maoists when the government takes action against them and come to Bastar and speak against Naxalism," PM Modi said. Addressing his first election rally in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, PM Modi also said he will not rest until he fulfils late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dreams for a prosperous Chhattisgarh. PM Modi said the Congress-led government did not do enough to develop the Naxal-infested Bastar region citing the Maoist menace. "For 10 years, Congress was at the Centre, but they never paid attention to the needs of Chhattisgarh and blocked all development for the state. They never thought of the region's progress," PM Modi said. "Will you forgive such people? These people will not win Chhattisgarh. I appeal to you to ensure that BJP wins all seats in the Bastar region. If anyone else wins, it will be a blot on Bastar's dreams," he added. "I don't know why Congress makes fun of adivasis . Once I had gone for a rally to the Northeast of our country and there had worn a traditional adivasi headgear but Congress leaders made fun of that hat, it was an insult of adivasi culture" PM Modi said. I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists: PM Modi #ChhattisgarhElections2018 pic.twitter.com/a7r5wjxKXN — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2018 × "I urge the people of Bastar to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress leaders, who on one hand try to shield the urban Maoists, and in Chhattisgarh, they speak about freeing the state from Maoists", PM Modi said. He further targetted the Congress party over the recent death of a cameraman in the state. "A brave and innocent cameraman from DD, Achutyanand Sahu was killed by Maoists. Recently our valiant jawans were also martyred in an encounter with Maoists and for Congress party these Maoists are revolutionaries? What sort of vocabulary is this?". Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and November 20.

Chhattisgarh polls: Congress supports urban Maoists, says PM Modi

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