Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday approved a financial relief of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-30-feared-dead-in-railway-crossing-accident-in-amritsar-172370">Amritsar train accident</a> and Rs 50,000 for the injured, a spokesperson said.

More than 50 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers, who had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of a Ravana effigy, was run over by a train in Amritsar.

The train was coming from Jalandhar. The incident happened at Joda Phatak where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground near the railway tracks.

"Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching," Modi tweeted earlier this evening.

"My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required," he said.

Railways has issued helpline numbers 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485&nbsp;for information on the incident.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday announced all possible assistance by the Centre to Punjab as a large number of Dussehra revellers standing across railway tracks were mowed down by a passing train near Amritsar.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh separately announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday approved a financial relief of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased in the Amritsar train accident and Rs 50,000 for the injured, a spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday approved a financial relief of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased in the Amritsar train accident and Rs 50,000 for the injured, a spokesperson said. More than 50 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers, who had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of a Ravana effigy, was run over by a train in Amritsar. The train was coming from Jalandhar. The incident happened at Joda Phatak where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground near the railway tracks. "Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching," Modi tweeted earlier this evening. "My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required," he said. Railways has issued helpline numbers 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485 for information on the incident. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday announced all possible assistance by the Centre to Punjab as a large number of Dussehra revellers standing across railway tracks were mowed down by a passing train near Amritsar. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh separately announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased.

Modi approves financial relief of Rs 2 lakh to kin of dead in Amritsar train accident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday sought views of IT professionals on how the technology and electronic manufacturing sectors can help in making a "new India".

"Dear professionals associated with the IT sector, technocrats and tech-lovers, I have a request...Have a look at this Open Forum on the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' and share your views," he tweeted.

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Dear professionals associated with the IT sector, technocrats and tech-lovers, I have a request... 
 
Have a look at this Open Forum on the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' and share your views! <a href="https://t.co/X1pperOlCR">https://t.co/X1pperOlCR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1053135290922160128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He gave a link which takes people to the Narendra Modi app.

It says, on October 24, the prime minister will address a huge "townhall" with people associated with IT and electronic manufacturing sector.

Professionals, experts and technocrats from all over India will take part in the event, it says.

They will discuss with the him, ways through which the vibrant IT and electronic manufacturing sector can undertake initiatives and volunteer to contribute in building a "new India".

"Here's urging everyone to share thoughts and views on the subject. You may also share your inspiring stories of those you know are volunteering actively," the write up on the app says.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday sought views of IT professionals on how the technology and electronic manufacturing sectors can help in making a "new India".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday sought views of IT professionals on how the technology and electronic manufacturing sectors can help in making a "new India". "Dear professionals associated with the IT sector, technocrats and tech-lovers, I have a request...Have a look at this Open Forum on the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' and share your views," he tweeted. Dear professionals associated with the IT sector, technocrats and tech-lovers, I have a request... Have a look at this Open Forum on the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' and share your views! https://t.co/X1pperOlCR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2018 × He gave a link which takes people to the Narendra Modi app. It says, on October 24, the prime minister will address a huge "townhall" with people associated with IT and electronic manufacturing sector. Professionals, experts and technocrats from all over India will take part in the event, it says. They will discuss with the him, ways through which the vibrant IT and electronic manufacturing sector can undertake initiatives and volunteer to contribute in building a "new India". "Here's urging everyone to share thoughts and views on the subject. You may also share your inspiring stories of those you know are volunteering actively," the write up on the app says.

PM Modi seeks views on how IT, electronic sectors can help make 'new India'

The government has set a goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Addressing a public meeting in Shirdi after handing over the keys to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G), Modi said a permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. 
&nbsp; 
''A permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. Keeping this in mind, the government has set the goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022. I am happy that we have completed half the journey,'' Modi was quoted as saying in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

''In its last 4 years of governance, the previous government built only 25 lakh houses. But in last the 4 years, the BJP-led central government has built 1.25 Crore houses,'' the PM boasted.&nbsp;

Modi arrived in Shirdi on Friday morning and visited the renowned Sai Baba shrine here.

He also paid obeisance at the Samadhi Temple before taking part in rituals at sanctum sanctorum of the Saibaba Samadhi Temple Complex.

PM also unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of a foundation stone for various development works of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust.

He also released a silver coin to commemorate the centenary year of Shri Saibaba Samadhi.

The government has set a goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Addressing a public meeting in Shirdi after handing over the keys to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G), Modi said a permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty.

The government has set a goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Addressing a public meeting in Shirdi after handing over the keys to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G), Modi said a permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. ''A permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. Keeping this in mind, the government has set the goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022. I am happy that we have completed half the journey,'' Modi was quoted as saying in Shirdi, Maharashtra. ''In its last 4 years of governance, the previous government built only 25 lakh houses. But in last the 4 years, the BJP-led central government has built 1.25 Crore houses,'' the PM boasted. Modi arrived in Shirdi on Friday morning and visited the renowned Sai Baba shrine here. He also paid obeisance at the Samadhi Temple before taking part in rituals at sanctum sanctorum of the Saibaba Samadhi Temple Complex. PM also unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of a foundation stone for various development works of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust. He also released a silver coin to commemorate the centenary year of Shri Saibaba Samadhi.

Permanent house to every family by 2022: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join a flag-hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on October 21 to mark the 75th anniversary of the 'Azad Hind government' headed by Subhas Chandra Bose, he announced Wednesday.

PM Modi stated this in a video interaction with Bharatiya Janata Party workers during which he spoke at length about his government's works to celebrate the contributions of many personalities who, he said, were neglected by the Congress in its rule of several decades.

He also hit out at the Congress over its criticism of him and the BJP government in Gujarat over Sardar Patel's statue project, claiming that the opposition party was in fact insulting Patel as it always had contempt for the country's first home minister, credited for uniting hundreds of princely states.

History knows that the Congress had a lot of contempt for Patel and it could never tolerate him being recognised for his works, Modi said, attacking the opposition party for its "Made in China" jibe at the project.&nbsp;

The Statue of Unity, said to be tallest in the world, will help the young generations appreciate Patel's contributions, he added.

While the Congress neglected the likes of Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Bose and Patel, the BJP believed in remembering everybody who contributed to nation-building, he said, citing his government's works, including constructing museums for noted tribal personalities and developing five places linked to Dalit icon Ambedkar.

"We respect everybody who served the country," he said while noting that he recently inaugurated a statue of Sir Chhotu Ram in Haryana.&nbsp;

He was a multi-faceted personality and people should read about him, Modi said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join a flag-hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on October 21 to mark the 75th anniversary of the 'Azad Hind government' headed by Subhas Chandra Bose, he announced Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join a flag-hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on October 21 to mark the 75th anniversary of the 'Azad Hind government' headed by Subhas Chandra Bose, he announced Wednesday. PM Modi stated this in a video interaction with Bharatiya Janata Party workers during which he spoke at length about his government's works to celebrate the contributions of many personalities who, he said, were neglected by the Congress in its rule of several decades. He also hit out at the Congress over its criticism of him and the BJP government in Gujarat over Sardar Patel's statue project, claiming that the opposition party was in fact insulting Patel as it always had contempt for the country's first home minister, credited for uniting hundreds of princely states. History knows that the Congress had a lot of contempt for Patel and it could never tolerate him being recognised for his works, Modi said, attacking the opposition party for its "Made in China" jibe at the project. The Statue of Unity, said to be tallest in the world, will help the young generations appreciate Patel's contributions, he added. While the Congress neglected the likes of Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Bose and Patel, the BJP believed in remembering everybody who contributed to nation-building, he said, citing his government's works, including constructing museums for noted tribal personalities and developing five places linked to Dalit icon Ambedkar. "We respect everybody who served the country," he said while noting that he recently inaugurated a statue of Sir Chhotu Ram in Haryana. He was a multi-faceted personality and people should read about him, Modi said.

Will attend flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on October 21: PM Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">criminal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563"> defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani</a>

Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.&nbsp;

Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-metoo-allegations-bjp-says-akbar-has-given-his-version-it-is-not-about-agreeing-or-disagreeing-with-him-171593">'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations</a>

In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women.

"It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alok-nath-files-civil-defamation-against-vinta-nanda-seeks-apology-re-1-compensation-171565">#MeToo: Alok Nath files civil defamation case against Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1</a>

The actor Alok Nath filed a civil defamation case on Monday against the writer-producer Vinta Nanda. Nanda had accused Alok Nath of having raped her 19 years ago.

Nath, in his complaint, asked for a written apology and Re 1 compensation.&nbsp;

Nath, in a Facebook post, had said said she had been raped — more than once — by an "actor par excellence who is known as the most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry".&nbsp;

When she was asked a day later if it was Alok Nath, she said yes.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-fuel-prices-pm-modi-meets-experts-from-oil-gas-sectors-171578">PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth</a>

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others.

PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-chetan-bhagat-responds-to-fake-charges-against-him-171564">#MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?'</a>

Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi.

To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013.

"So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani. Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago. 'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women. "It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said. #MeToo: Alok Nath files civil defamation case against Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1 The actor Alok Nath filed a civil defamation case on Monday against the writer-producer Vinta Nanda. Nanda had accused Alok Nath of having raped her 19 years ago. Nath, in his complaint, asked for a written apology and Re 1 compensation. Nath, in a Facebook post, had said said she had been raped — more than once — by an "actor par excellence who is known as the most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry". When she was asked a day later if it was Alok Nath, she said yes. PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad. The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others. PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices. #MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?' Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi. To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013. "So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

News brief: Big stories of the day

Repeating his 'suit-boot' jibe at Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday alleged there is no place for the poor in the prime minister's heart, adding, "If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai".

Gandhi also accused Modi of remaining silent when Dalits, women, minorities, tribals and the poor are attacked in the country and alleged that he and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA in the northern state.

On a campaign trail in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the Congress president again took on Modi over the controversial Rafale jet deal and alleged he had close proximity with businessmen like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Anil Ambani.

He also said that loans of farmers will be waived in 10 days if the Congress comes to power in the state.

Gandhi earlier began his two-day tour of the state by offering prayers at the famous Maa Peetambara Peeth temple complex in Datia in Gwalior division.

Taking a swipe at BJP's assurance on women's safety, Gandhi, without naming anyone, said there is a "need to save our daughters from BJP MLAs". Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a BJP MLA from UP, is accused of raping a minor girl in Unnao district.

Noting that the prime minister had said before the 2014 polls he wanted to be a "chowkidar" (guard), Gandhi alleged only 15-20 industrialists of the country benefitted under his government, instead of farmers.

"Prime Minister addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai (brother), Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai and Anil Ambani as Anil bhai but he never addresses a labourer, a poor and a farmer as bhai or hugs them. There is no place for them in his heart.If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai," Gandhi said addressing a public gathering in Datia.

"The prime minister let jeweller Nirav Modi escape with Rs 35,000 crore, which is equal to the entire budget of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)," Gandhi further charged.

He was referring to the PNB banking fraud allegedly involving Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others.

Taking a dig at the ruling party over the issue of women's safety, Gandhi said, "The BJP gave a good slogan 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (save and educate daughters).

"But in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA. The PM didn't speak a word," he alleged. 
"There is a need now to save our daughters from BJP MLAs."

On the multi-billion dollar Rafale jet deal with France, Gandhi alleged that Modi ensured the offset contract for Anil Ambani, "who owes Rs 45,000 crore to public sector banks".

"The prime minister does not have the courage to reply why the offset contract for the French aircraft was "snatched" from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and instead, given to Ambani's firm," he said.

"The prime minister could not look me in the eye (during debate in Parliament). The PM gives speeches but no answers...He doesn't have the courage to reply as to why the contract was snatched from HAL and given to Anil Ambani."

The Modi government has denied allegations of irregularities in Rafale deal and Ambani, too, has dismissed the Congress's allegations that he got any undue benefit.

Gandhi accused Modi of "insulting every Indian by mocking the governance of other parties during 70 years, before the BJP-led NDA came to power.

"From the Red Fort, Modi (during his Independence Day speech) said the country was sleeping before he took over as country's prime minister. This is not an insult to Congress leaders. This is insult to the country's people.

"This is an insult to farmers, labourers, youths, small traders and people who toiled hard to build this country. This is an insult to your mother and father," he added.

Repeating his 'suit-boot' jibe at Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday alleged there is no place for the poor in the prime minister's heart, adding, "If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai".

Repeating his 'suit-boot' jibe at Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday alleged there is no place for the poor in the prime minister's heart, adding, "If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai". Gandhi also accused Modi of remaining silent when Dalits, women, minorities, tribals and the poor are attacked in the country and alleged that he and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA in the northern state. On a campaign trail in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the Congress president again took on Modi over the controversial Rafale jet deal and alleged he had close proximity with businessmen like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Anil Ambani. He also said that loans of farmers will be waived in 10 days if the Congress comes to power in the state. Gandhi earlier began his two-day tour of the state by offering prayers at the famous Maa Peetambara Peeth temple complex in Datia in Gwalior division. Taking a swipe at BJP's assurance on women's safety, Gandhi, without naming anyone, said there is a "need to save our daughters from BJP MLAs". Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a BJP MLA from UP, is accused of raping a minor girl in Unnao district. Noting that the prime minister had said before the 2014 polls he wanted to be a "chowkidar" (guard), Gandhi alleged only 15-20 industrialists of the country benefitted under his government, instead of farmers. "Prime Minister addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai (brother), Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai and Anil Ambani as Anil bhai but he never addresses a labourer, a poor and a farmer as bhai or hugs them. There is no place for them in his heart.If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai," Gandhi said addressing a public gathering in Datia. "The prime minister let jeweller Nirav Modi escape with Rs 35,000 crore, which is equal to the entire budget of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)," Gandhi further charged. He was referring to the PNB banking fraud allegedly involving Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others. Taking a dig at the ruling party over the issue of women's safety, Gandhi said, "The BJP gave a good slogan 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (save and educate daughters). "But in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA. The PM didn't speak a word," he alleged. "There is a need now to save our daughters from BJP MLAs." On the multi-billion dollar Rafale jet deal with France, Gandhi alleged that Modi ensured the offset contract for Anil Ambani, "who owes Rs 45,000 crore to public sector banks". "The prime minister does not have the courage to reply why the offset contract for the French aircraft was "snatched" from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and instead, given to Ambani's firm," he said. "The prime minister could not look me in the eye (during debate in Parliament). The PM gives speeches but no answers...He doesn't have the courage to reply as to why the contract was snatched from HAL and given to Anil Ambani." The Modi government has denied allegations of irregularities in Rafale deal and Ambani, too, has dismissed the Congress's allegations that he got any undue benefit. Gandhi accused Modi of "insulting every Indian by mocking the governance of other parties during 70 years, before the BJP-led NDA came to power. "From the Red Fort, Modi (during his Independence Day speech) said the country was sleeping before he took over as country's prime minister. This is not an insult to Congress leaders. This is insult to the country's people. "This is an insult to farmers, labourers, youths, small traders and people who toiled hard to build this country. This is an insult to your mother and father," he added.

'If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai', Rahul at Madhya Pradesh poll rally

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others.

PM Modi in the meeting&nbsp;highlighted the&nbsp;economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices.

He also noted that the oil market was producer driven and both the quantity and prices are determined by the oil-producing countries.&nbsp;

PM Modi added that though there was enough production, the unique features of marketing in the oil sector had pushed up the oil prices.

He also emphasised that the cooperation of oil-producing countries would be very critical to bridging this gap.

The prime minister also noted the significant positioning of India in the oil and gas market and said the oil market was producer driven and quantity and prices were determined by oil-producing countries.

He also asked the oil producers like Saudi Arabia to initiate steps to bring down rates to reasonable levels.

Later speaking at the meeting Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al-Falih raised the issue of "consumer pain" from high crude oil prices.

He said the consumer pain was heard loud and clear from the prime minister.&nbsp;

Falih added that the "pain" would have been "much louder" but the action by Saudi Arabia to invest in creating spare capacity has used to lessen price shocks.

"Prime minister cautioned producers like myself not to kill hen that lays golden egg, he said referring to consumers are the golden hen," Al-Falih added.

On technology, PM Modi appealed for assistance in areas where high pressure and high-temperature technology applications are relevant to commercial exploitation of natural gas.&nbsp;

He also requested for review of payment terms so as to provide temporary relief to the local currency.

Speaking at the event Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at India Energy Forum in New Delhi said, "Energy today is a global industry and oil is truly a global commodity. Hence our engagements with global energy community has to be continuous to address the challenges of transition in energy for a secured energy future".

Global CEOs and Experts appreciated steps taken by Government over last four years, for ease of doing business and specifically in energy sector in India. Experts made special mention of India’s competitive ranking from upstream investment point of view which has gone up from 56 to 44, ANI reported.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Under PM Modi's stewardship, doing business in India has become significantly easier. FDI has grown and inflation is under <a href="https://t.co/N8evHq6gNi">https://t.co/N8evHq6gNi</a> other words, PM Modi is making good of his promise of 'Acche Din': Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih <a href="https://t.co/4KmB32EAJU">pic.twitter.com/4KmB32EAJU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051784569287045120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This was PM Modi's third meeting to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production.

Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016, where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea.

In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).

The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually.

India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements.

The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad. The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others. PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices. He also noted that the oil market was producer driven and both the quantity and prices are determined by the oil-producing countries. PM Modi added that though there was enough production, the unique features of marketing in the oil sector had pushed up the oil prices. He also emphasised that the cooperation of oil-producing countries would be very critical to bridging this gap. The prime minister also noted the significant positioning of India in the oil and gas market and said the oil market was producer driven and quantity and prices were determined by oil-producing countries. He also asked the oil producers like Saudi Arabia to initiate steps to bring down rates to reasonable levels. Later speaking at the meeting Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al-Falih raised the issue of "consumer pain" from high crude oil prices. He said the consumer pain was heard loud and clear from the prime minister. Falih added that the "pain" would have been "much louder" but the action by Saudi Arabia to invest in creating spare capacity has used to lessen price shocks. "Prime minister cautioned producers like myself not to kill hen that lays golden egg, he said referring to consumers are the golden hen," Al-Falih added. On technology, PM Modi appealed for assistance in areas where high pressure and high-temperature technology applications are relevant to commercial exploitation of natural gas. He also requested for review of payment terms so as to provide temporary relief to the local currency. Speaking at the event Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at India Energy Forum in New Delhi said, "Energy today is a global industry and oil is truly a global commodity. Hence our engagements with global energy community has to be continuous to address the challenges of transition in energy for a secured energy future". Global CEOs and Experts appreciated steps taken by Government over last four years, for ease of doing business and specifically in energy sector in India. Experts made special mention of India’s competitive ranking from upstream investment point of view which has gone up from 56 to 44, ANI reported. #WATCH Under PM Modi's stewardship, doing business in India has become significantly easier. FDI has grown and inflation is under https://t.co/N8evHq6gNi other words, PM Modi is making good of his promise of 'Acche Din': Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih pic.twitter.com/4KmB32EAJU — ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2018 × This was PM Modi's third meeting to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production. Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016, where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea. In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC). The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually. India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements. The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning.&nbsp;

There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age.

She was 18 at the time.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-charges-against-mj-akbar-will-be-probed-says-amit-shah-171229">Charges against MJ Akbar will be probed, says BJP president Amit Shah</a>

"There will be a statement later on," Akbar said on landing in Delhi.&nbsp;

A little later, television news channels began running reports that Akbar had emailed in his resignation but there has been no official confirmation as yet.&nbsp;

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PTI quoted party sources earlier as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister.

PTI quoted the party sources as saying the charges against Akbar are serious, and his continuance as minister is no longer guaranteed.&nbsp;

PTI added thought that there is also a view within the party that there is no legal case against Akbar, and that the allegations pertain to a time long before he became a minister.

On Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said that the charges against Akbar would be probed. He added though that anybody can saying anything about anybody on social media, his meaning being that the veracity of the allegations will have to be proved.&nbsp;

The comments by Shah were among the first on Akbar since he was outed in India's burgeoning #MeToo movement.&nbsp;

BJP leaders have by and large avoided comment on their colleague.&nbsp;

Smriti Irani said recently that it was up to the minister to respond to the allegations. Akbar, who was on a tour of Africa, has not done so so far.&nbsp;

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning. There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning. There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age. She was 18 at the time. Also read: Charges against MJ Akbar will be probed, says BJP president Amit Shah "There will be a statement later on," Akbar said on landing in Delhi. A little later, television news channels began running reports that Akbar had emailed in his resignation but there has been no official confirmation as yet. #WATCH Delhi:Union Minister MJ Akbar returns to India amid accusations of sexual harassment against him, says, "there will be a statement later on." pic.twitter.com/ozI0ARBSz4 — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × PTI quoted party sources earlier as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister. PTI quoted the party sources as saying the charges against Akbar are serious, and his continuance as minister is no longer guaranteed. PTI added thought that there is also a view within the party that there is no legal case against Akbar, and that the allegations pertain to a time long before he became a minister. On Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said that the charges against Akbar would be probed. He added though that anybody can saying anything about anybody on social media, his meaning being that the veracity of the allegations will have to be proved. The comments by Shah were among the first on Akbar since he was outed in India's burgeoning #MeToo movement. BJP leaders have by and large avoided comment on their colleague. Smriti Irani said recently that it was up to the minister to respond to the allegations. Akbar, who was on a tour of Africa, has not done so so far.

MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take final call on his continuance as minister

Two US&nbsp;senators have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften India's stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent "key trade barriers" between the two nations.

In a letter to PM Modi dated Friday and seen by Reuters, US&nbsp;Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - co-chairmen of the Senate's India caucus - urged India to instead adopt a "light touch" regulatory framework that would allow data to flow freely across borders.

The letter comes as relations between Washington and New Delhi are strained over multiple issues, including an Indo-Russian defence contract, Indian tariffs on electronics and other items, and India's push to purchase oil from Iran despite upcoming US&nbsp;sanctions.

Global tech companies including Mastercard, Visa and American Express have been lobbying India's finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to relax proposed guidelines that mandate all payment data on domestic transactions in India be stored inside the country by October 15.

The letter is most likely a last-ditch effort after the RBI told officials at top payment companies this week that the central bank would implement, in full, its data localisation directive without extending the deadline or allowing data to be stored offshore as well as locally.

"We see this as a fundamental issue to the further development of digital trade and one that is crucial to our economic partnership," the US&nbsp;senators said in its letter.

PM Modi's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Two US senators have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften India's stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent "key trade barriers" between the two nations.

Two US senators have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften India's stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent "key trade barriers" between the two nations. In a letter to PM Modi dated Friday and seen by Reuters, US Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - co-chairmen of the Senate's India caucus - urged India to instead adopt a "light touch" regulatory framework that would allow data to flow freely across borders. The letter comes as relations between Washington and New Delhi are strained over multiple issues, including an Indo-Russian defence contract, Indian tariffs on electronics and other items, and India's push to purchase oil from Iran despite upcoming US sanctions. Global tech companies including Mastercard, Visa and American Express have been lobbying India's finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to relax proposed guidelines that mandate all payment data on domestic transactions in India be stored inside the country by October 15. The letter is most likely a last-ditch effort after the RBI told officials at top payment companies this week that the central bank would implement, in full, its data localisation directive without extending the deadline or allowing data to be stored offshore as well as locally. "We see this as a fundamental issue to the further development of digital trade and one that is crucial to our economic partnership," the US senators said in its letter. PM Modi's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

US senators urge India to allow free flow of data across borders: Report

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis.

Sharpening his attack a step further, the Congress president also accused Modi of being Ambani's Prime Minister. "PM Modi Ambani ki chowkidari kar rahe hain (PM Modi is safeguarding Ambani's interest)," Rahul said.

The attack comes in the wake of a report published by a French website Mediapart which said it has accessed an internal document of French aviation major Dassault Aviation where it was being claimed that it is imperative for the company to get into a relationship with a particular Indian counterpart, in this case the Reliance Group.

Rahul also insisted that Prime Minister is directly involved in the Rafale scam and called for an investigation by joint parliamentary committee (JPC).

The Congress has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-alleges-govt-manipulated-rafale-deal-process-170698">decided to make Rafale</a> into an issue of corruption to target PM Modi. Throughout the press conference, Rahul continued to press the message that Rafale is a scam which has been instituted from top within the NDA regime. He also raised questions on defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman's visit to France.

Though French government and Dassault Aviation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">continue to deny</a> any quid pro quo, Congress is determined to take on the government on the Rafale issue. In fact, the party has constituted a small group to focus only on the Rafale deal and turn it into an electoral issue.

Rahul Gandhi said that Dassault will say whatever the Indian government wants it to say as the company is sitting on a huge contract. Despite the best effort of the the government, controversy refuses to die down for the government which claims that it went into a deal because of urgent requirement by the Indian Air Force.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis. Sharpening his attack a step further, the Congress president also accused Modi of being Ambani's Prime Minister. "PM Modi Ambani ki chowkidari kar rahe hain (PM Modi is safeguarding Ambani's interest)," Rahul said. The attack comes in the wake of a report published by a French website Mediapart which said it has accessed an internal document of French aviation major Dassault Aviation where it was being claimed that it is imperative for the company to get into a relationship with a particular Indian counterpart, in this case the Reliance Group. Rahul also insisted that Prime Minister is directly involved in the Rafale scam and called for an investigation by joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The Congress has decided to make Rafale into an issue of corruption to target PM Modi. Throughout the press conference, Rahul continued to press the message that Rafale is a scam which has been instituted from top within the NDA regime. He also raised questions on defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman's visit to France. Though French government and Dassault Aviation continue to deny any quid pro quo, Congress is determined to take on the government on the Rafale issue. In fact, the party has constituted a small group to focus only on the Rafale deal and turn it into an electoral issue. Rahul Gandhi said that Dassault will say whatever the Indian government wants it to say as the company is sitting on a huge contract. Despite the best effort of the the government, controversy refuses to die down for the government which claims that it went into a deal because of urgent requirement by the Indian Air Force.

Rafale deal: In a sharp attack on Modi, Rahul says PM safeguarding Ambani's interest

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for investing the “political time and efforts” in issues like health and sanitation.

She said people start looking around at other things that need improvement when they begin to feel that their community is doing better.

“If you invest a dollar in sanitation solutions, the benefit will be four dollars in terms of health cost prevention, the (reduction in) number of visits you go to a doctor and in the medicines that you don’t have to buy,” Fore told PTI in an interview here.

She was in the city to attend an event organised jointly by the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Friday.

“The prime minister invested political time and effort and what it meant was people began picking up that story. They want to do it for Mahatma Gandhi, for their country and they felt pride in it,” she said in an apparent reference to “Swacch Bharat” Mission.

The flagship cleanliness drive, launched by the prime minister in 2014, aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, towns, and rural areas.

Modi had said the sanitation coverage in the country has increased from 38 per cent to nearly 80 per cent and asserted that the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ is playing a central role in creating a healthy India.

Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were recently awarded the UN’s “Champions of the Earth” award for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action.

Fore said, “It (contribution to sanitation) doesn’t have an economic return but when you begin to feel that your community is doing better, it makes you look around at the other things that need improvement”.

“It makes one think that does he have clean water and the solutions for open defecation for all animals in their village, is there a community healthcare clinic, is there enough nutrition for children; not just latrines, what about lighted pathways for all of the girls going to schools. It makes you improve your world,” said the executive director.

When asked about UNICEF’s view on the child mortality rate (CMR) in India during the past decade, Fore said it has shown improvement.

“Since 1990s, when the numbers first began, there was a significant reduction in child mortality. Sanitation, clean India should bring numbers down further. What we don’t know yet is how much further they should bring them down. But it’s an exciting journey for India and we really are on the right path,” she said.

Fore feels that health is one of the challenges an emerging country like India could face in its journey towards a clean nation.

“Clean water brings health benefits in a way that many other national strategies cannot,” she said.

Fore said learning new skills is another challenge for a developing nation because many new industries are expected to flourish.

“(Another challenge is to) How to get more women in labour force…The number of women in formal labour force is going down. If only a third of total women in India are in formal employment, it is not high enough to get all of ideas and energy of India,” she said.

The executive director acknowledged malnutrition as another challenge.

“This is because if a young child does not get proper nutrition before the age of three and first thousand days, it could affect the development of her brain as well as body. It means they cannot be productive, it means the economy will not be doing so well,” she said, adding employment gets affected ultimately because malnutrition denies children an opportunity.

She further said public policy makes a difference in a developing economy.

“So if you begin to look at all these areas a country can look at, India says it wants to skill it youth and (wants to) have a digital future. That vision for future India is what UNICEF and generation unlimited is focused on,” she said.

Fore said if India gets it right for the age group of 10 and 24, it would mean that the country fares well in the decades to come.

“If this young population is not caught between those ages, then it is next to impossible for a country to do well. India’s outreach for these young people will be the tipping point for the developing country,” she said.

When asked if the UNICEF sees the flagship programmes of the prime minister sustaining in future, Fore said, “People want areas like nutrition, health, education, sanitation, water protection etc. irrespective of political climate or which party is in power.

“So it’s up to every community, every household to put a value in it. I believe in terms of sanitation that where there is a room there is a toilet (and) most families would want to keep that. The challenge is to maintain and professionalise it so that people learn to maintain and service it,” she said.

“It’s going to be on each one of us to keep those programmes going that we think benefit the health, education and nutrition in our communities,” she said.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations agency headquartered in New York city that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for investing the “political time and efforts” in issues like health and sanitation.

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for investing the “political time and efforts” in issues like health and sanitation. She said people start looking around at other things that need improvement when they begin to feel that their community is doing better. “If you invest a dollar in sanitation solutions, the benefit will be four dollars in terms of health cost prevention, the (reduction in) number of visits you go to a doctor and in the medicines that you don’t have to buy,” Fore told PTI in an interview here. She was in the city to attend an event organised jointly by the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Friday. “The prime minister invested political time and effort and what it meant was people began picking up that story. They want to do it for Mahatma Gandhi, for their country and they felt pride in it,” she said in an apparent reference to “Swacch Bharat” Mission. The flagship cleanliness drive, launched by the prime minister in 2014, aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, towns, and rural areas. Modi had said the sanitation coverage in the country has increased from 38 per cent to nearly 80 per cent and asserted that the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ is playing a central role in creating a healthy India. Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were recently awarded the UN’s “Champions of the Earth” award for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action. Fore said, “It (contribution to sanitation) doesn’t have an economic return but when you begin to feel that your community is doing better, it makes you look around at the other things that need improvement”. “It makes one think that does he have clean water and the solutions for open defecation for all animals in their village, is there a community healthcare clinic, is there enough nutrition for children; not just latrines, what about lighted pathways for all of the girls going to schools. It makes you improve your world,” said the executive director. When asked about UNICEF’s view on the child mortality rate (CMR) in India during the past decade, Fore said it has shown improvement. “Since 1990s, when the numbers first began, there was a significant reduction in child mortality. Sanitation, clean India should bring numbers down further. What we don’t know yet is how much further they should bring them down. But it’s an exciting journey for India and we really are on the right path,” she said. Fore feels that health is one of the challenges an emerging country like India could face in its journey towards a clean nation. “Clean water brings health benefits in a way that many other national strategies cannot,” she said. Fore said learning new skills is another challenge for a developing nation because many new industries are expected to flourish. “(Another challenge is to) How to get more women in labour force…The number of women in formal labour force is going down. If only a third of total women in India are in formal employment, it is not high enough to get all of ideas and energy of India,” she said. The executive director acknowledged malnutrition as another challenge. “This is because if a young child does not get proper nutrition before the age of three and first thousand days, it could affect the development of her brain as well as body. It means they cannot be productive, it means the economy will not be doing so well,” she said, adding employment gets affected ultimately because malnutrition denies children an opportunity. She further said public policy makes a difference in a developing economy. “So if you begin to look at all these areas a country can look at, India says it wants to skill it youth and (wants to) have a digital future. That vision for future India is what UNICEF and generation unlimited is focused on,” she said. Fore said if India gets it right for the age group of 10 and 24, it would mean that the country fares well in the decades to come. “If this young population is not caught between those ages, then it is next to impossible for a country to do well. India’s outreach for these young people will be the tipping point for the developing country,” she said. When asked if the UNICEF sees the flagship programmes of the prime minister sustaining in future, Fore said, “People want areas like nutrition, health, education, sanitation, water protection etc. irrespective of political climate or which party is in power. “So it’s up to every community, every household to put a value in it. I believe in terms of sanitation that where there is a room there is a toilet (and) most families would want to keep that. The challenge is to maintain and professionalise it so that people learn to maintain and service it,” she said. “It’s going to be on each one of us to keep those programmes going that we think benefit the health, education and nutrition in our communities,” she said. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations agency headquartered in New York city that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

UNICEF praises PM Modi for ‘investing’ political time in health, sanitation issues

The government has set up a panel headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to help the National Security Council, which advises the Prime Minister on matters of national security and strategic interests, officials said Monday.

The Strategic Policy Group or SPG will assist the National Security Council and undertake among other tasks, a long-term strategic review of country's security affairs.

It will be the principal mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of relevant inputs in the formulation of national security policies, a top Home Ministry official said.

The SPG will be chaired by&nbsp;Doval and its members include the NITI Aayog vice chairman, cabinet secretary, the chiefs of the three defence services, the RBI governor, the foreign secretary, the home secretary, the finance secretary and the defence secretary.

The secretary of the Department of Defence Production and Supplies, the scientific adviser to the defence minister and the secretary, cabinet secretariat will also be members of the panel.

The other members are secretary, department of revenue; secretary, department of atomic energy; secretary, department of space; director, Intelligence Bureau, and secretary, National Security Council Secretariat.

Representatives of other ministries and departments will be invited to the meetings of the group as and when necessary, another official said.

The NSA will convene the meetings of the SPG and the cabinet secretary will coordinate implementation of the group's decisions by union ministries and departments, and state governments.

The government has set up a panel headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to help the National Security Council, which advises the Prime Minister on matters of national security and strategic interests, officials said Monday.

The government has set up a panel headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to help the National Security Council, which advises the Prime Minister on matters of national security and strategic interests, officials said Monday. The Strategic Policy Group or SPG will assist the National Security Council and undertake among other tasks, a long-term strategic review of country's security affairs. It will be the principal mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of relevant inputs in the formulation of national security policies, a top Home Ministry official said. The SPG will be chaired by Doval and its members include the NITI Aayog vice chairman, cabinet secretary, the chiefs of the three defence services, the RBI governor, the foreign secretary, the home secretary, the finance secretary and the defence secretary. The secretary of the Department of Defence Production and Supplies, the scientific adviser to the defence minister and the secretary, cabinet secretariat will also be members of the panel. The other members are secretary, department of revenue; secretary, department of atomic energy; secretary, department of space; director, Intelligence Bureau, and secretary, National Security Council Secretariat. Representatives of other ministries and departments will be invited to the meetings of the group as and when necessary, another official said. The NSA will convene the meetings of the SPG and the cabinet secretary will coordinate implementation of the group's decisions by union ministries and departments, and state governments.

National security advisor to lead group for planning strategic moves

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks.

"Welcome to India, President Putin. Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship" said Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a tweet.

On Friday India and Russia will hold high-level delegation talks and are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles.

Local media reported that the two nations are also expected to announce a&nbsp;new space cooperation programme.

The United States has warned India against a planned purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi this week, saying such an acquisition would attract sanctions under US&nbsp;law.

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India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges.

The United States has warned countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors they would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that President Donald Trump signed into law last August.

The law is designed to punish Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US&nbsp;State Department representative said.

"The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system."

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year.

The United States is also concerned about NATO ally Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian missile system, seeing it as incompatible with the alliance systems.

Modi's government, caught in the US-Russia crossfire, hopes the Trump administration will give it a pass on the proposed arms transfer from Russia, officials in New Delhi said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters India was closing in on the deal to buy the air defence system from Russia, with which it has long-standing military ties.

"Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Sitharaman said last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia."

More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks. "Welcome to India, President Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks. "Welcome to India, President Putin. Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship" said Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a tweet. On Friday India and Russia will hold high-level delegation talks and are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles. Local media reported that the two nations are also expected to announce a new space cooperation programme. The United States has warned India against a planned purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi this week, saying such an acquisition would attract sanctions under US law. #WATCH: Russian President #VladimirPutin meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. He is on a two-day visit to India. pic.twitter.com/HlvfOGsEcQ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges. The United States has warned countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors they would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that President Donald Trump signed into law last August. The law is designed to punish Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said. "The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system." Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year. The United States is also concerned about NATO ally Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian missile system, seeing it as incompatible with the alliance systems. Modi's government, caught in the US-Russia crossfire, hopes the Trump administration will give it a pass on the proposed arms transfer from Russia, officials in New Delhi said. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters India was closing in on the deal to buy the air defence system from Russia, with which it has long-standing military ties. "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Sitharaman said last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia." More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry. The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India, meets PM Modi ahead of summit talks

PM Modi: Solar alliance could replace OPEC 

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-will-fight-assembly-elections-alone-rajasthan-madhya-pradesh-mayawati-169191">Mayawati calling him a BJP agent</a> stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi."

"Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and the RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions," Singh noted.

He further added that he respects the BSP chief and is in favour of the Congress-BSP alliance.&nbsp;

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I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji&amp;has been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates: Digvijaya Singh, Congress <a href="https://t.co/1K6ggE0bf3">pic.twitter.com/1K6ggE0bf3</a>
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"I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of an alliance, she declared 22 candidates," he added.&nbsp;

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Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP &amp; RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions: Digvijaya Singh, Congress on BSP chief Mayawati's statement on him <a href="https://t.co/5YjcU9c3WY">pic.twitter.com/5YjcU9c3WY</a>
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BSP chief Mayawati, earlier in the day, announced that her party will contest assembly elections without any alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

"Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added.&nbsp;

She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief Mayawati calling him a BJP agent stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief Mayawati calling him a BJP agent stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi." "Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and the RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions," Singh noted. He further added that he respects the BSP chief and is in favour of the Congress-BSP alliance. I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji&has been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates: Digvijaya Singh, Congress pic.twitter.com/1K6ggE0bf3 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of an alliance, she declared 22 candidates," he added. Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP & RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions: Digvijaya Singh, Congress on BSP chief Mayawati's statement on him pic.twitter.com/5YjcU9c3WY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × BSP chief Mayawati, earlier in the day, announced that her party will contest assembly elections without any alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added. She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

I am biggest Modi critic: Digvijay Singh on Mayawati's 'BJP agent' jibe 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-india-sign-deal-s-400-air-defence-systems-week-kremlin-169032">ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems</a>. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Putin, during his two-day visit, will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India.

"The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters.

"The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion."

The Russian President is also expected to hold a meeting with President Kovind, besides holding other official engagements.

Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months.&nbsp;

"Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman noted last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia," she added.

Washington's change of heart&nbsp;

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to Delhi in last on the sidelines of the 2+2 Dialogue, noted that Washington <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-effort-is-not-to-penalise-great-strategic-partner-like-india-says-pompeo-on-india-buying-russian-s400-defence-system-164013">does not aim to penalise a "strategic partner</a>" like India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia.&nbsp;

"Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India," Pompeo said on the question of India acquiring the Russian S400 air missile defence system.

"We do understand the history of India's relationship with Russia and legacy systems," Pompeo asserted, adding, "The sanctions aren’t intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are intended to have an impact on the sanctioned country which is Russia."

The Trump administration now seems to have assumed a different stance over the Russia-India S-400 deal, warning India against the planned purchase of the surface-to-air missiles.&nbsp;

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said.

"The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system."&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported. Putin, during his two-day visit, will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India. "The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters. "The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion." The Russian President is also expected to hold a meeting with President Kovind, besides holding other official engagements. Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months. "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman noted last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia," she added. Washington's change of heart US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to Delhi in last on the sidelines of the 2+2 Dialogue, noted that Washington does not aim to penalise a "strategic partner" like India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia. "Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India," Pompeo said on the question of India acquiring the Russian S400 air missile defence system. "We do understand the history of India's relationship with Russia and legacy systems," Pompeo asserted, adding, "The sanctions aren’t intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are intended to have an impact on the sanctioned country which is Russia." The Trump administration now seems to have assumed a different stance over the Russia-India S-400 deal, warning India against the planned purchase of the surface-to-air missiles. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said. "The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system." (With inputs from Reuters)

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo and offered assistance to the tsunami-hit country.

Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.&nbsp;

The PM appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the wide spread devastation due to the grave natural calamity, it said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo today offering condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of India on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake &amp; tsunami that hit Sulawesi region of Indonesia. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/F49kdmt6GT">pic.twitter.com/F49kdmt6GT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1046776592561664001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to Widodo all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and as a friend of Indonesia.&nbsp;

The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels.&nbsp;

The massive 7.5-magnitude tremor struck Friday and sent monster waves barrelling into the island of Sulawesi, leaving at least 844 dead in the seaside city of Palu and surrounding areas.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo and offered assistance to the tsunami-hit country. Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo and offered assistance to the tsunami-hit country. Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The PM appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the wide spread devastation due to the grave natural calamity, it said. PM Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo today offering condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of India on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake & tsunami that hit Sulawesi region of Indonesia. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/F49kdmt6GT — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to Widodo all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and as a friend of Indonesia. The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels. The massive 7.5-magnitude tremor struck Friday and sent monster waves barrelling into the island of Sulawesi, leaving at least 844 dead in the seaside city of Palu and surrounding areas.

PM Modi offers assistance to tsunami-hit Indonesia

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday attacked Narendra Modi over the alleged financial support of LIC to debt-ridden IL&amp;FS and asked whether the prime minister "loves financial scams".&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter he said the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the country's symbol of trust and common people have saved every rupee to buy its policies.

"Modi ji, your favourite private company IL&amp;FS is about to turn bankrupt. You are trying to save it by putting the money of LIC. Why?" he asked in a tweet in Hindi.

"...Why are you using LIC money to save fraudsters? For you, hope IL&amp;FS does not mean I love financial scams," he added.

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मोदीजी, आपकी चहेती निजी कम्पनी ILFS डूबने वाली है। आप LIC का पैसा लगाकर उसे बचाना चाहते हो।क्यों? 
 
LIC देश के भरोसे का चिन्ह है। एक-एक रुपया जोड़कर लोग LIC की पॉलिसी लेते हैं। उनके पैसे से जालसाजों को क्यों बचाते हो? 
 
कहीं आपके लिए ILFS का मतलब ‘I Love Financial Scams' तो नहीं?
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1046354653607325703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another tweet in Hindi, Gandhi alleged that in 2007, Modi as Gujarat chief minister gave the Rs 70,000 crore 'Gift City' project to IL&amp;FS in which nothing has happened till now and alleged that a fraud had come to light.

In comparison, Gandhi alleged that in 2018, Prime Minister Modi is trying to give a bailout of Rs 91,000 crore to debt-ridden Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Finance Services (IL&amp;FS) through public money in the LIC and the State Bank of India.

"Chowkidar ki dari mein tinka (the watchman is guilty conscious)," he said.&nbsp;

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लाइटस, कैमरा, स्कैम 
 
सीन 1: 2007, CM मोदी IL&amp;FS कंपनी को 70,000 करोड़ का प्रोजेक्ट GIFT CITY देते हैं। आजतक कुछ काम नहीं। जालसाजियाँ आईं सामने। 
 
सीन 2: 2018, PM मोदी LIC-SBI में लगे जनता के पैसे से 91000 करोड़ की कर्जदार IL&amp;FS को बेलआउट दे रहे हैं। 
 
“चौकीदार की दाढ़ी में तिनका”
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1046288271268040704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday attacked Narendra Modi over the alleged financial support of LIC to debt-ridden IL&FS and asked whether the prime minister "loves financial scams".

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday attacked Narendra Modi over the alleged financial support of LIC to debt-ridden IL&FS and asked whether the prime minister "loves financial scams". Taking to Twitter he said the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the country's symbol of trust and common people have saved every rupee to buy its policies. "Modi ji, your favourite private company IL&FS is about to turn bankrupt. You are trying to save it by putting the money of LIC. Why?" he asked in a tweet in Hindi. "...Why are you using LIC money to save fraudsters? For you, hope IL&FS does not mean I love financial scams," he added. मोदीजी, आपकी चहेती निजी कम्पनी ILFS डूबने वाली है। आप LIC का पैसा लगाकर उसे बचाना चाहते हो।क्यों? LIC देश के भरोसे का चिन्ह है। एक-एक रुपया जोड़कर लोग LIC की पॉलिसी लेते हैं। उनके पैसे से जालसाजों को क्यों बचाते हो? कहीं आपके लिए ILFS का मतलब ‘I Love Financial Scams' तो नहीं? — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 30, 2018 × In another tweet in Hindi, Gandhi alleged that in 2007, Modi as Gujarat chief minister gave the Rs 70,000 crore 'Gift City' project to IL&FS in which nothing has happened till now and alleged that a fraud had come to light. In comparison, Gandhi alleged that in 2018, Prime Minister Modi is trying to give a bailout of Rs 91,000 crore to debt-ridden Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Services (IL&FS) through public money in the LIC and the State Bank of India. "Chowkidar ki dari mein tinka (the watchman is guilty conscious)," he said. लाइटस, कैमरा, स्कैम सीन 1: 2007, CM मोदी IL&FS कंपनी को 70,000 करोड़ का प्रोजेक्ट GIFT CITY देते हैं। आजतक कुछ काम नहीं। जालसाजियाँ आईं सामने। सीन 2: 2018, PM मोदी LIC-SBI में लगे जनता के पैसे से 91000 करोड़ की कर्जदार IL&FS को बेलआउट दे रहे हैं। “चौकीदार की दाढ़ी में तिनका” — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 30, 2018 ×

Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi on IL&FS issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasised the importance of character building over literacy and called for 'wholesome' education in the country.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence" organised by the HRD Ministry.

"Knowledge and education are not restricted to books. The purpose of education is to enable balanced growth of every dimension of a human being, which is not possible without innovation," Modi said.

"Ambedkar, Deen Dayal Upadhya and Ram Manohar Lohiya always emphasized on character-building over literacy. Swami Vivekananda stressed on wholesome education that makes us a human," he added.

The prime minister asserted that without innovation life would become a burden.

"Innovation is very important because without it, life seems like a burden. In our ancient universities like Takshshila, Nalanda and Vikramashila, innovation was given emphasis along with knowledge.

"I insist that students should give knowledge in classrooms of college, university but they also add them to the aspirations of the country," he said.

The conference is being attended by vice chancellors and directors of over 350 higher education institutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasised the importance of character building over literacy and called for 'wholesome' education in the country. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence" organised by the HRD Ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasised the importance of character building over literacy and called for 'wholesome' education in the country. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence" organised by the HRD Ministry. "Knowledge and education are not restricted to books. The purpose of education is to enable balanced growth of every dimension of a human being, which is not possible without innovation," Modi said. "Ambedkar, Deen Dayal Upadhya and Ram Manohar Lohiya always emphasized on character-building over literacy. Swami Vivekananda stressed on wholesome education that makes us a human," he added. The prime minister asserted that without innovation life would become a burden. "Innovation is very important because without it, life seems like a burden. In our ancient universities like Takshshila, Nalanda and Vikramashila, innovation was given emphasis along with knowledge. "I insist that students should give knowledge in classrooms of college, university but they also add them to the aspirations of the country," he said. The conference is being attended by vice chancellors and directors of over 350 higher education institutions.

PM Modi stresses on importance of character building over literacy 

At a time the opposition led by the Congress is mounting attacks on the government over the Rafale fighter jet issue, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions.&nbsp;

In an interview to a Marathi news channel, former Defence Minister Pawar also said the opposition's demand to share technical details relating to the fighter jet "made no sense".&nbsp;

He, however, said there was no harm for the government to disclose prices of the aircraft.

"I don't think people have doubts about Modi's intentions personally," Pawar told the news channel.

He, however, said the way Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the government's side led to confusion in the minds of people.

"Now, (Union Finance Minister Arun) Jaitley can be seen articulating (government's stand) on the issue (instead of Sitharaman)," he added.&nbsp;

The Congress has launched an offensive against the BJP government over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and violation of rules by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It has accused the government of causing loss to the public exchequer and endangering national security by bypassing state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in favour of some businessman "friends" for offset contract.

At a time the opposition led by the Congress is mounting attacks on the government over the Rafale fighter jet issue, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions.

At a time the opposition led by the Congress is mounting attacks on the government over the Rafale fighter jet issue, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions. In an interview to a Marathi news channel, former Defence Minister Pawar also said the opposition's demand to share technical details relating to the fighter jet "made no sense". He, however, said there was no harm for the government to disclose prices of the aircraft. "I don't think people have doubts about Modi's intentions personally," Pawar told the news channel. He, however, said the way Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the government's side led to confusion in the minds of people. "Now, (Union Finance Minister Arun) Jaitley can be seen articulating (government's stand) on the issue (instead of Sitharaman)," he added. The Congress has launched an offensive against the BJP government over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and violation of rules by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has accused the government of causing loss to the public exchequer and endangering national security by bypassing state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in favour of some businessman "friends" for offset contract.

People don't have doubts over PM Modi's intentions over Rafale deal: Sharad Pawar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of all support from the Centre in tackling the flood situation arising in the state due to incessant rains.

Prime Minister spoke with Singh on phone and enquired about the flood situation in the state, and assured him of all possible help in mitigating the situation arising out of floods and rains, according to an official spokesperson.

Briefing the Prime Minister, the Punjab Chief Minister said that he had visited the affected districts of Kapurthala and Tarn Taran and there had been significant damage to crops in areas around the Beas River.

Singh further stated that the process of the special girdawari, ordered by him to assess the losses, will commence as soon as the waters recede.

He thanked Prime Minister Modi for his assurance and said that he would apprise him of the situation once the girdawai process is completed.

Earlier today, during his visit to Sultanpur Lodhi, the Chief Minister had stated that he would be approaching the Centre for funds for construction of spurs in the River Beas to prevent floods in the future.

He had said that these spurs were necessary for protecting the river banks by keeping the flow of water away.

The chief minister had also stated that he would be meeting Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to seek replacement of the existing pontoon bridges in the district with permanent ones.

Three days of heavy downpour in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have swelled up the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab.

Also, the water levels further escalated in Jalandhar after 56,000 cusecs of water were released from Ropar in Sutlej.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of all support from the Centre in tackling the flood situation arising in the state due to incessant rains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of all support from the Centre in tackling the flood situation arising in the state due to incessant rains. Prime Minister spoke with Singh on phone and enquired about the flood situation in the state, and assured him of all possible help in mitigating the situation arising out of floods and rains, according to an official spokesperson. Briefing the Prime Minister, the Punjab Chief Minister said that he had visited the affected districts of Kapurthala and Tarn Taran and there had been significant damage to crops in areas around the Beas River. Singh further stated that the process of the special girdawari, ordered by him to assess the losses, will commence as soon as the waters recede. He thanked Prime Minister Modi for his assurance and said that he would apprise him of the situation once the girdawai process is completed. Earlier today, during his visit to Sultanpur Lodhi, the Chief Minister had stated that he would be approaching the Centre for funds for construction of spurs in the River Beas to prevent floods in the future. He had said that these spurs were necessary for protecting the river banks by keeping the flow of water away. The chief minister had also stated that he would be meeting Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to seek replacement of the existing pontoon bridges in the district with permanent ones. Three days of heavy downpour in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have swelled up the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab. Also, the water levels further escalated in Jalandhar after 56,000 cusecs of water were released from Ropar in Sutlej.

PM Modi assures support to flood-hit Punjab

Opposition lawmakers have criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for offering to re-start talks with India on key issues, including terrorism and Kashmir, without taking parliament into confidence, a media report said Tuesday.

Senate, the upper house of parliament, met Monday evening and among other issues discussed the government's efforts to revive talks with India.&nbsp;

In the letter dated September 14, the cricketer-turned-politician, who became the prime minister last month, proposed a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this month.&nbsp;

Khan had written the letter in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to him on August 18 in which the Indian leader had conveyed commitment to pursue "meaningful" and "constructive" engagement with Pakistan and emphasising the need to work for a terror-free South Asia.&nbsp;

Pakistan Senate's former chairman Mian Raza Rabbani of Pakistan Peoples Party said that Khan's offer for talks to India was incomprehensible given the situation in Kashmir.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to Khan was ceremonial in nature, but an offer of dialogue was made in the letter written in response to it.&nbsp;

He also objected to the language used in Khan's letter that Pakistan was "ready to discuss terrorism".&nbsp;

Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haidri of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl questioned as to how a single individual could offer dialogue to India.&nbsp;

He criticised Khan for writing a letter to his Indian counterpart without taking parliament into confidence. He advised Khan to tread carefully, saying that the prime minister was taking decisions in haste which lacked vision.

Responding on behalf of the government, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry explained that Khan's letter to the Indian prime minister was in response to a communication he received from him. He said Pakistan wanted to find a solution to all bilateral disputes with India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The two countries have been fighting for seventy years and we can continue to fight for another seventy years if India wants," he remarked and warned that a nuclear war, if it broke out, would mean devastation in the subcontinent.&nbsp;

Faisal Javed of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf regretted that efforts were being made for point-scoring on the issues which required a complete unity in the ranks of the political class.&nbsp;

"We need to project Pakistan's narrative," he stressed.&nbsp;

Opposition lawmakers have criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for offering to re-start talks with India on key issues, including terrorism and Kashmir, without taking parliament into confidence, a media report said Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers have criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for offering to re-start talks with India on key issues, including terrorism and Kashmir, without taking parliament into confidence, a media report said Tuesday. Senate, the upper house of parliament, met Monday evening and among other issues discussed the government's efforts to revive talks with India. In the letter dated September 14, the cricketer-turned-politician, who became the prime minister last month, proposed a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this month. Khan had written the letter in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to him on August 18 in which the Indian leader had conveyed commitment to pursue "meaningful" and "constructive" engagement with Pakistan and emphasising the need to work for a terror-free South Asia. Pakistan Senate's former chairman Mian Raza Rabbani of Pakistan Peoples Party said that Khan's offer for talks to India was incomprehensible given the situation in Kashmir. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to Khan was ceremonial in nature, but an offer of dialogue was made in the letter written in response to it. He also objected to the language used in Khan's letter that Pakistan was "ready to discuss terrorism". Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haidri of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl questioned as to how a single individual could offer dialogue to India. He criticised Khan for writing a letter to his Indian counterpart without taking parliament into confidence. He advised Khan to tread carefully, saying that the prime minister was taking decisions in haste which lacked vision. Responding on behalf of the government, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry explained that Khan's letter to the Indian prime minister was in response to a communication he received from him. He said Pakistan wanted to find a solution to all bilateral disputes with India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. "The two countries have been fighting for seventy years and we can continue to fight for another seventy years if India wants," he remarked and warned that a nuclear war, if it broke out, would mean devastation in the subcontinent. Faisal Javed of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf regretted that efforts were being made for point-scoring on the issues which required a complete unity in the ranks of the political class. "We need to project Pakistan's narrative," he stressed.

Pak Opposition slams Imran Khan for offering to hold talks with India: Report

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal.

"The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated.

The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media.

However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters.

In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner.

The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal.

The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier.

The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft. Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal. "The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated. The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media. However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters. In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation. However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner. The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal. The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier. The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

The fun has just begun: Rahul Gandhi on Rafale controversy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha on Saturday morning and met and interacted with Anganwadi workers in Talcher.

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The Prime Minister will attend an event to mark the commencement of work in the Talcher Fertilizer Plant followed by a public meeting. He is also scheduled to inaugurate a new airport in Jharsugada.

"The fertilizer plant will produce natural gas and contribute to the country's energy requirements, while the airport will bring western Odisha on the country's aviation map, and facilitate regional air connectivity through the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme," an official statement read.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will dedicate the Garjanbahal coal mines and the Jharsaguda-Barapali-Sardega rail link to the nation. He will also unveil a plaque to mark the commencement of coal production and transportation from Dulanga coal mines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha on Saturday morning and met and interacted with Anganwadi workers in Talcher. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha on Saturday morning and met and interacted with Anganwadi workers in Talcher. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The Prime Minister will attend an event to mark the commencement of work in the Talcher Fertilizer Plant followed by a public meeting. He is also scheduled to inaugurate a new airport in Jharsugada. "The fertilizer plant will produce natural gas and contribute to the country's energy requirements, while the airport will bring western Odisha on the country's aviation map, and facilitate regional air connectivity through the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme," an official statement read. During his visit, the Prime Minister will dedicate the Garjanbahal coal mines and the Jharsaguda-Barapali-Sardega rail link to the nation. He will also unveil a plaque to mark the commencement of coal production and transportation from Dulanga coal mines.

PM Modi arrives in Odisha, meets Anganwadi workers

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