<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Odisha and laid the foundation stone of Talcher Fertiliser Plant in Talcher, news agency ANI reported. He also addressed a rally here during which he lashed out at the previous UPA government for the closure of industries during its rule.</p>

<p>"UPA regime failed to revive closed industries," PM Modi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister said that the NDA government revived industries for the development of the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Talcher Fertiliser Plant in Talcher <a href="https://t.co/LjQ43NPsyV">pic.twitter.com/LjQ43NPsyV</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043370096578764805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After laying the foundation stone of the Talcher fertiliser plant, the Prime Minister stated that the "work on fertiliser plants picked up speed" with the BJP assuming power.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When BJP govt came to power in the centre, the work on fertiliser plants picked up speed. I ensure you that the construction of Talcher Fertiliser Plant will be completed in 36 months &amp; I'll again come here to inaugurate it: PM Modi at a public rally in Talcher. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ja70Uqg42j">pic.twitter.com/Ja70Uqg42j</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043379384097234950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I ensure you that the construction of Talcher Fertiliser Plant will be completed in 36 months and I'll again come here to inaugurate it," PM Modi addressed the rally at Talcher. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Rs 13,000 crore-project to revive the Talcher fertiliser plant will for the first time see coal being converted into gas for use as the feedstock and for producing neem-coated urea.</p>

<p>"Our aim is to take India to new heights of growth," he said.</p>

<p>Talcher fertiliser project of the Fertilizer Corporation of India was shut in 2002 by the then BJP-led NDA government as frequent power restrictions, obsolete and mismatch of technology made the plant economically unviable.</p>

<p>The government in August 2011 decided to revive the plant.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Three days ago, the central govt took a decision that was needed since decades. The decision was on Triple Talaq. No one was ready to even talk about it due to the fear of losing votes. Now, it has been declared illegal: PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Talcher. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/UpIKzuPuZK">pic.twitter.com/UpIKzuPuZK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043383850657767424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Prime Minister, on the sidelines of the Talcher event, asked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to link the people of the state with the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The scheme provides Rs 5 lakh health insurance to the people.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You have broken all records of previous rallies. This huge crowd portrays the sentiments of the people of Odisha: PM Modi at a public rally in Talcher. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/fK8gDEJuGq">pic.twitter.com/fK8gDEJuGq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043376590715899904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I urge Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to link people of the state with Ayushman Bharat scheme to be launched on Sunday," he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/67wmXycb5k8" width="1280"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Odisha and laid the foundation stone of Talcher Fertiliser Plant in Talcher, news agency ANI reported. He also addressed a rally here during which he lashed out at the previous UPA government for the closure of industries during its rule.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Odisha and laid the foundation stone of Talcher Fertiliser Plant in Talcher, news agency ANI reported. He also addressed a rally here during which he lashed out at the previous UPA government for the closure of industries during its rule. "UPA regime failed to revive closed industries," PM Modi noted. The Prime Minister said that the NDA government revived industries for the development of the nation. Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Talcher Fertiliser Plant in Talcher pic.twitter.com/LjQ43NPsyV — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2018 × After laying the foundation stone of the Talcher fertiliser plant, the Prime Minister stated that the "work on fertiliser plants picked up speed" with the BJP assuming power. When BJP govt came to power in the centre, the work on fertiliser plants picked up speed. I ensure you that the construction of Talcher Fertiliser Plant will be completed in 36 months & I'll again come here to inaugurate it: PM Modi at a public rally in Talcher. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/Ja70Uqg42j — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2018 × "I ensure you that the construction of Talcher Fertiliser Plant will be completed in 36 months and I'll again come here to inaugurate it," PM Modi addressed the rally at Talcher. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Rs 13,000 crore-project to revive the Talcher fertiliser plant will for the first time see coal being converted into gas for use as the feedstock and for producing neem-coated urea. "Our aim is to take India to new heights of growth," he said. Talcher fertiliser project of the Fertilizer Corporation of India was shut in 2002 by the then BJP-led NDA government as frequent power restrictions, obsolete and mismatch of technology made the plant economically unviable. The government in August 2011 decided to revive the plant. Three days ago, the central govt took a decision that was needed since decades. The decision was on Triple Talaq. No one was ready to even talk about it due to the fear of losing votes. Now, it has been declared illegal: PM Narendra Modi at a public rally in Talcher. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/UpIKzuPuZK — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2018 × The Prime Minister, on the sidelines of the Talcher event, asked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to link the people of the state with the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The scheme provides Rs 5 lakh health insurance to the people. You have broken all records of previous rallies. This huge crowd portrays the sentiments of the people of Odisha: PM Modi at a public rally in Talcher. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/fK8gDEJuGq — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2018 × "I urge Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to link people of the state with Ayushman Bharat scheme to be launched on Sunday," he said. ×

UPA regime failed to revive closed industries: PM Modi in Odisha

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with "folded hands" to end the "strike" by Delhi's IAS officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Listing out the development projects stuck because of the strike, Kejriwal said "only you or the LG can end the strike". He added that "this is why people are saying the Centre and the LG are behind the strike".&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiWithKejriwal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiWithKejriwal</a> <a href="https://t.co/RMzw9Cjmgt">pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt</a></p>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1007140402359463936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मेरा भाई पुणे से मुझसे मिलने आया। उसको मुझसे मिलने नहीं दिया गया। ये तो ग़लत है।</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1007119053909946370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues have been sitting in protest outside Delhi LG Anil Baijal's office for four days now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two of them — Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain — are on an indefinite <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/aap-sit-in-at-lgs-waiting-room-enters-day-3-delhi-deputy-cm-begins-hunger-strike-144018?first_load=no">hunger strike</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi AAP government contends that the city-state's bureaucrats have been on "strike" — they have not been attending meetings with minister or taking phone calls — ever since the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack allegedly took place in Kejriwal's home and in his presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal and his colleagues had on Monday gone to meet the LG to ask him to help put an end the strike. They began their protest — in the LG's waiting room — when he refused to meet them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party had on Wednesday marched on the LG's home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said today that they would march to Rajpath in protest and if need be, on the PM's home.&nbsp;</p>


Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with 'folded hands' to end the 'strike' by Delhi's IAS officers

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday morning. Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with "folded hands" to end the "strike" by Delhi's IAS officers. Listing out the development projects stuck because of the strike, Kejriwal said "only you or the LG can end the strike". He added that "this is why people are saying the Centre and the LG are behind the strike". "Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM @ArvindKejriwal to PM @narendramodi#DelhiWithKejriwal pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 14, 2018 × मेरा भाई पुणे से मुझसे मिलने आया। उसको मुझसे मिलने नहीं दिया गया। ये तो ग़लत है। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018 × Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues have been sitting in protest outside Delhi LG Anil Baijal's office for four days now. Two of them — Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain — are on an indefinite hunger strike. Delhi AAP government contends that the city-state's bureaucrats have been on "strike" — they have not been attending meetings with minister or taking phone calls — ever since the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs in February. The attack allegedly took place in Kejriwal's home and in his presence. Kejriwal and his colleagues had on Monday gone to meet the LG to ask him to help put an end the strike. They began their protest — in the LG's waiting room — when he refused to meet them. The Aam Aadmi Party had on Wednesday marched on the LG's home. They said today that they would march to Rajpath in protest and if need be, on the PM's home.

AAP-IAS officers' standoff: Delhi CM Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, asks for help

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Afghanistan as their national cricket team faces India in their historic first ever Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>Afghanistan started its maiden five-day test match in Bengaluru on Thursday, with the match attended by top government officials from both sides.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister took to Twitter to wish luck to both the sides.</p>

<p>"I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international Test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties," PM Narendra Modi wrote.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1007093564034207744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India's sports minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore, shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi.</p>

<p>Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland in June last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognised by the ICC in 2001. India is the world's top-ranked test side.</p>

<p>Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.</p>

<p>India has already offered war-ravaged Afghanistan two stadiums in the country to host matches with other nations.</p>

<p>New Delhi enjoys close relations with Afghanistan and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory.</p>

<p>"The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I'm glad that cricket is now added as another layer," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of Afghanistan as their national cricket team faces India in their historic first ever Test match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Afghanistan started its maiden five-day test match in Bengaluru on Thursday, with the match attended by top government officials from both sides. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to wish luck to both the sides. "I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international Test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties," PM Narendra Modi wrote. I congratulate the people of Afghanistan as their cricket team plays their first international test match. Glad that they have chosen to play the historic match with India. Best wishes to both teams! May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2018 × India's sports minister, Rajyavardhan Rathore, shook hands with Afghan players before the match and read out a congratulatory statement from Modi. Awarded full member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) alongside Ireland in June last year, Afghanistan became the 12th test-playing nation after first being recognised by the ICC in 2001. India is the world's top-ranked test side. Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai was presented with a memento from former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, who was born in Kabul before the match began. India has already offered war-ravaged Afghanistan two stadiums in the country to host matches with other nations. New Delhi enjoys close relations with Afghanistan and both accuse common neighbour Pakistan of not doing enough to stop Islamist militants operating on its territory. "The historic friendship and relations between India and Afghanistan go back to centuries. I'm glad that cricket is now added as another layer," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal said in January when the date and venue of the match were announced. (With inputs from Agencies)

PM Modi hopes historic cricket match will boost ties with Afghanistan

<p>While addressing a gathering in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh on Thursday PM Modi said on Thursday that development is the only solution to all kinds of violence and conspiracy.&nbsp</p>

<p>PM Modi's address followed after he inaugurated a slew of projects in the state including the modern extension of the Bhilai project.</p>

<p>"Bhilai not only made steel but also lives, society and the country. This new modern and converted steel plant will now work to strengthen the foundation of New India. You all have experienced how the picture changed after the establishment of the steel plant," the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>He added that the Bhilai complex built at the cost of about Rs 1,100 crore will act as a pilgrimage centre for technology and technical education for students in the state as well as in the entire country.</p>

<p>Referring to the Forest Rights Act, PM Modi highlighted the work done by his government in the interest of the tribals.</p>

<p>He said, " Considering the interests of tribals, Forest Rights Act has been implemented strictly. Tribal communities have been given the title of more than 20 lakh acres in Chhattisgarh in the last four years".</p>

<p>He also emphasised that the government was working to increase the income of the tribals and also ensure a quality education for them.</p>

<p>"The government is also working on giving quality tribals' education. To raise the level of education among tribal children, Eklavya Vidyalayas are being opened in the country. We are working for them for their bright future," he stated.</p>

<p>He further talked about the Jan Dhan Yojna scheme and said that 130 million poor people have already opened their bank accounts so far in the country.</p>

<p>He also said that the government has constructed more than 37 lakh toilets and 22 lakh poor families have got free gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana scheme in Chhattisgarh.</p>

<p>"The Gram Swaraj campaign has had very positive effect in the last two months. These campaigns are being run especially in 115 districts of the country which were lagging behind in development. It includes 12 districts of Chhattisgarh," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>He said that the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision of fast-paced development in the state was carried by the chief minister Raman Singh.</p>

<p>He also highlighted on his government's "unprecedented efforts" at boosting the connectivity of the state. The PM said, "Earlier where there were no roads, now airports are being constructed along with roads".</p>

<p>He said that the Naya Raipur is the country's first greenfield smart city and that it would now serve as an example for smart cities across the country.</p>

<p>He also added that Rs 3,000 was diverted in the state capital for the construction of more hospitals, schools, roads and toilets.</p>

<p>He further informed that air services between Raipur and Jagdalpur have been made operational, while work on BharatNet Phase 2 in the state has begun.</p>

<p>Ahead of the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, this is PM Modi's second visit to the state in the last two months.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


PM Modi's address followed after he inaugurated a slew of projects in the state including the modern extension of the Bhilai project

While addressing a gathering in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh on Thursday PM Modi said on Thursday that development is the only solution to all kinds of violence and conspiracy. PM Modi's address followed after he inaugurated a slew of projects in the state including the modern extension of the Bhilai project. "Bhilai not only made steel but also lives, society and the country. This new modern and converted steel plant will now work to strengthen the foundation of New India. You all have experienced how the picture changed after the establishment of the steel plant," the Prime Minister said. He added that the Bhilai complex built at the cost of about Rs 1,100 crore will act as a pilgrimage centre for technology and technical education for students in the state as well as in the entire country. Referring to the Forest Rights Act, PM Modi highlighted the work done by his government in the interest of the tribals. He said, " Considering the interests of tribals, Forest Rights Act has been implemented strictly. Tribal communities have been given the title of more than 20 lakh acres in Chhattisgarh in the last four years". He also emphasised that the government was working to increase the income of the tribals and also ensure a quality education for them. "The government is also working on giving quality tribals' education. To raise the level of education among tribal children, Eklavya Vidyalayas are being opened in the country. We are working for them for their bright future," he stated. He further talked about the Jan Dhan Yojna scheme and said that 130 million poor people have already opened their bank accounts so far in the country. He also said that the government has constructed more than 37 lakh toilets and 22 lakh poor families have got free gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana scheme in Chhattisgarh. "The Gram Swaraj campaign has had very positive effect in the last two months. These campaigns are being run especially in 115 districts of the country which were lagging behind in development. It includes 12 districts of Chhattisgarh," PM Modi said. He said that the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision of fast-paced development in the state was carried by the chief minister Raman Singh. He also highlighted on his government's "unprecedented efforts" at boosting the connectivity of the state. The PM said, "Earlier where there were no roads, now airports are being constructed along with roads". He said that the Naya Raipur is the country's first greenfield smart city and that it would now serve as an example for smart cities across the country. He also added that Rs 3,000 was diverted in the state capital for the construction of more hospitals, schools, roads and toilets. He further informed that air services between Raipur and Jagdalpur have been made operational, while work on BharatNet Phase 2 in the state has begun. Ahead of the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, this is PM Modi's second visit to the state in the last two months. (With inputs from ANI)

Answer to violence is 'development': PM Modi in Bhilai

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modernised extension of the Bhilai Steel plant in Chhattisgarh on Thursday.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister held a roadshow in Bhilai prior to his visit to the Steel Plant, while he also inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Naya Raipur.</p>

<p>According to an official release, "The modernisation includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection.</p>

<p>"He is also slated to lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) Bhilai.</p>

<p>Additionally, he will unveil the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet (Bharat Broadband Network Limited).</p>

<p>"The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with an underground optical fibre network," the official release read.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister will inaugurate air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur and will also distribute laptops, certificates, and cheques etc. to beneficiaries under various schemes.</p>

<p>This is Prime Minister Modi`s second visit to Chhattisgarh in the last two months.The visit comes ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held in the state later this year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


According to an official release, 'The modernisation includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modernised extension of the Bhilai Steel plant in Chhattisgarh on Thursday. The Prime Minister held a roadshow in Bhilai prior to his visit to the Steel Plant, while he also inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Naya Raipur. According to an official release, "The modernisation includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection. "He is also slated to lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) Bhilai. Additionally, he will unveil the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet (Bharat Broadband Network Limited). "The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with an underground optical fibre network," the official release read. The Prime Minister will inaugurate air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur and will also distribute laptops, certificates, and cheques etc. to beneficiaries under various schemes. This is Prime Minister Modi`s second visit to Chhattisgarh in the last two months.The visit comes ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held in the state later this year.

PM Modi inaugurates Bhilai Steel Plant's extension in Chhattisgarh

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took up fitness challenge and shared a clip on his Twitter and Facebook page strengthening his muscles in the morning at his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a two-minute long video, PM Modi, wearing a black jogging dress, can be seen practising yoga asanas and other exercises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video shows him seen walking on a track created around a tree, doing stretching exercise and sitting on a rock for meditation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is also seen balancing himself while walking on a narrow, circular track.</p>

<p>In the tweet, the prime minister explained that his morning walk is inspired by the Panchtatvas or the five elements — Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu and Aakash.</p>

<p>In his message, the PM who always says yoga is key to good health said that he feels “extremely refreshing and rejuvenating” after morning exercise.</p>

<p>Modi also issued a challenge to Karnataka’s new chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, tennis player Monika Batra and “the entire fraternity of brave IPS officers, especially those above 40”.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am delighted to nominate the following for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a>:<br />
<br />
Karnataka’s CM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hd_kumaraswamy</a>.<br />
<br />
India’s pride and among the highest medal winners for India in the 2018 CWG, <a href="https://twitter.com/manikabatra_TT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manikabatra_TT</a>.<br />
<br />
The entire fraternity of brave IPS officers, especially those above 40.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1006740125672353794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here are moments from my morning exercises. Apart from Yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or 5 elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. I also practice<br />
breathing exercises. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://t.co/km3345GuV2">pic.twitter.com/km3345GuV2</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1006739708670455810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Union Minister and Olympics silver medalist, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, had started this challenge on Twitter to highlight the importance of fitness and regular exercise. Those nominated in the tweet were required to post a video of an exercise from their workout and pass on the challenge to as many people as possible.</p>

<p>The trend caught up quickly, with celebrities, sportsmen and politicians taking up the challenge and posting their videos on Twitter and other social media. Indian cricket team’s captain Virat Kohli posted his own video and challenged Modi, which the PM accepted promptly.</p>

<p>Hours after PM Narendra Modi's tweet, HD Kumaraswamy responds to the fitness challenge, saying I am honoured& thanks very much for d concern about my health. I believe physical fitness is important for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime.Yet, I am more concerned about development fitness of my state&seek ur support for it.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji<br />
I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health<br />
I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime.<br />
Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it.</p>
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1006761540543016963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In the tweet, the prime minister explained that his morning walk is inspired by the Panchtatvas or the five elements — Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu and Aakash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took up fitness challenge and shared a clip on his Twitter and Facebook page strengthening his muscles in the morning at his residence. In a two-minute long video, PM Modi, wearing a black jogging dress, can be seen practising yoga asanas and other exercises. The video shows him seen walking on a track created around a tree, doing stretching exercise and sitting on a rock for meditation. He is also seen balancing himself while walking on a narrow, circular track. In the tweet, the prime minister explained that his morning walk is inspired by the Panchtatvas or the five elements — Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu and Aakash. In his message, the PM who always says yoga is key to good health said that he feels “extremely refreshing and rejuvenating” after morning exercise. Modi also issued a challenge to Karnataka’s new chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, tennis player Monika Batra and “the entire fraternity of brave IPS officers, especially those above 40”. I am delighted to nominate the following for the #FitnessChallenge: Karnataka’s CM Shri @hd_kumaraswamy. India’s pride and among the highest medal winners for India in the 2018 CWG, @manikabatra_TT. The entire fraternity of brave IPS officers, especially those above 40. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2018 × Here are moments from my morning exercises. Apart from Yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or 5 elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. I also practice breathing exercises. #HumFitTohIndiaFit pic.twitter.com/km3345GuV2 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2018 × Union Minister and Olympics silver medalist, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, had started this challenge on Twitter to highlight the importance of fitness and regular exercise. Those nominated in the tweet were required to post a video of an exercise from their workout and pass on the challenge to as many people as possible. The trend caught up quickly, with celebrities, sportsmen and politicians taking up the challenge and posting their videos on Twitter and other social media. Indian cricket team’s captain Virat Kohli posted his own video and challenged Modi, which the PM accepted promptly. Hours after PM Narendra Modi's tweet, HD Kumaraswamy responds to the fitness challenge, saying I am honoured& thanks very much for d concern about my health. I believe physical fitness is important for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime.Yet, I am more concerned about development fitness of my state&seek ur support for it. Dear @narendramodi ji I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) June 13, 2018 ×

Watch: Modi accepts Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge, passes it on to Karnataka CM

<p>Afghanistan Cricket team will play its maiden Test match against India tomorrow and the team received appreciation and warm wishes from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp</p>

<p>Hailing the feat achieved by Afghanistan, Modi said the game had come in very challenging and difficult circumstances.</p>

<p>He said it reflects the indomitable Afghan spirit to overcome all challenges and realise aspirations for a prosperous, stable, united and a peaceful nation.</p>

<p>"Today, cricket is a unifying force for the people of Afghanistan. India takes pride in being shoulder-to-shoulder with Afghanistan in this journey. It is an honour for India to host the Afghan national team at home ground in Greater Noida and Dehradun," Modi said.&nbsp</p>

<p>PM Modi further described the occasion as 'historic' and praised the team for making great strides in a very short period of time.&nbsp</p>

<p>India has also been associated with the development of cricket in Afghanistan since 2001 when the latter joined the International Cricket Council.</p>

<p><img alt="PM Modi12.png" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="550" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/PM%20Modi12.png" width="394" /></p>

<p>It had also helped the country construct cricket stadiums.</p>

<p>Players like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi have won hearts of millions of people in India through their performance in the recently concluded IPL.</p>


Modi said the game had come in very challenging and difficult circumstances.

Afghanistan Cricket team will play its maiden Test match against India tomorrow and the team received appreciation and warm wishes from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hailing the feat achieved by Afghanistan, Modi said the game had come in very challenging and difficult circumstances. He said it reflects the indomitable Afghan spirit to overcome all challenges and realise aspirations for a prosperous, stable, united and a peaceful nation. "Today, cricket is a unifying force for the people of Afghanistan. India takes pride in being shoulder-to-shoulder with Afghanistan in this journey. It is an honour for India to host the Afghan national team at home ground in Greater Noida and Dehradun," Modi said. PM Modi further described the occasion as 'historic' and praised the team for making great strides in a very short period of time. India has also been associated with the development of cricket in Afghanistan since 2001 when the latter joined the International Cricket Council. It had also helped the country construct cricket stadiums. Players like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi have won hearts of millions of people in India through their performance in the recently concluded IPL.

'Historic', says PM Modi on India-Afghanistan Test match

<p>Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar party on Wednesday night for a number of diplomats and political dignitaries. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was among prominent political figures who attended an event.</p>

<p>According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Rahul Gandhi hosts an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iftar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iftar</a> party in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. Former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee & Pratibha Patil & former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also present. <a href="https://t.co/IjvOi6JhlJ">pic.twitter.com/IjvOi6JhlJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006901833455943681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to sources, Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi's fitness video bizarre while ex-President Pranab Mukherjee did not respond to the query. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury did not want to comment on the same and asked to be excused, "<em>hume</em><em> to chor do</em>," he demanded.&nbsp;</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sCiOC2V6vX8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p>Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ex-Presidents, Smt Pratibha Patil, Hamid Ansari were also spotted at the event along with Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Member of Parliament Sharad Yadav among other eminent political personalities and foreign dignitaries.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Rahul Gandhi with foreign delegates, including Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iftar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iftar</a> party hosted by him in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/xN2SEuNqKu">pic.twitter.com/xN2SEuNqKu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006907599659233285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar party on Wednesday night for a number of diplomats and political dignitaries. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was among prominent political figures who attended an event. According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function. Congress President Rahul Gandhi hosts an #Iftar party in #Delhi. Former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee & Pratibha Patil & former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also present. pic.twitter.com/IjvOi6JhlJ — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 × According to sources, Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi's fitness video bizarre while ex-President Pranab Mukherjee did not respond to the query. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury did not want to comment on the same and asked to be excused, "hume to chor do," he demanded. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ex-Presidents, Smt Pratibha Patil, Hamid Ansari were also spotted at the event along with Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Member of Parliament Sharad Yadav among other eminent political personalities and foreign dignitaries. Congress President Rahul Gandhi with foreign delegates, including Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, at #iftar party hosted by him in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/xN2SEuNqKu — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 ×

SP skips Rahul Gandhi's Iftar event, PM Modi's fitness challenge gets discussed

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a modernised and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh on June 14. According to the official release, "The modernization includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection."</p>

<p>The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) Bhilai along with unveiling the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet (Bharat Broadband Network Limited).</p>

<p>"The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with an underground optical fibre network," the official release read.</p>

<p>PM Modi will also flag-off air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur.</p>

<p>"He will also distribute laptops, certificates, and cheques etc. to beneficiaries under various schemes. He will also address a public meeting," the release further read.</p>

<p>Ahead of his Bhilai visit, PM Modi will visit Naya Raipur Smart City, where he will inaugurate the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the city.</p>

<p>Chhattisgarh assembly elections are scheduled to be held later this year.&nbsp</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)&nbsp</p>


Ahead of his Bhilai visit, PM Modi will visit Naya Raipur Smart City, where he will inaugurate the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the city

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a modernised and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh on June 14. According to the official release, "The modernization includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection." The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) Bhilai along with unveiling the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet (Bharat Broadband Network Limited). "The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with an underground optical fibre network," the official release read. PM Modi will also flag-off air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur. "He will also distribute laptops, certificates, and cheques etc. to beneficiaries under various schemes. He will also address a public meeting," the release further read. Ahead of his Bhilai visit, PM Modi will visit Naya Raipur Smart City, where he will inaugurate the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the city. Chhattisgarh assembly elections are scheduled to be held later this year. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to inaugurate modernised Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh tomorrow

<p>Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday responded to the fitness challenge given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his tweet, the Chief Minister of Karnataka spoke about his fitness regime and added that he was more concerned about the fitness of his state.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-accepts-virat-kohlis-fitness-challenge-nominates-karnataka-cm-144030"><strong>Watch: Modi accepts Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge, passes it on to Karnataka CM</strong></a></p>

<p>"Dear Narendra Modi Ji, I am honoured and thank you very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is important for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about the development fitness of my state&seek ur support for it," Kumaraswamy tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji<br />
I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health<br />
I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime.<br />
Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it.</p>
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1006761540543016963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier this morning, PM Modi accepted Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge and shared a video that shows him meditating, walking on a track inspired by five elements of nature, and doing yoga exercises. He also passed on the fitness challenge to Kumaraswamy, table tennis player Manika Batra and police fraternity, especially those above 40 years of age.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took up fitness challenge and shared a clip on his Twitter and Facebook page strengthening his muscles in the morning at his residence.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday responded to the fitness challenge given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning. In his tweet, the Chief Minister of Karnataka spoke about his fitness regime and added that he was more concerned about the fitness of his state. Watch: Modi accepts Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge, passes it on to Karnataka CM "Dear Narendra Modi Ji, I am honoured and thank you very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is important for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about the development fitness of my state&seek ur support for it," Kumaraswamy tweeted. Dear @narendramodi ji I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) June 13, 2018 × Earlier this morning, PM Modi accepted Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge and shared a video that shows him meditating, walking on a track inspired by five elements of nature, and doing yoga exercises. He also passed on the fitness challenge to Kumaraswamy, table tennis player Manika Batra and police fraternity, especially those above 40 years of age.

Karnataka CM replies to PM Modi's fitness challenge, says 'more concerned about fitness of my state'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that connectivity with the neighbourhood and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) region is India's priority as he stressed that his country was committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit.</p>

<p>Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit + , Prime Minister Modi also floated the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection.</p>

<p>"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said.</p>

<p>It is for the first time the Indian prime minister is attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, jointly dominated by China and Russia, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO.</p>

<p>Modi said India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit.</p>

<p>Noting that only 6 per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, the prime minister said this can easily be doubled.</p>

<p>"Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing Afghanistan as an "unfortunate example" of effect of terrorism, Modi said he hoped the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ashraf Ghani will be respected by all in the region, apparently referring to a cease-fire announced by the Afghan leader for the Eid festival.</p>

<p>The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.</p>

<p>Besides Modi, other leaders attending the summit include Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.</p>

<p>The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Intervention by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at the Plenary Session of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a>: "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/NA5gWjHHxM">pic.twitter.com/NA5gWjHHxM</a></p>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005655570953584640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at the restricted session of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a>. India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ujfpgSikV">pic.twitter.com/2ujfpgSikV</a></p>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005641541648412672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit + , Prime Minister Modi also floated the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that connectivity with the neighbourhood and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) region is India's priority as he stressed that his country was committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit + , Prime Minister Modi also floated the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister is attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, jointly dominated by China and Russia, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. Modi said India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. Noting that only 6 per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, the prime minister said this can easily be doubled. "Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said. Citing Afghanistan as an "unfortunate example" of effect of terrorism, Modi said he hoped the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ashraf Ghani will be respected by all in the region, apparently referring to a cease-fire announced by the Afghan leader for the Eid festival. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Besides Modi, other leaders attending the summit include Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. Intervention by PM @narendramodi at the Plenary Session of #SCOSummit: "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority" #IndiainSCO pic.twitter.com/NA5gWjHHxM — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 10, 2018 × PM @narendramodi at the restricted session of the #SCOSummit. India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. #IndiainSCO pic.twitter.com/2ujfpgSikV — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 10, 2018 ×

Connectivity with neighbourhood and in SCO region India's priority: PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid.</p>

<p>Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner.</p>

<p>"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.</p>

<p>Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid.</p>

<p>The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19.&nbsp</p>

<p>Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion.</p>

<p>India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.</p>

<p>Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.</p>


Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid. Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid. The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19. Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion. India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan. This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace. Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

PM Modi praises Afghan President's bold initiatives towards peace

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the plenary session on the second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of terrorism. I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," PM Modi said at the summit.</p>

<p>"Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he added.</p>

<p>"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," PM said.</p>

<p>On Saturday, PM Modi also attended bilateral meetings with several heads of states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bilateral meeting with the Chinese President came just over a month after the two leaders met for an informal summit in China’s Wuhan.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number.We will organize a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> in China's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qingdao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qingdao</a> <a href="https://t.co/0D2P8PXcJX">pic.twitter.com/0D2P8PXcJX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005655039015247872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Modi floated the concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty, ‘E’ for environment protection.</p>

<p>This is India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.</p>

<p>PM Modi is on a two-day visit to China as part of which he will be attending the SCO summit and will hold multiple meetings with other SCO leaders.</p>

<p>Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations.</p>

<p>India and China on Saturday, 9 June, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) related to sharing of hydrological information on Brahmaputra and export on non-Basmati rice to China following the talks between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.</p>


India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the plenary session on the second day of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of terrorism. I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," PM Modi said at the summit. "Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organize an SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he added. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood & in the SCO region is our priority," PM said. On Saturday, PM Modi also attended bilateral meetings with several heads of states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao. The bilateral meeting with the Chinese President came just over a month after the two leaders met for an informal summit in China’s Wuhan. Only 6% of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, this can easily be doubled. Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number.We will organize a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India: PM Modi at #SCOSummit in China's #Qingdao pic.twitter.com/0D2P8PXcJX — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Modi floated the concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty, ‘E’ for environment protection. This is India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became full-time members during Astana Summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to China as part of which he will be attending the SCO summit and will hold multiple meetings with other SCO leaders. Member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration, after the deliberations. India and China on Saturday, 9 June, signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) related to sharing of hydrological information on Brahmaputra and export on non-Basmati rice to China following the talks between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of effect of terrorism: PM Modi at SCO summit in China

<p>Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday.</p>

<p>The second day of the 18th SCO summit began with a welcome ceremony and a group photo of leaders of the eight SCO member-states.</p>

<p>Thereafter the SCO members are scheduled to attend a session restricted only to SCO members.</p>

<p>After this, a plenary session will take place after the signing ceremony and a joint press conference.</p>

<p>In the evening, PM Modi will depart for Qingdao Liuting International Airport and emplane for AFS Palam, where he will reach around 10 in the night.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit where India is participating as a full member for the first time. India along with Pakistan became the permanent members of the SCO last year.</p>

<p>A day before PM Modi participated in the delegation-level talks with other members of the SCO at Anren Hall in China's Qingdao city on the sidelines of the summit. He also met General Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov.</p>

<p>PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city, where the two leaders took stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan.</p>

<p>During the Summit scheduled for &nbspSunday, the leaders of the member states will sign the Qingdao Declaration and some other agreements on security, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.</p>

<p>The leaders will also analyse international and regional security situations and discuss measures to boost cooperation.</p>

<p>The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit where India is participating as a full member for the first time

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday. The second day of the 18th SCO summit began with a welcome ceremony and a group photo of leaders of the eight SCO member-states. Thereafter the SCO members are scheduled to attend a session restricted only to SCO members. After this, a plenary session will take place after the signing ceremony and a joint press conference. In the evening, PM Modi will depart for Qingdao Liuting International Airport and emplane for AFS Palam, where he will reach around 10 in the night. The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit where India is participating as a full member for the first time. India along with Pakistan became the permanent members of the SCO last year. A day before PM Modi participated in the delegation-level talks with other members of the SCO at Anren Hall in China's Qingdao city on the sidelines of the summit. He also met General Secretary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov. PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city, where the two leaders took stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan. During the Summit scheduled for &nbspSunday, the leaders of the member states will sign the Qingdao Declaration and some other agreements on security, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders will also analyse international and regional security situations and discuss measures to boost cooperation. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi meets Xi ahead of SCO summit

<p>Student rights activist at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Shehla Rashid, made a controversial tweet by claiming that the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/massive-manhunt-launched-to-locate-accused-in-pm-modis-assassination-plot-143263">assassination plot against PM Modi </a>is planned by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the RSS.</p>

<p>She said that the RSS and Union Minister have planned the assassination to blame the Muslims/communists and then lynch the Muslims.</p>

<p>She tweeted, "Looks like RSS/Gadkari is planning to assassinate Modi, and then blame it upon Muslims/Communists and then lynch Muslims #RajivGandhiStyle."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to her attack, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that he would take legal action on "anti-social elements" for the comments.</p>

<p>His tweet read, "I would be taking legal action on anti-social elements who have made bizarre comments attributing personal motives to me, regarding the assassination threat to PM @narendramodi."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would be taking legal action on anti-social elements who have made bizzare comments attributing personal motives to me, regarding the assassination threat to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) <a href="https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari/status/1005480418093686785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Soon after his tweet Shehla Rashid clarified that she was making a sarcastic comment on her post. She said, "Leader of world's biggest party gets worked up about a sarcastic tweet. Imagine what an innocent student @UmarKhalidJNU must be going through after a baseless media assault on him & his father".</p>

<p>Rashid's tweet referred to the assassination plot that was revealed by the Pune police after they recovered a letter from the residence of one of the five persons arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Looks like RSS/Gadkari is planning to assassinate Modi, and then blame it upon Muslims/Communists and then lynch Muslims <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajivGandhiStyle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajivGandhiStyle</a></p>
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehla_Rashid/status/1005373847636303872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leader of world's biggest party gets worked up about a sarcastic tweet. Imagine what an innocent student <a href="https://twitter.com/UmarKhalidJNU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UmarKhalidJNU</a> must be going through after a baseless media assault on him & his father by Times Now.<br />
<br />
Mr. Gadkari, will you also take action against Rahul Shivshankar? <a href="https://t.co/tNDZLrqOKV">https://t.co/tNDZLrqOKV</a></p>
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehla_Rashid/status/1005502570779967489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The letter read, "Com. Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj. We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a good chance that we might fail, but we feel that the party PB/CC must deliberate over our proposal. Targeting his road-shows could be an effective strategy. We collectively believe that survival of the party is supreme to all sacrifices".</p>

<p>It was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party".<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In response to the attack, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that he would take legal action on 'anti-social elements'

Student rights activist at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Shehla Rashid, made a controversial tweet by claiming that the assassination plot against PM Modi is planned by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the RSS. She said that the RSS and Union Minister have planned the assassination to blame the Muslims/communists and then lynch the Muslims. She tweeted, "Looks like RSS/Gadkari is planning to assassinate Modi, and then blame it upon Muslims/Communists and then lynch Muslims #RajivGandhiStyle." In response to her attack, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that he would take legal action on "anti-social elements" for the comments. His tweet read, "I would be taking legal action on anti-social elements who have made bizarre comments attributing personal motives to me, regarding the assassination threat to PM @narendramodi." I would be taking legal action on anti-social elements who have made bizzare comments attributing personal motives to me, regarding the assassination threat to PM @narendramodi — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) June 9, 2018 × Soon after his tweet Shehla Rashid clarified that she was making a sarcastic comment on her post. She said, "Leader of world's biggest party gets worked up about a sarcastic tweet. Imagine what an innocent student @UmarKhalidJNU must be going through after a baseless media assault on him & his father". Rashid's tweet referred to the assassination plot that was revealed by the Pune police after they recovered a letter from the residence of one of the five persons arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. Looks like RSS/Gadkari is planning to assassinate Modi, and then blame it upon Muslims/Communists and then lynch Muslims #RajivGandhiStyle — Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) June 9, 2018 × Leader of world's biggest party gets worked up about a sarcastic tweet. Imagine what an innocent student @UmarKhalidJNU must be going through after a baseless media assault on him & his father by Times Now. Mr. Gadkari, will you also take action against Rahul Shivshankar? https://t.co/tNDZLrqOKV — Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) June 9, 2018 × The letter read, "Com. Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj. We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a good chance that we might fail, but we feel that the party PB/CC must deliberate over our proposal. Targeting his road-shows could be an effective strategy. We collectively believe that survival of the party is supreme to all sacrifices". It was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party".

Shehla Rashid tweets 'RSS/Gadkari planning to assassinate Modi'; Gadkari to sue

<p>Following the revelation of the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/maoist-letter-reveals-rajiv-gandhi-type-assassination-bid-on-pm-modi--143143">"Rajiv Gandhi-type" assassination bid on Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, the&nbsp;Pune police have&nbsp;launched a massive manhunt to locate the four accused who are on the run and are wanted in this case.</p>

<p>These accused are known with their code names as comrade Milind, comrade Deepu, comrade Manglu and comrade Prakash.</p>

<p>The police have formed&nbsp;six teams to investigate the matter.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Intelligence agencies have alerted that several leaders including students belonging to this Maoist organisation are still on the job and conspiring the plan to eliminate their target. The agencies further said that the accused may be hiding in different parts of the country and be trying to radicalise others to recruit them for CPI Maoist.</p>

<p>The letter that was recovered from the residence of one of the five persons arrested by Pune police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence read, "Com. Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj. We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a good chance that we might fail, but we feel that the party PB/CC must deliberate over our proposal. Targeting his road-shows could be an effective strategy. We collectively believe that survival of the party is supreme to all sacrifices".</p>

<p>In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party".</p>


The Intelligence agencies have alerted that several leaders including students belonging to this Maoist organisation are still on the job and conspiring the plan to eliminate their target

Following the revelation of the "Rajiv Gandhi-type" assassination bid on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Pune police have launched a massive manhunt to locate the four accused who are on the run and are wanted in this case. These accused are known with their code names as comrade Milind, comrade Deepu, comrade Manglu and comrade Prakash. The police have formed six teams to investigate the matter. The Intelligence agencies have alerted that several leaders including students belonging to this Maoist organisation are still on the job and conspiring the plan to eliminate their target. The agencies further said that the accused may be hiding in different parts of the country and be trying to radicalise others to recruit them for CPI Maoist. The letter that was recovered from the residence of one of the five persons arrested by Pune police in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence read, "Com. Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj. We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a good chance that we might fail, but we feel that the party PB/CC must deliberate over our proposal. Targeting his road-shows could be an effective strategy. We collectively believe that survival of the party is supreme to all sacrifices". In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party".

Massive manhunt launched to locate accused in PM Modi's assassination plot

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron</a></p>

<p>As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-macron-may-have-put-too-much-pressure-on-trump-at-the-g7-summit-leaves-thumb-imprint--143212">Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint</a></p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on&nbsp<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Friday met US President Donald Trump in&nbsp</a>Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/despite-losing-unsc-seat-maldives-govt-thanks-india-for-support--143215">Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support</a></p>

<p>A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-heads-to-china-for-sco-summit-143220">PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interim-pm-reviews-fatf-requirements-on-terror-financing-143210">Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing</a></p>

<p>Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry. Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday met US President Donald Trump in Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand. Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC. PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).</p>

<p>On Friday, the Prime Minister posted a message regarding the summit on his official Facebook account.</p>

<p>"The SCO has a rich agenda for cooperation, ranging from fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk, and fostering people-to-people relations," Prime Minister Modi said.</p>

<p>He also said he would be holding multiple meetings with the heads of various SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit.</p>

<p>This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became the full-time member during Astana summit in June 2017.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping apart from holding meetings with various other participating leaders.</p>

<p>Further, the member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration.</p>

<p>The declaration will hold details of the significant mechanism for resisting the global terror activities.</p>

<p>The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation that focuses on strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states and promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.</p>

<p>The SCO has two sub-divisions including Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and SCO Secretariat.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). On Friday, the Prime Minister posted a message regarding the summit on his official Facebook account. "The SCO has a rich agenda for cooperation, ranging from fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk, and fostering people-to-people relations," Prime Minister Modi said. He also said he would be holding multiple meetings with the heads of various SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit. This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became the full-time member during Astana summit in June 2017. Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping apart from holding meetings with various other participating leaders. Further, the member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration. The declaration will hold details of the significant mechanism for resisting the global terror activities. The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation that focuses on strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states and promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region. The SCO has two sub-divisions including Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and SCO Secretariat.

PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).</p>

<p>On Friday, the Prime Minister posted a message regarding the summit on his official Facebook account.</p>

<p>"The SCO has a rich agenda for cooperation, ranging from fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk, and fostering people-to-people relations," Prime Minister Modi said.</p>

<p>He also said he would be holding multiple meetings with the heads of various SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit.</p>

<p>This will be India's first participation in the summit as a full-time member of the organisation. India, along with Pakistan, became the full-time member during Astana summit in June 2017.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping apart from holding meetings with various other participating leaders.</p>

<p>Further, the member-countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration.</p>

<p>The declaration will hold details of the significant mechanism for resisting the global terror activities.</p>

<p>The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation that focuses on strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states and promoting their effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, research, technology and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.</p>

<p>The SCO has two sub-divisions including Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and SCO Secretariat.&nbsp</p>


<p>Ahead of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit beginning today in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;said on Friday that he was excited to lead the Indian delegation for the grouping's first-ever meeting with the country as a full member.</p>

<p>Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Qingdao, where they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan.</p>

<p>"I am excited to lead the Indian delegation for our first-ever meeting of the Council as a full member," Modi said in a Facebook post.</p>

<p>"On 9th and 10th June, I will be in Qingdao, China to take part in the annual SCO Summit. This will be India's first SCO Summit as a full member. Will be interacting with leaders of SCO nations and discussing a wide range of subjects with them," the prime minister tweeted.</p>

<p>Discussions in the summit will take place on diverse issues ranging from combating terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture, protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk and fostering people-to-people relations.</p>

<p>"In the last one year since India became a full member of the SCO, our interaction with the organisation and its member states has grown considerably in these areas. I believe that the Qingdao Summit will further enrich the SCO agenda, while heralding a new beginning for India's engagement with the SCO," he said.</p>

<p>Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises eight member states, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted to the SCO last year.</p>

<p>"India enjoys deep friendship and multi-dimensional ties with the member states of the SCO. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, I will have the opportunity of meeting and sharing views with several other leaders, including the Heads of States of many SCO Member States," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>


Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises eight member states, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted to the SCO last year

Ahead of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit beginning today in China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that he was excited to lead the Indian delegation for the grouping's first-ever meeting with the country as a full member. Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Qingdao, where they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan. "I am excited to lead the Indian delegation for our first-ever meeting of the Council as a full member," Modi said in a Facebook post. "On 9th and 10th June, I will be in Qingdao, China to take part in the annual SCO Summit. This will be India's first SCO Summit as a full member. Will be interacting with leaders of SCO nations and discussing a wide range of subjects with them," the prime minister tweeted. Discussions in the summit will take place on diverse issues ranging from combating terrorism, separatism and extremism to promoting cooperation in connectivity, commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture, protecting the environment and mitigating disaster risk and fostering people-to-people relations. "In the last one year since India became a full member of the SCO, our interaction with the organisation and its member states has grown considerably in these areas. I believe that the Qingdao Summit will further enrich the SCO agenda, while heralding a new beginning for India's engagement with the SCO," he said. Founded in 2001, the SCO currently comprises eight member states, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted to the SCO last year. "India enjoys deep friendship and multi-dimensional ties with the member states of the SCO. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, I will have the opportunity of meeting and sharing views with several other leaders, including the Heads of States of many SCO Member States," Modi said.

Excited to lead delegation for India's first-ever SCO summit as a full member, says PM Modi

<p>Opposition in Maharashtra questioned the government's claim of a Maoist conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a possible attempt to divert attention or gain sympathy.</p>

<p>Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to "gain sympathy".</p>

<p>"It needs to be investigated whether this info is correct or not and this is also true that Mr Modi is habitual of spreading such false info to gain sympathy particularly when his popularity declines," Nirupam said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Pune police, who have arrested five persons for alleged Maoist links, yesterday claimed that ultras were planning to target the prime minister.</p>

<p>NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that claims of the existence of such a conspiracy appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the main issues related to the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune district earlier this year.</p>

<p>Police should have investigated the matter before seeking remand of the accused citing the alleged conspiracy, he said.</p>

<p>"The information should have been probed first instead of citing it as a ground to seek remand. It goes on to show that there is an attempt to do a publicity stunt," the NCP leader alleged.</p>

<p>A letter found in the house of Delhi-resident Rona Wilson, arrested for alleged Maoist "links", talks about the ultras mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Modi should be targeted during his road shows, according to the Pune police.</p>

<p>Wilson was among five people arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in Pune in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence.</p>


Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to 'gain sympathy'

Opposition in Maharashtra questioned the government's claim of a Maoist conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a possible attempt to divert attention or gain sympathy. Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said Modi spreads such information to "gain sympathy". "It needs to be investigated whether this info is correct or not and this is also true that Mr Modi is habitual of spreading such false info to gain sympathy particularly when his popularity declines," Nirupam said on Twitter. Pune police, who have arrested five persons for alleged Maoist links, yesterday claimed that ultras were planning to target the prime minister. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said that claims of the existence of such a conspiracy appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the main issues related to the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune district earlier this year. Police should have investigated the matter before seeking remand of the accused citing the alleged conspiracy, he said. "The information should have been probed first instead of citing it as a ground to seek remand. It goes on to show that there is an attempt to do a publicity stunt," the NCP leader alleged. A letter found in the house of Delhi-resident Rona Wilson, arrested for alleged Maoist "links", talks about the ultras mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Modi should be targeted during his road shows, according to the Pune police. Wilson was among five people arrested from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in Pune in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence.

Claims of Maoist conspiracy could be diversionary tactic: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam

<p>PM Modi arrived in China's eastern port city of Qingdao today to attend the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit with Pakistan also in attendance.</p>

<p>Modi was welcomed by Chinese officials and he also received a guard of honour upon his arrival at the airport.</p>

<p>Although PM Modi is not slated to meet Pakistan leaders officially, but he may meet them unofficially, according to India's Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in China's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qingdao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qingdao</a>, he will be attending the SCO Summit & will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. <a href="https://t.co/ZzzuiBvGrT">pic.twitter.com/ZzzuiBvGrT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005355661817860096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Before leaving for the summit, the Indian prime minister said he would be discussing "terrorism, separatism and extremism" with other leaders, including "commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture".</p>

<p>During the summit, PM Modi will be holding bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping which would be their second meeting after Wuhan where the two leaders had met for an "informal summit".</p>

<p>SCO members &nbsp;India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration which aims to resist global terror activities.</p>

<p>Established in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO accounts for over 60 per cent of the Eurasian landmass, nearly half of the world's population. The summit aims to make joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region including promotion of trade, research and technology.</p>

<p>The summit will conclude on Sunday.</p>


During the summit, PM Modi will be holding bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

PM Modi arrived in China's eastern port city of Qingdao today to attend the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit with Pakistan also in attendance. Modi was welcomed by Chinese officials and he also received a guard of honour upon his arrival at the airport. Although PM Modi is not slated to meet Pakistan leaders officially, but he may meet them unofficially, according to India's Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in China's #Qingdao, he will be attending the SCO Summit & will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. pic.twitter.com/ZzzuiBvGrT — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Before leaving for the summit, the Indian prime minister said he would be discussing "terrorism, separatism and extremism" with other leaders, including "commerce, customs, law, health and agriculture". During the summit, PM Modi will be holding bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping which would be their second meeting after Wuhan where the two leaders had met for an "informal summit". SCO members India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are expected to sign the Qingdao Declaration which aims to resist global terror activities. Established in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO accounts for over 60 per cent of the Eurasian landmass, nearly half of the world's population. The summit aims to make joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region including promotion of trade, research and technology. The summit will conclude on Sunday.

PM Modi arrives in China to attend SCO summit

<p>India and Pakistan will <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/uninterrupted-dialogue-with-india-only-way-to-resolve-all-disputes-pakistan-143008">not hold any formal meeting</a> on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit scheduled to begin tomorrow in China, India's ambassador to China&nbsp;Gautam Bambawale said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bambawale&nbsp;confirmed that the leaders of the two countries may talk during the summit but there will be "no formal meeting"&nbsp;with Pakistan.</p>

<p>"Neither have we nor has Pakistan asked for a formal meeting but during such summits leaders may talk on the sidelines but there will be no formal meeting (with Pakistan)", Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale said.</p>

<p>He further said, "This is the first summit wherein India is participating with complete membership & so will Pakistan, terror will certainly be a substantial part of the&nbsp;discussion".</p>

<p>The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit, where the two leaders are expected to take stock of the implementations of ideas that they had decided during their informal summit in Wuhan last month.</p>


Indian ambassador to China has confirmed that the leaders of the two countries may talk during the summit but there will be no formal meeting with Pakistan

India and Pakistan will not hold any formal meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit scheduled to begin tomorrow in China, India's ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said. Bambawale confirmed that the leaders of the two countries may talk during the summit but there will be "no formal meeting" with Pakistan. "Neither have we nor has Pakistan asked for a formal meeting but during such summits leaders may talk on the sidelines but there will be no formal meeting (with Pakistan)", Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale said. He further said, "This is the first summit wherein India is participating with complete membership & so will Pakistan, terror will certainly be a substantial part of the discussion". The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit, where the two leaders are expected to take stock of the implementations of ideas that they had decided during their informal summit in Wuhan last month.

'India, Pak leaders may talk but no formal meeting during SCO summit,' says Indian Ambassador to China

<p>Pune police have chanced upon a letter from the residence of one of the five persons they had arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. The letter discusses 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party on all fronts. Greater suppression of dissent and more brutal form of Misson 2016 (OGH)," the letter read.</p>

<p>"Com. Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj. We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a good chance that we might fail, but we feel that the party PB/CC must deliberate over our proposal. Targeting his road-shows could be an effective strategy. We collectively believe that survival of the party is supreme to all sacrifices," it added.<br />
In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party".</p>

<p>Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Ministry Sources said it has received two letters from Maoist organisations, threatening Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family members. Both letters mentioned the recent Gadchiroli encounters where several Maoists were gunned down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police are investigating the matter.</p>

<p>However, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said the strategy might be "planted".</p>

<p>"I am not saying this is completely untrue, but it has been Prime Minister Modi's old tactic since he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Whenever his popularity declines, news of an assassination plot is planted. So, it should be probed how much truth is in it this time," he was quoted as saying told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury downplayed the question and said the court should decide on the matter.</p>

<p>"There are security forces in the country. Also, courts are there. They will look into this. The security forces have been taking care of the politicians in India. I don't know (if it's real or not). Let the court decide that," he <em>said.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


However, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said the strategy might be "planted".

Pune police have chanced upon a letter from the residence of one of the five persons they had arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. The letter discusses 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Modi-led Hindu fascism is bulldozing its way into the lives of indigenous Adivasis. In spite of big defeats like Bihar and West Bengal, Modi has successfully established BJP government in more than 15 states. If this pace continues, then it would mean immense trouble for the party on all fronts. Greater suppression of dissent and more brutal form of Misson 2016 (OGH)," the letter read. "Com. Kisan and few other senior comrades have proposed concrete steps to end Modi-raj. We are thinking along the lines of another Rajiv Gandhi type incident. It sounds suicidal and there is a good chance that we might fail, but we feel that the party PB/CC must deliberate over our proposal. Targeting his road-shows could be an effective strategy. We collectively believe that survival of the party is supreme to all sacrifices," it added. In the letter, it was also written that for Maoists, "defeating Hindu fascism has been our core agenda and a major concern for the party". Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorists. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Ministry Sources said it has received two letters from Maoist organisations, threatening Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family members. Both letters mentioned the recent Gadchiroli encounters where several Maoists were gunned down. Police are investigating the matter. However, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said the strategy might be "planted". "I am not saying this is completely untrue, but it has been Prime Minister Modi's old tactic since he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Whenever his popularity declines, news of an assassination plot is planted. So, it should be probed how much truth is in it this time," he was quoted as saying told news agency ANI. Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury downplayed the question and said the court should decide on the matter. "There are security forces in the country. Also, courts are there. They will look into this. The security forces have been taking care of the politicians in India. I don't know (if it's real or not). Let the court decide that," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

Maoist letter reveals 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on PM Modi

pm-modi

Pm Modi, News on Pm Modi, stories on Pm Modi, articles on Pm Modi, Pm Modi stories at Wion, Pm Modi news, Pm Modi latest news

pm modi

UPA regime failed to revive closed industries: PM Modi in Odisha

AAP-IAS officers' standoff: Delhi CM Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, asks for help

PM Modi hopes historic cricket match will boost ties with Afghanistan

Answer to violence is 'development': PM Modi in Bhilai

PM Modi inaugurates Bhilai Steel Plant's extension in Chhattisgarh

Watch: Modi accepts Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge, passes it on to Karnataka CM

'Historic', says PM Modi on India-Afghanistan Test match

SP skips Rahul Gandhi's Iftar event, PM Modi's fitness challenge gets discussed

PM Modi to inaugurate modernised Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh tomorrow

Karnataka CM replies to PM Modi's fitness challenge, says 'more concerned about fitness of my state'

Connectivity with neighbourhood and in SCO region India's priority: PM Modi

PM Modi praises Afghan President's bold initiatives towards peace

Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of effect of terrorism: PM Modi at SCO summit in China

PM Modi meets Xi ahead of SCO summit

Shehla Rashid tweets 'RSS/Gadkari planning to assassinate Modi'; Gadkari to sue

Massive manhunt launched to locate accused in PM Modi's assassination plot

News brief: Big stories of the day

PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit

PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit

Excited to lead delegation for India's first-ever SCO summit as a full member, says PM Modi

Claims of Maoist conspiracy could be diversionary tactic: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam

PM Modi arrives in China to attend SCO summit

'India, Pak leaders may talk but no formal meeting during SCO summit,' says Indian Ambassador to China

Maoist letter reveals 'Rajiv Gandhi-type' assassination bid on PM Modi