<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hope-asean-will-be-integral-part-of-new-indias-transformation-pm-modi-30832">I hope ASEAN will be integral part of New India&#39;s transformation: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>An op-ed written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been published in 27 newspapers across the ASEAN countries.&nbsp; All 10 heads of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries were chief guests at the Republic Day parade this year. The presence of the 10 heads of state -- who are also here to attend the India-Asean commemorative summit -- is meant to symbolise India&#39;s<br />
progression from its Look East policy to &quot;acting east&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi&#39;s op-ed is headlined &quot;Asean-India: Shared values and a common destiny&quot;, and is meant to mark the commemorative summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-turns-emotional-after-honouring-garud-commando-at-republic-day-parade-30840">President turns emotional after honouring </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-turns-emotional-after-honouring-garud-commando-at-republic-day-parade-30840">Garud</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-turns-emotional-after-honouring-garud-commando-at-republic-day-parade-30840"> commando at Republic Day parade</a></p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind today appeared emotional after he awarded the Ashok Chakra, India&#39;s highest peacetime military decoration, posthumously to Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala here.</p>

<p>Corporal Nirala laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Bandipora district in November.</p>

<p>After presenting the award to Corporal Nirala&#39;s wife Sushmanand and his mother Malti Devi at the Republic Day Parade, Kovind was seen wiping his face and eyes with his handkerchief.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-2018-bsfs-daredevil-women-bikers-stun-spectators-30843">Republic Day 2018: BSF&#39;s daredevil women bikers stun spectators</a></p>

<p>India celebrated its 69th Republic Day on Friday with 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests in attendance. With impressive march pasts and colourful tableaux, the day&#39;s ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay homage to the fallen soldier.</p>

<p>The highlight of the parade was motorcycle contingent &#39;Seema Bhawani&#39; of the Border Security Force (BSF), comprising women personnel of the force that showcased their skills for the first time at the parade.</p>

<p>As per tradition, the BSF and the Army&#39;s bike-borne &#39;daredevils&#39; end the parade on alternate years. But this time, members of the BSF&#39;s women motorcycle team replaced their male counterparts.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-gets-sixth-row-seat-at-republic-day-parade-congress-furious-30853">Rahul Gandhi gets </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-gets-sixth-row-seat-at-republic-day-parade-congress-furious-30853">sixth row</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-gets-sixth-row-seat-at-republic-day-parade-congress-furious-30853"> seat at Republic Day parade, Congress furious</a></p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday attended the Republic Day Parade and took the designated seat in the sixth row, prompting an angry reaction from his party that accused the government of setting aside tradition and indulging in &quot;cheap politics&quot;.</p>

<p>Gandhi was seated in the sixth row, along with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad.</p>

<p>&quot;The Modi government&#39;s cheap politics is for all to see. The Congress president was deliberately made to sit in the sixth row, after initially assigning him a fourth-row seat, at the Republic Day celebrations by the arrogant rulers, who set aside all past traditions. For us the celebration of the Constitution is foremost,&quot; Congress&#39; communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet posted in Hindi.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-meetings-with-malaysian-laos-counterparts-30857">PM Modi holds bilateral meetings with Malaysian, Laos counterparts</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Nazib Razak, and with the Prime Minister of Laos PDR Thongloun Sisoulith.</p>

<p>The external affairs ministry spokesperson said PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart had an &quot;engaging&quot; discussion during which the two leaders focused on ways to enhance counter-terror cooperation and boost ties in areas of defence, trade and investment.</p>

<p>During his bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Laos, PM Modi discussed &quot;developmental cooperation, and partnership in trade and Human Resource Development (HRD),&quot; India&#39;s external affairs ministry said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


I hope ASEAN will be integral part of New India's transformation: PM Modi An op-ed written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been published in 27 newspapers across the ASEAN countries. All 10 heads of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries were chief guests at the Republic Day parade this year. The presence of the 10 heads of state -- who are also here to attend the India-Asean commemorative summit -- is meant to symbolise India's progression from its Look East policy to "acting east". Modi's op-ed is headlined "Asean-India: Shared values and a common destiny", and is meant to mark the commemorative summit. President turns emotional after honouring Garud commando at Republic Day parade President Ram Nath Kovind today appeared emotional after he awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration, posthumously to Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala here. Corporal Nirala laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district in November. After presenting the award to Corporal Nirala's wife Sushmanand and his mother Malti Devi at the Republic Day Parade, Kovind was seen wiping his face and eyes with his handkerchief. Republic Day 2018: BSF's daredevil women bikers stun spectators India celebrated its 69th Republic Day on Friday with 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests in attendance. With impressive march pasts and colourful tableaux, the day's ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay homage to the fallen soldier. The highlight of the parade was motorcycle contingent 'Seema Bhawani' of the Border Security Force (BSF), comprising women personnel of the force that showcased their skills for the first time at the parade. As per tradition, the BSF and the Army's bike-borne 'daredevils' end the parade on alternate years. But this time, members of the BSF's women motorcycle team replaced their male counterparts. Rahul Gandhi gets sixth row seat at Republic Day parade, Congress furious Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday attended the Republic Day Parade and took the designated seat in the sixth row, prompting an angry reaction from his party that accused the government of setting aside tradition and indulging in "cheap politics". Gandhi was seated in the sixth row, along with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad. "The Modi government's cheap politics is for all to see. The Congress president was deliberately made to sit in the sixth row, after initially assigning him a fourth-row seat, at the Republic Day celebrations by the arrogant rulers, who set aside all past traditions. For us the celebration of the Constitution is foremost," Congress' communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet posted in Hindi. PM Modi holds bilateral meetings with Malaysian, Laos counterparts Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Nazib Razak, and with the Prime Minister of Laos PDR Thongloun Sisoulith. The external affairs ministry spokesperson said PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart had an "engaging" discussion during which the two leaders focused on ways to enhance counter-terror cooperation and boost ties in areas of defence, trade and investment. During his bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Laos, PM Modi discussed "developmental cooperation, and partnership in trade and Human Resource Development (HRD)," India's external affairs ministry said.

WION evening news brief, January 26, 2018

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the opening plenary session of the&nbsp;India-ASEAN commemorative summit in New Delhi today.</p>

<p>The summit will see leaders from 10 ASEAN countries in attendance who will discuss counter-terrorism, security, trade and connectivity.</p>

<p>Leaders&nbsp;from nine ASEAN countries reached New Delhi yesterday barring the&nbsp;Indonesian President who is expected to arrive today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&#39;s summit also marks the 25 years of Indo-ASEAN ties.</p>

<p>The ASEAN leaders, along with PM Modi, will also attend the Republic Day parade tomorrow.</p>

<p>A banquet will be hosted by the President later today followed by a Leader&#39;s Retreat.</p>

<p>PM Modi will also be holding bilateral meetings with nine ASEAN leaders on the sidelines of the summit.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister held separate&nbsp;bilateral meetings with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Myanmar&#39;s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte yesterday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The focus of the summit will be counter-terrorism, security, trade and connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the opening plenary session of the India-ASEAN commemorative summit in New Delhi today. The summit will see leaders from 10 ASEAN countries in attendance who will discuss counter-terrorism, security, trade and connectivity. Leaders from nine ASEAN countries reached New Delhi yesterday barring the Indonesian President who is expected to arrive today. This year's summit also marks the 25 years of Indo-ASEAN ties. The ASEAN leaders, along with PM Modi, will also attend the Republic Day parade tomorrow. A banquet will be hosted by the President later today followed by a Leader's Retreat. PM Modi will also be holding bilateral meetings with nine ASEAN leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The Prime Minister held separate bilateral meetings with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte yesterday. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to address plenary session of India-ASEAN summit today

<p>An op-ed written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been published in 27 newspapers across the ASEAN countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 10 heads of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries were chief guests at the Republic Day parade this year. The presence of the 10 heads of state -- who are also here to attend the India-Asean commemorative summit -- is meant to symbolise India&#39;s progression from its Look East policy to &quot;acting east&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi&#39;s op-ed is headlined &quot;Asean-India: Shared values and a common destiny&quot;, and is meant to mark the commemorative summit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">27 newspapers in 10 languages in 10 ASEAN countries! Op-Ed by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on the historic occasion of 69th Republic Day &amp; Asean-India Commemorative Summit. Exceptional gesture of friendship nurtured by shared culture &amp; civilizational linkages! List at <a href="https://t.co/gzhB5n1lIf">https://t.co/gzhB5n1lIf</a> <a href="https://t.co/A4rpI0caZS">pic.twitter.com/A4rpI0caZS</a></p>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/956764713609605120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;This is no ordinary event. It is a historic milestone in a remarkable journey that has brought India and ASEAN in a deepening partnership of great promise for their 1.9 billion people, about one-fourth of the human kind,&quot; the op-ed says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;At 70, India exudes the spirit, enterprise and energy of its young population. As the fastest growing major economy in the world, India has become the new frontier of global opportunities of stability of the global economy. With every passing day, it is easier and smoother to do business in India. I hope that ASEAN nations, as our neighbours and friends, will be an integral part of New India&#39;s transformation,&quot; it adds. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi ends by saying, &quot;Indians have always looked East to see the nurturing sunrise and the light of opportunities. Now, as before, the East, or the Indo Pacific Region, will be indispensable to India&rsquo;s future and our common destiny. ASEAN-India partnership will play a defining role in both. And, in Delhi, ASEAN and India renewed their pledge for the journey ahead.&quot;</p>

<p>The op-ed has been published, among others, in Singapore&#39;s Strait Times, Indonesia&#39;s Jakarta Post, Cambodia&#39;s Phnom Penh Post, in the Vietnam News, and in Singapore&#39;s Tamil Murasu.</p>


An op-ed by the prime minister, in which he makes the wish, has been published in 27 newspapers across the 10 ASEAN countries

An op-ed written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been published in 27 newspapers across the ASEAN countries. All 10 heads of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries were chief guests at the Republic Day parade this year. The presence of the 10 heads of state -- who are also here to attend the India-Asean commemorative summit -- is meant to symbolise India's progression from its Look East policy to "acting east". Modi's op-ed is headlined "Asean-India: Shared values and a common destiny", and is meant to mark the commemorative summit. 27 newspapers in 10 languages in 10 ASEAN countries! Op-Ed by PM @narendramodi on the historic occasion of 69th Republic Day & Asean-India Commemorative Summit. Exceptional gesture of friendship nurtured by shared culture & civilizational linkages! List at https://t.co/gzhB5n1lIf pic.twitter.com/A4rpI0caZS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 26, 2018 × "This is no ordinary event. It is a historic milestone in a remarkable journey that has brought India and ASEAN in a deepening partnership of great promise for their 1.9 billion people, about one-fourth of the human kind," the op-ed says. "At 70, India exudes the spirit, enterprise and energy of its young population. As the fastest growing major economy in the world, India has become the new frontier of global opportunities of stability of the global economy. With every passing day, it is easier and smoother to do business in India. I hope that ASEAN nations, as our neighbours and friends, will be an integral part of New India's transformation," it adds. Modi ends by saying, "Indians have always looked East to see the nurturing sunrise and the light of opportunities. Now, as before, the East, or the Indo Pacific Region, will be indispensable to India’s future and our common destiny. ASEAN-India partnership will play a defining role in both. And, in Delhi, ASEAN and India renewed their pledge for the journey ahead." The op-ed has been published, among others, in Singapore's Strait Times, Indonesia's Jakarta Post, Cambodia's Phnom Penh Post, in the Vietnam News, and in Singapore's Tamil Murasu.

I hope ASEAN will be integral part of New India's transformation: PM Modi

<p>PM Modi slipped into a short session with the CEOs and business leaders ahead of his keynote address at the World Economic Forum event at Davos yesterday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister was supposed to begin his address at 11.15 am (around 3.30 pm IST) at Davos. He got in for a quick chat with business leaders slightly ahead of his opening plenary session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his meeting, PM Modi hinted at the possibility of a tougher budget this time saying that, &quot;Why are all of you not smiling? You seem to be pleased with me now but just wait for the budget.&quot;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a roundtable meet with CEOs on Monday evening mentioning that &#39;India means business&#39;.</p>

<p>PM Modi then rushed for his keynote address at the Davos event which lasted for almost an hour where he highlighted the key achievements of his administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;India is removing the red tape and laying out the red carpet,&quot; said Mr Modi.</p>

<p>&quot;Almost all areas of our economy have been opened to foreign direct investment,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He later met with his Canadian counterpart to address bilateral ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached India early morning today after a &quot;historic and successful participation&quot; at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit.</p>

<p>PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to attend the summit in two decades.</p>

<p>The prime minister is expected to meet his cabinet today.</p>

<p>He will also interact with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, the President of Philippines and State Counsellor of Myanmar Daw, Aung San Suu Kyi later in the day.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi slipped into a short session with the CEOs and business leaders ahead of his keynote address at Davos.

PM Modi slipped into a short session with the CEOs and business leaders ahead of his keynote address at the World Economic Forum event at Davos yesterday. The Prime Minister was supposed to begin his address at 11.15 am (around 3.30 pm IST) at Davos. He got in for a quick chat with business leaders slightly ahead of his opening plenary session. During his meeting, PM Modi hinted at the possibility of a tougher budget this time saying that, "Why are all of you not smiling? You seem to be pleased with me now but just wait for the budget." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a roundtable meet with CEOs on Monday evening mentioning that 'India means business'. PM Modi then rushed for his keynote address at the Davos event which lasted for almost an hour where he highlighted the key achievements of his administration. "India is removing the red tape and laying out the red carpet," said Mr Modi. "Almost all areas of our economy have been opened to foreign direct investment," he added. He later met with his Canadian counterpart to address bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached India early morning today after a "historic and successful participation" at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit. PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to attend the summit in two decades. The prime minister is expected to meet his cabinet today. He will also interact with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, the President of Philippines and State Counsellor of Myanmar Daw, Aung San Suu Kyi later in the day.

You seem pleased with me now but just wait for the Budget: PM Modi to CEOs

<p>Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was&nbsp;seen today alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a media interaction at Davos 2018 in Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Present at the&nbsp;World Economic Forum summit to receive his Crystal Award for his&nbsp;&quot;leadership in championing children&#39;s and women&#39;s rights in India&quot; with the help of Meer Foundation -- Shah Rukh today was quoted praising PM Modi and Maharashtra&nbsp;CM for their work towards development.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-shah-rukh-khan-requested-elton-john-and-cate-blanchett-for-a-selfie-30475" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie</a></strong></em></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shah-rukh-khan-at-davos-receives-an-award-spoke-against-sexism-30406" target="_blank"><em><strong>Also Watch:&nbsp;We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos</strong></em></a></p>

<p>Attending the Mumbai and Maharashtra session at World Economic Forum, Khan said that he is whatever he is today because of &quot;Mumbai&quot;. He said, &quot;I am a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfil his or her dreams and desires.&nbsp;I came here in this city 30 years back.&nbsp;Today, I am here in Davos because I have worked in Mumbai and this is my right to join this session.&quot;</p>

<p>He added, &quot;I always say I have two mothers -- Delhi which gave me birth and Maharashtra which helped me grow and achieving my dreams in life.&quot;</p>

<p>When asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Modi&#39;s speech, Khan affirmed that the &quot;next future is digital in our country. We will have to create a positive atmosphere and environment for the youth of our nation. Politics should also be digital in India because when we talk about &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo; everything should come under digital.&quot;</p>

<p>Watch&nbsp;WION in Davos, actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks about PM Modi&#39;s speech:&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&#39;PM Modi visiting Davos is a matter of great pride and I hope that whole world will listen and come to India,&#39; Shah Rukh Khan. (WION)</p>
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<p>Appreciating his relationship with Fadnavis, Khan said, &quot;I can always approach Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sahib anytime for such things.&nbsp;He is the new age CM of India&quot; before adding &quot;Now, I am like a senior citizen of Maharashtra finally, the time has come when I should contribute to this city.&nbsp;Now, I don&rsquo;t demand anything and whenever I meet CM sahib I always ask him that how can I contribute to Mumbai city.&nbsp;We both are on the same plane because we want to do something for this city and state.&quot;</p>

<p>He also said, &quot;After taking a lot from Maharashtra I am not greedy now.&nbsp;I would like to participate in whatever Maharashtra wants through CM sahib.&quot;</p>

<p>Khan then went on to speak about PM Modi and said: &quot;It is for the first time that in 20 years we have a PM coming here in Davos. He has&nbsp;already mentioned that he is here to rejoice 128 crores Indians.&nbsp;Even after lot of radical changes we are sustaining.&quot;</p>

<p>He continued: &quot;PM Narendra Modi pointed out globalisation is losing sheen.&nbsp;India can perhaps become a hub of bringing it back and a lot of good points.&quot;</p>

<p>Lastly, he mentioned his pride at representing India at Davos and said, &quot;All of us are here so it seems that we have taken over Davos.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He also praised PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both of whom were also at Davos

Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was seen today alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a media interaction at Davos 2018 in Switzerland. Present at the World Economic Forum summit to receive his Crystal Award for his "leadership in championing children's and women's rights in India" with the help of Meer Foundation -- Shah Rukh today was quoted praising PM Modi and Maharashtra CM for their work towards development. Also Read: When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie Also Watch: We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos Attending the Mumbai and Maharashtra session at World Economic Forum, Khan said that he is whatever he is today because of "Mumbai". He said, "I am a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfil his or her dreams and desires. I came here in this city 30 years back. Today, I am here in Davos because I have worked in Mumbai and this is my right to join this session." He added, "I always say I have two mothers -- Delhi which gave me birth and Maharashtra which helped me grow and achieving my dreams in life." When asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Modi's speech, Khan affirmed that the "next future is digital in our country. We will have to create a positive atmosphere and environment for the youth of our nation. Politics should also be digital in India because when we talk about ‘Digital India’ everything should come under digital." Watch WION in Davos, actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks about PM Modi's speech: 'PM Modi visiting Davos is a matter of great pride and I hope that whole world will listen and come to India,' Shah Rukh Khan. (WION) × Appreciating his relationship with Fadnavis, Khan said, "I can always approach Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sahib anytime for such things. He is the new age CM of India" before adding "Now, I am like a senior citizen of Maharashtra finally, the time has come when I should contribute to this city. Now, I don’t demand anything and whenever I meet CM sahib I always ask him that how can I contribute to Mumbai city. We both are on the same plane because we want to do something for this city and state." He also said, "After taking a lot from Maharashtra I am not greedy now. I would like to participate in whatever Maharashtra wants through CM sahib." Khan then went on to speak about PM Modi and said: "It is for the first time that in 20 years we have a PM coming here in Davos. He has already mentioned that he is here to rejoice 128 crores Indians. Even after lot of radical changes we are sustaining." He continued: "PM Narendra Modi pointed out globalisation is losing sheen. India can perhaps become a hub of bringing it back and a lot of good points." Lastly, he mentioned his pride at representing India at Davos and said, "All of us are here so it seems that we have taken over Davos."

SRK at Davos: 'Always say I have two mothers, Delhi and Maharashtra'

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-davos-highlights-of-his-speech-at-wef-30514" target="_blank">Highlights: PM Narendra Modi&#39;s big India pitch at Davos</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-launches-operation-bhima-against-pak-rangers-along-loc-30509" target="_blank">BSF launches &#39;Operation Bhima&#39; against Pak Rangers along LoC</a></p>

<p>BSF launched &quot;Operation Bhima&quot; against<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-pm-says-committed-to-seizing-charities-run-by-hafiz-saeed-30454">&nbsp;Pakistan Rangers even as firing&nbsp;</a>stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-firing-positions-fuel-dump-destroyed-in-retaliation-bsf-30385">Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani&nbsp;</a>Rangers as India&#39;s border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan&#39;s post.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank">Sensex closes above 36,000 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank">mark</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank"> at all-time high</a></p>

<p>The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world&#39;s fastest growing major economy in 2018-19.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-womens-inclusion-in-economy-imf-chief-lagarde-30519" target="_blank">India should focus on women&#39;s inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde</a></p>

<p>IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-lok-sabha-maharashtra-elections-could-be-held-in-2018-30484" target="_blank">Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018</a></p>

<p>Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's big India pitch at Davos Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. BSF launches 'Operation Bhima' against Pak Rangers along LoC BSF launched "Operation Bhima" against Pakistan Rangers even as firing stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani Rangers as India's border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan's post. Sensex closes above 36,000 mark at all-time high The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world's fastest growing major economy in 2018-19. India should focus on women's inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy. Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018 Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.

WION Evening News brief, January 23, 2018

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Nazib Razak, and with the Prime Minister of Laos PDR Thongloun Sisoulith.</p>

<p>The external affairs ministry spokesperson said PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart had an &quot;engaging&quot; discussion during which the two leaders focused on ways to enhance counter-terror cooperation and boost ties in areas of defence, trade and investment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An important strategic partner! PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met with Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/NajibRazak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NajibRazak</a>. Two leaders had an engaging discussion on defence and security, trade and investment, counter terrorism and people to people links. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASEANIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASEANIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/6pEdueLGQS">pic.twitter.com/6pEdueLGQS</a></p>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/956833126314950656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Malaysian PM, who is among 10 ASEAN leaders who participated at the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit yesterday, watched the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath today.</p>

<p>During his bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Laos, PM Modi discussed &quot;developmental cooperation, and partnership in trade and Human Resource Development (HRD),&quot; India&#39;s external affairs ministry said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Longstanding, friendly and mutually supportive relations! In his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Thongloun Sisoulith, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> discussed developmental cooperation, and partnership in trade and HRD.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aseanindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aseanindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vn5h8VDjJc">pic.twitter.com/Vn5h8VDjJc</a></p>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/956820087067041797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sisoulith also participated at the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit and witnessed the Republic Day Parade.</p>

<p>Since Wednesday, Modi has held bilateral meetings with Myanmar&#39;s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Singaporean Premier Lee Hsien Loong and Brunei&#39;s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.&nbsp;</p>


The prime ministers of both Malaysia and Laos participated at the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit on Thursday and witnessed the Republic Day Parade today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Nazib Razak, and with the Prime Minister of Laos PDR Thongloun Sisoulith. The external affairs ministry spokesperson said PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart had an "engaging" discussion during which the two leaders focused on ways to enhance counter-terror cooperation and boost ties in areas of defence, trade and investment. An important strategic partner! PM @narendramodi met with Malaysian Prime Minister @NajibRazak. Two leaders had an engaging discussion on defence and security, trade and investment, counter terrorism and people to people links. #ASEANIndia pic.twitter.com/6pEdueLGQS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 26, 2018 × The Malaysian PM, who is among 10 ASEAN leaders who participated at the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit yesterday, watched the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath today. During his bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Laos, PM Modi discussed "developmental cooperation, and partnership in trade and Human Resource Development (HRD)," India's external affairs ministry said. Longstanding, friendly and mutually supportive relations! In his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Thongloun Sisoulith, PM @narendramodi discussed developmental cooperation, and partnership in trade and HRD.#aseanindia pic.twitter.com/Vn5h8VDjJc — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 26, 2018 × Sisoulith also participated at the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit and witnessed the Republic Day Parade. Since Wednesday, Modi has held bilateral meetings with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Singaporean Premier Lee Hsien Loong and Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

PM Modi holds bilateral meetings with Malaysian, Laos counterparts

<p>Every year, January 24 is celebrated as National Girl Child Day with an aim to offer support and provide new opportunities to the young girls.</p>

<p>The day also discourages sex selection and is celebrated to increase awareness about inequalities faced by girls and women in terms of education, healthcare, nutrition, legal rights, protection, and honour.</p>

<p>The initiative to celebrate the day was initiated by the Government of India as a development mission.</p>

<p>Taking to their Twitter handle, several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the achievements of women, and pledged to celebrate the birth of every girl child.</p>

<p>PM Modi shared a small video with an important message.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We salute the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child.<br />
We are proud of the accomplishments of the girl child in various fields. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalGirlChildDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalGirlChildDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/7icXo4lUQV">pic.twitter.com/7icXo4lUQV</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/956045566206758912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged to work hard to provide&nbsp;congenial environment to girls.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greetings on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalGirlChildDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalGirlChildDay</a>.<br />
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Madhya Pradesh is working hard to provide congenial environment to girls. On this day let us pledge to celebrate birth of every girl child. Education is imperative for emancipation of girls. We strive to provide them the best opportunities.</p>
&mdash; ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/956009606463066112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Commerce and Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu stressed on giving equal opportunities to girl children.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">National Girl Child Day celebrates the splendid achievements of the girl child and also challenges gender-based stereotypes.<br />
Let every girl child be cherished and given equal opportunities to shine forth in her life.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalGirlChildDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalGirlChildDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirlRising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirlRising</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Equality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Equality</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MinistryWCD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinistryWCD</a> <a href="https://t.co/PsZyX1GDCC">pic.twitter.com/PsZyX1GDCC</a></p>
&mdash; Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/sureshpprabhu/status/955979750878728192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also promised to provide girls with equal opportunities.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On National Girl Child Day, let us celebrate achievements of our girl child with pride and pledge to empower them with equal opportunities. <a href="https://t.co/EJFPxZiTm3">pic.twitter.com/EJFPxZiTm3</a></p>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/955989839459110912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to her Twitter to tweet about Kanyashree scheme of the state government that aims at ensuring that girls do not drop out from schools and delay their marriages till at least the age of 18.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today is National Girl Child Day. We are proud of our Kanyashree girls. Our scheme for the girl child is an international model now. My best wishes to all</p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/955976446073278469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>This day marks the significance of the daughters of India, who have and may bring laurels to the country if given the right upbringing and opportunities.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The initiative to celebrate the day was initiated by the GOI as a development mission

Every year, January 24 is celebrated as National Girl Child Day with an aim to offer support and provide new opportunities to the young girls. The day also discourages sex selection and is celebrated to increase awareness about inequalities faced by girls and women in terms of education, healthcare, nutrition, legal rights, protection, and honour. The initiative to celebrate the day was initiated by the Government of India as a development mission. Taking to their Twitter handle, several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the achievements of women, and pledged to celebrate the birth of every girl child. PM Modi shared a small video with an important message. We salute the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child. We are proud of the accomplishments of the girl child in various fields. #NationalGirlChildDay pic.twitter.com/7icXo4lUQV — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2018 × Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged to work hard to provide congenial environment to girls. Greetings on #NationalGirlChildDay. Madhya Pradesh is working hard to provide congenial environment to girls. On this day let us pledge to celebrate birth of every girl child. Education is imperative for emancipation of girls. We strive to provide them the best opportunities. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 24, 2018 × Commerce and Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu stressed on giving equal opportunities to girl children. National Girl Child Day celebrates the splendid achievements of the girl child and also challenges gender-based stereotypes. Let every girl child be cherished and given equal opportunities to shine forth in her life.#NationalGirlChildDay #GirlRising #Equality @MinistryWCD pic.twitter.com/PsZyX1GDCC — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 24, 2018 × Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also promised to provide girls with equal opportunities. On National Girl Child Day, let us celebrate achievements of our girl child with pride and pledge to empower them with equal opportunities. pic.twitter.com/EJFPxZiTm3 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 24, 2018 × West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to her Twitter to tweet about Kanyashree scheme of the state government that aims at ensuring that girls do not drop out from schools and delay their marriages till at least the age of 18. Today is National Girl Child Day. We are proud of our Kanyashree girls. Our scheme for the girl child is an international model now. My best wishes to all — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 24, 2018 × This day marks the significance of the daughters of India, who have and may bring laurels to the country if given the right upbringing and opportunities.

National Girl Child Day: PM Modi, other leaders pledge to provide equal opportunities

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cautioned the world against growing protectionism and rise in tariff and non-tariff barriers that are impeding global trade, while pitching for India as a global destination for investment.</p>

<p>The prime minister, however, said that climate change, terrorism and self centrism are the biggest challenges faced by the world.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Terrorism is a big threat but an even bigger threat is when you give definitions like good terrorism and bad terrorism: PM Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEconomicForum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEconomicForum</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> <a href="https://t.co/xvDRiN3JN3">pic.twitter.com/xvDRiN3JN3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955755669017133056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While addressing the plenary session of the World Economic Forum, PM Modi said there was a need for reform of the international institutions for economic and political security in keeping with the ground realities.</p>

<p>Modi emphasised on the reforms, including GST and demonetisation, &nbsp;brought by his government in the last three years saying his government had replaced red tape with red carpet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Today investing in India, travel to India, work in India, manufacture in India, production and exports from India to the rest of the world is easier than before as we have decided to eliminate the `licence-permit raj` and finish the red tape.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister that said in the last three and a half years, his government has abolished 1,400 outdated laws.</p>

<p>He said the decision has now made foreign direct investment in the country possible in more than 90 per cent of the sectors through the automatic route.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi is the first Prime Minister from India to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.</p>

<p>This is Modi`s second visit to Switzerland in nearly two years. He will interact with 120 members of the International Business Council, which is a part of the WEF.</p>

<p>Modi, in the course of his 24-hour visit to Davos, is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.</p>


PM Modi pitched for India as a global destination for investment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cautioned the world against growing protectionism and rise in tariff and non-tariff barriers that are impeding global trade, while pitching for India as a global destination for investment. The prime minister, however, said that climate change, terrorism and self centrism are the biggest challenges faced by the world. Terrorism is a big threat but an even bigger threat is when you give definitions like good terrorism and bad terrorism: PM Modi at #WorldEconomicForum in #Davos pic.twitter.com/xvDRiN3JN3 — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × While addressing the plenary session of the World Economic Forum, PM Modi said there was a need for reform of the international institutions for economic and political security in keeping with the ground realities. Modi emphasised on the reforms, including GST and demonetisation, brought by his government in the last three years saying his government had replaced red tape with red carpet. "Today investing in India, travel to India, work in India, manufacture in India, production and exports from India to the rest of the world is easier than before as we have decided to eliminate the `licence-permit raj` and finish the red tape." The Prime Minister that said in the last three and a half years, his government has abolished 1,400 outdated laws. He said the decision has now made foreign direct investment in the country possible in more than 90 per cent of the sectors through the automatic route. Modi is the first Prime Minister from India to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997. This is Modi`s second visit to Switzerland in nearly two years. He will interact with 120 members of the International Business Council, which is a part of the WEF. Modi, in the course of his 24-hour visit to Davos, is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.

Rise in tariff, non-tariff barriers impeding global trade: PM Modi

<p>Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced nine new smart cities in the latest round of the central government&#39;s flagship Smart Cities Mission, on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nine cities chosen in the fourth round are; Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Erode in Tamil Nadu, Bihar Sharif in Bihar, Silvasa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Diu in Daman and Diu, Kavarati in Lakshadweep and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE: Union Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a> announces the list of nine new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmartCities?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmartCities</a>, which have emerged winners in Round 4<br />
1 Silvassa<br />
2 Erode<br />
3 Diu<br />
4 Biharsharif<br />
5 Bareilly<br />
6 Itanagar<br />
7 Moradabad<br />
8 Saharanpur<br />
9 Kavaratti<br />
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Watch: <a href="https://t.co/0q38QkRBi7">https://t.co/0q38QkRBi7</a> <a href="https://t.co/q62lDXrPg9">pic.twitter.com/q62lDXrPg9</a></p>
&mdash; PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/954291970221854720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>This makes a total number of cities under the new project at 99. Shillong will be the 100th if it provides its proposal to the centre in the next three months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Silvassa in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli has topped the list of winning cities in this round of competition.</p>

<p>According to the scheme, each city will get a sum of&nbsp;Rs 500 crore from the centre for coming up with new projects. An equal amount, on matching basis, will have to be contributed by the state or urban local bodies.</p>

<p>The minister stated that the nine cities have proposed an investment of Rs 12,824 crore rupees, for the 35.5 lakh people living in the area, and to develop 409 projects. He said, with the selection of these nine cities, the total proposed investment in 99 smart cities will be Rs 2,03,979 crore.</p>

<p>The mission of hundred smart cities was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015.</p>

<p>The West Bengal government, however, has already announced that it would not participate in the centre&#39;s Smart Cities Mission.</p>

<p>Asked whether New Town was still a part of the Smart Cities Mission, Puri said, &quot;West Bengal is part of India and it bid for the scheme and New Town was one of the announced city for the mission.&quot;</p>

<p>&#39;Smart City Centers&#39;, based on advanced technologies, have become operational in four cities - Pune, Surat, Vadodara and Kakinada and work is in progress in 18 more cities.</p>

<p>As on January 17,&nbsp;Puri said there were 2,948 projects worth Rs 1.38 lakh crore in various stages of implementation, while 189 projects worth Rs. 2,237 crore have been completed.</p>

<p>(With PTI inputs)</p>


The nine cities chosen in the fourth round are Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Erode in Tamil Nadu, Bihar Sharif in Bihar, Silvasa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Diu in Daman and Diu, Kavarati in Lakshadweep and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh

Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced nine new smart cities in the latest round of the central government's flagship Smart Cities Mission, on Friday. The nine cities chosen in the fourth round are; Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Erode in Tamil Nadu, Bihar Sharif in Bihar, Silvasa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Diu in Daman and Diu, Kavarati in Lakshadweep and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh. LIVE: Union Minister @HardeepSPuri announces the list of nine new #SmartCities, which have emerged winners in Round 4 1 Silvassa 2 Erode 3 Diu 4 Biharsharif 5 Bareilly 6 Itanagar 7 Moradabad 8 Saharanpur 9 Kavaratti Watch: https://t.co/0q38QkRBi7 pic.twitter.com/q62lDXrPg9 — PIB India (@PIB_India) January 19, 2018 × This makes a total number of cities under the new project at 99. Shillong will be the 100th if it provides its proposal to the centre in the next three months. Silvassa in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli has topped the list of winning cities in this round of competition. According to the scheme, each city will get a sum of Rs 500 crore from the centre for coming up with new projects. An equal amount, on matching basis, will have to be contributed by the state or urban local bodies. The minister stated that the nine cities have proposed an investment of Rs 12,824 crore rupees, for the 35.5 lakh people living in the area, and to develop 409 projects. He said, with the selection of these nine cities, the total proposed investment in 99 smart cities will be Rs 2,03,979 crore. The mission of hundred smart cities was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015. The West Bengal government, however, has already announced that it would not participate in the centre's Smart Cities Mission. Asked whether New Town was still a part of the Smart Cities Mission, Puri said, "West Bengal is part of India and it bid for the scheme and New Town was one of the announced city for the mission." 'Smart City Centers', based on advanced technologies, have become operational in four cities - Pune, Surat, Vadodara and Kakinada and work is in progress in 18 more cities. As on January 17, Puri said there were 2,948 projects worth Rs 1.38 lakh crore in various stages of implementation, while 189 projects worth Rs. 2,237 crore have been completed. (With PTI inputs)

Government announces 9 new smart cities

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621" target="_blank">&nbsp;Watch: From Gurugram to Mumbai, violent protests rock cities ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-gurugram-to-mumbai-violent-protests-rock-cities-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-30621" target="_blank"> release</a></p>

<p>As Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s magnum-opus&nbsp;Padmaavat is all set to hit theatres on January&nbsp;25, violence erupted in several parts of the country with buses being torched and cinema halls being vandalised.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-welcomes-pm-modis-speech-at-davos-looks-forward-to-working-with-india-30649" target="_blank">China welcomes PM Modi&#39;s speech at Davos, looks forward to working with India</a></p>

<p>China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-world-economic-forum-pm-modi-arrives-in-zurich-set-to-land-in-davos-shortly-30369">&nbsp;Davos speech</a>&nbsp;against protectionism as being &ldquo;as dangerous as terrorism,&rdquo; saying that the two countries can fight this practice together.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-claims-attack-on-jalalabad-in-afghanistan-30653" target="_blank">Islamic State claims attack on Jalalabad in Afghanistan</a></p>

<p>Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack that hit Afghanistan&rsquo;s eastern city of Jalalabad on Wednesday, according to the militant group&rsquo;s news agency Amaq, though it did not provide immediate evidence for the claim.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/office-of-profit-caseoffice-of-profit-case-delhi-hc-orders-ec-to-make-no-bypoll-announcement-until-29-january-30636" target="_blank">Office of profit: Delhi High Court asks Election Commission not to make </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/office-of-profit-caseoffice-of-profit-case-delhi-hc-orders-ec-to-make-no-bypoll-announcement-until-29-january-30636" target="_blank">bypoll</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/office-of-profit-caseoffice-of-profit-case-delhi-hc-orders-ec-to-make-no-bypoll-announcement-until-29-january-30636" target="_blank"> announcement until January 29</a></p>

<p>The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to pass any interim order on staying the Centre&#39;s notification disqualifying 20 AAP MLAs in &#39;Office of Profit&#39; case. The court also asked the Election Commission not to make any announcement regarding bypolls in Delhi until January 29, the next date of hearing in the case.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/15-taliban-militants-killed-during-airstike-in-afghanistan-30646" target="_blank">15 Taliban militants killed during </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/15-taliban-militants-killed-during-airstike-in-afghanistan-30646" target="_blank">airstike</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/15-taliban-militants-killed-during-airstike-in-afghanistan-30646" target="_blank"> in Afghanistan</a></p>

<p>At least 15 Taliban militants were killed and around 10 were left wounded in an airstrike in Afghanistan&#39;s northern province of Sari Pul on Wednesday, reports said.&nbsp;</p>


Watch: From Gurugram to Mumbai, violent protests rock cities ahead of Padmaavat release As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum-opus Padmaavat is all set to hit theatres on January 25, violence erupted in several parts of the country with buses being torched and cinema halls being vandalised. China welcomes PM Modi's speech at Davos, looks forward to working with India China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Davos speech against protectionism as being “as dangerous as terrorism,” saying that the two countries can fight this practice together. Islamic State claims attack on Jalalabad in Afghanistan Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack that hit Afghanistan’s eastern city of Jalalabad on Wednesday, according to the militant group’s news agency Amaq, though it did not provide immediate evidence for the claim. Office of profit: Delhi High Court asks Election Commission not to make bypoll announcement until January 29 The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to pass any interim order on staying the Centre's notification disqualifying 20 AAP MLAs in 'Office of Profit' case. The court also asked the Election Commission not to make any announcement regarding bypolls in Delhi until January 29, the next date of hearing in the case. 15 Taliban militants killed during airstike in Afghanistan At least 15 Taliban militants were killed and around 10 were left wounded in an airstrike in Afghanistan's northern province of Sari Pul on Wednesday, reports said.

WION Evening News Brief, January 24, 2018

<p>In his first remarks since the rift in the judiciary broke out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government and political parties must stay away from the crisis.</p>

<p>Asked about the crisis in the Supreme Court, PM Modi said, &quot;I think I should stay away from this debate. The government must also stay away. The political parties must also keep out of it.&quot;</p>

<p>The prime minister said he was confident that the judges would sit together and find a solution to their problems.</p>

<p>&quot;Our country&#39;s judiciary has a very bright past, they are very capable people. They will sit together and find a solution to their problems. I have faith in our justice system, they will definitely figure out a solution,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Also Read - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-may-not-be-populist-indicates-pm-modi-30292">Budget may not be populist, indicates PM Modi</a></p>

<p>On January 12, in an unprecedented development, the top court&#39;s four next highest-ranking judges, Justices Kurian Joseph, Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi and Madan Lokur, had criticised the distribution of cases by the chief justice to judges and raised concerns about judicial appointments. They said all top judges should be involved in setting the procedures used to hire and promote judges in all the country&#39;s courts</p>

<p>The judges said the issues involving its administration were serious enough to prompt them to go public.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The prime minister said he was confident that the judges would sit together and find a solution to their problems

In his first remarks since the rift in the judiciary broke out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government and political parties must stay away from the crisis. Asked about the crisis in the Supreme Court, PM Modi said, "I think I should stay away from this debate. The government must also stay away. The political parties must also keep out of it." The prime minister said he was confident that the judges would sit together and find a solution to their problems. "Our country's judiciary has a very bright past, they are very capable people. They will sit together and find a solution to their problems. I have faith in our justice system, they will definitely figure out a solution," he said. Also Read - Budget may not be populist, indicates PM Modi On January 12, in an unprecedented development, the top court's four next highest-ranking judges, Justices Kurian Joseph, Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi and Madan Lokur, had criticised the distribution of cases by the chief justice to judges and raised concerns about judicial appointments. They said all top judges should be involved in setting the procedures used to hire and promote judges in all the country's courts The judges said the issues involving its administration were serious enough to prompt them to go public.

Government, political parties must stay away from crisis in judiciary: PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his government&#39;s only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-chairs-pre-budget-meeting-in-delhi-29924">agenda for the Budget</a> is development.</p>

<p>&quot;My government has only one agenda for Budget - and that is development. And that&#39;s what you will see,&quot; PM Modi said in an exclusive interview to Zee News.</p>

<p>Modi government is going to present its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-plans-to-raise-health-spending-by-11-in-budget-less-than-requested-29949">last full Budget</a> ahead of the general elections 2019. The financial statement for the year ahead is being keenly watched by critics because of tough decisions taken by the Modi government like launching the unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.</p>

<p>When asked about the bold financial decisions taken by his government, PM Modi said, &quot;If you measure the work done by our government in these four years by only these two parametres, it&#39;s unfair. After nationalisation of banks, about 30-40 per cent of population was out of banking system. We brought them into the system. Isn&#39;t that an achievement? Thousands of girls skipped schools because there were no toilets. We built those toilets for them. Isn&#39;t that an achievement?&rdquo;</p>

<p>Modi also said that he is in favour of holding general elections and state polls together.</p>

<p>&quot;Logically speaking, holding different elections in different dates creates burden on the exchequer. Politicians are always under stress. So I think both Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections should be organised simultaneously. It will save money and manpower,&quot; the PM said.</p>

<p>Modi said that his government&#39;s achievements can&#39;t be measured on just two decisions - the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.</p>

<p>He also said that every atom of his body is indebted to the country and he wants to keep serving the people of the country. &quot;When I see satisfaction in the eyes of a common man, it gives me power,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p><em>These are the highlights of the interview.&nbsp; </em><em>Catch the full interview on Zee News at 8pm on Saturday.</em></p>


Modi government is going to present its last full Budget ahead of the general elections 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his government's only agenda for the Budget is development. "My government has only one agenda for Budget - and that is development. And that's what you will see," PM Modi said in an exclusive interview to Zee News. Modi government is going to present its last full Budget ahead of the general elections 2019. The financial statement for the year ahead is being keenly watched by critics because of tough decisions taken by the Modi government like launching the unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. When asked about the bold financial decisions taken by his government, PM Modi said, "If you measure the work done by our government in these four years by only these two parametres, it's unfair. After nationalisation of banks, about 30-40 per cent of population was out of banking system. We brought them into the system. Isn't that an achievement? Thousands of girls skipped schools because there were no toilets. We built those toilets for them. Isn't that an achievement?” Modi also said that he is in favour of holding general elections and state polls together. "Logically speaking, holding different elections in different dates creates burden on the exchequer. Politicians are always under stress. So I think both Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections should be organised simultaneously. It will save money and manpower," the PM said. Modi said that his government's achievements can't be measured on just two decisions - the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. He also said that every atom of his body is indebted to the country and he wants to keep serving the people of the country. "When I see satisfaction in the eyes of a common man, it gives me power," PM Modi said. These are the highlights of the interview. Catch the full interview on Zee News at 8pm on Saturday.

My government's only agenda for Budget is development: PM Modi to Zee News

<p>The Gujarat poll outcome has instilled the belief in Congress workers that the BJP can be defeated, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said today and exuded confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections under Rahul Gandhi&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>Patel, who had won the Rajya Sabha election from Gujarat last year in a close contest, also said the poll verdict in Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s home state was a &quot;moral victory&quot; for the Congress as the BJP, which had talked about getting 150 seats, was wrapped up under 100.</p>

<p>&quot;Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed so many meetings and used all sorts of tricks from bringing Pakistan...To even saying that someone in Pakistan wants me to be the chief minister, but failed to polarise the voters,&quot; Patel told PTI in an interview.</p>

<p>&quot;Gujarat poll results have boosted the morale of Congress workers, not only in Gujarat but all over India, and given them the belief that the BJP can be defeated,&quot; the 68-year-old leader said.</p>

<p>The Assembly election outcome would definitely help the Congress party in the 2019 elections, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;The way Rahul Gandhi has campaigned in Gujarat, his hard work and the way he drew huge crowds were very encouraging and helped us win the seats we finally did,&quot; said Patel.</p>

<p>The BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, its tally dipping from 115 in the last elections.</p>

<p>Had the BJP not &quot;used their gimmicks&quot;, they would have been defeated in Gujarat, Patel claimed.</p>

<p>He said the Congress was constantly improving and would do well in the upcoming state elections this year.</p>

<p>The &quot;young and dynamic&quot; party president, Rahul Gandhi, would lead the Congress to victory in the 2019 polls, he held.</p>

<p>Asked if Gandhi, who took over as the party chief last month, would build a new team, Patel said, &quot;The Congress president is consulting seniors; he is using youngsters also.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;He has a slot for everyone. He knows where to utilise whose expertise,&quot; the veteran Congress leader said.</p>

<p>On whether the Congress would stitch up an alliance for the 2019 elections, Patel said the ultimate goal was to defeat divisive and communal forces.</p>

<p>&quot;We are prepared to take the support of like-minded parties, but it is too early to talk of alliances. Congress president and senior leaders will decide later,&quot; said Patel, who served as Sonia Gandhi&#39;s political secretary for about 15 years during her time as Congress chief.</p>

<p>Asked if the Congress was going through its worst phase electorally, Patel said, &quot;When Soniaji had taken over, the Congress was (in power) in a few states; similarly under Rahul ji, we will get more states. It&#39;s a question of time.&quot;</p>

<p>On the BJP projecting itself as championing the cause of Muslim women and the Mehram issue, Patel said women could proceed for haj without mehram (male guardian) because of a change in rules in Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Talking about the triple talaq bill, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is awaiting the Rajya Sabha nod, he said the Congress had demanded that the bill be forwarded to a select committee, so that all its provisions could be scrutinised.</p>

<p>Asked if the Congress was guilty of causing too many disruptions in Parliament in recent times, Patel said the party was only raising &quot;genuine&quot; issues.</p>


Patel said that Gujarat poll verdict in PM Modi's home state was a moral victory for the Congress

The Gujarat poll outcome has instilled the belief in Congress workers that the BJP can be defeated, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said today and exuded confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections under Rahul Gandhi's leadership. Patel, who had won the Rajya Sabha election from Gujarat last year in a close contest, also said the poll verdict in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state was a "moral victory" for the Congress as the BJP, which had talked about getting 150 seats, was wrapped up under 100. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed so many meetings and used all sorts of tricks from bringing Pakistan...To even saying that someone in Pakistan wants me to be the chief minister, but failed to polarise the voters," Patel told PTI in an interview. "Gujarat poll results have boosted the morale of Congress workers, not only in Gujarat but all over India, and given them the belief that the BJP can be defeated," the 68-year-old leader said. The Assembly election outcome would definitely help the Congress party in the 2019 elections, he said. "The way Rahul Gandhi has campaigned in Gujarat, his hard work and the way he drew huge crowds were very encouraging and helped us win the seats we finally did," said Patel. The BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, its tally dipping from 115 in the last elections. Had the BJP not "used their gimmicks", they would have been defeated in Gujarat, Patel claimed. He said the Congress was constantly improving and would do well in the upcoming state elections this year. The "young and dynamic" party president, Rahul Gandhi, would lead the Congress to victory in the 2019 polls, he held. Asked if Gandhi, who took over as the party chief last month, would build a new team, Patel said, "The Congress president is consulting seniors; he is using youngsters also." "He has a slot for everyone. He knows where to utilise whose expertise," the veteran Congress leader said. On whether the Congress would stitch up an alliance for the 2019 elections, Patel said the ultimate goal was to defeat divisive and communal forces. "We are prepared to take the support of like-minded parties, but it is too early to talk of alliances. Congress president and senior leaders will decide later," said Patel, who served as Sonia Gandhi's political secretary for about 15 years during her time as Congress chief. Asked if the Congress was going through its worst phase electorally, Patel said, "When Soniaji had taken over, the Congress was (in power) in a few states; similarly under Rahul ji, we will get more states. It's a question of time." On the BJP projecting itself as championing the cause of Muslim women and the Mehram issue, Patel said women could proceed for haj without mehram (male guardian) because of a change in rules in Saudi Arabia. Talking about the triple talaq bill, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is awaiting the Rajya Sabha nod, he said the Congress had demanded that the bill be forwarded to a select committee, so that all its provisions could be scrutinised. Asked if the Congress was guilty of causing too many disruptions in Parliament in recent times, Patel said the party was only raising "genuine" issues.

Rahul will lead Congress to victory in 2019: Ahmed Patel

In an exclusive interview, PM Modi spoke about why he is the first prime minister to visit Davos in two decades, the difference he has made to the economy, and how the world views India since he came to power

UPA government was unable to solve GST issues, PM Modi tells WION

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-visit-short-focussed-davos-visit-sign-that-we-engage-with-world-government-30066">visit to Davos</a> in Switzerland for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) is an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform.</p>

<p>&quot;Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace - and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody&#39;s etc. Second, due to our strong democratic values. It&#39;s a unique combination of both in India. And that&#39;s what has evoked everyone&#39;s interest. So it&#39;s an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos,&quot; PM Modi said in an exclusive interview with Zee News.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-governments-only-agenda-for-budget-is-development-pm-modi-to-zee-news-30099">My government&#39;s only agenda for Budget is development, PM Modi tells Zee News</a></strong></p>

<p>Apart from being a big market, India also has the advantage of demographic dividend, he added.</p>

<p>&quot;India is an economic powerhouse. The world wants to connect with us. The world wants to hear directly from the horse&#39;s mouth about India&#39;s policies and potential. And I feel proud to present before them the success story of 125 crore Indians, their achievements and progress,&quot; the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>He also hailed the increase in foreign investment in India. &quot;Before 2014, the world didn&#39;t care about what India had to say. But after we came to power in 2014, the situation had changed completely. For the first time in 30 years, India had a government with full majority. This was noticed by the entire world. They are accepting us as a leader now. That&#39;s because we have done well on domestic front. From day one, my government&#39;s focus has been on good governance, transparency, and this has given us results. India&#39;s ranking in ease of doing business jumped from 142 to 100. This resonated across the world,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wefdavos-modi-to-address-opening-plenary-trump-on-final-day-29950">address the opening plenary</a>. On the sidelines of the high-profile event, Modi will hold a number of important bilateral meetings with various world leaders.</p>

<p>He wll be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in two decades after H D Devegowda who visited Davos in 1997.</p>

<p>Apart from his political engagements, PM Modi will also be there at a dinner on January 22 which will be attended by CEOs of 60 companies. These 60 companies are across 26 different sectors.</p>

<p>Among those attending the dinner will be the heads of Airbus group, Hitachi group, BAE Systems, IBM, and the Carlyle group.</p>


PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and give the opening plenary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his visit to Davos in Switzerland for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) is an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform. "Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace - and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody's etc. Second, due to our strong democratic values. It's a unique combination of both in India. And that's what has evoked everyone's interest. So it's an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos," PM Modi said in an exclusive interview with Zee News. Also Read: My government's only agenda for Budget is development, PM Modi tells Zee News Apart from being a big market, India also has the advantage of demographic dividend, he added. "India is an economic powerhouse. The world wants to connect with us. The world wants to hear directly from the horse's mouth about India's policies and potential. And I feel proud to present before them the success story of 125 crore Indians, their achievements and progress," the Prime Minister said. He also hailed the increase in foreign investment in India. "Before 2014, the world didn't care about what India had to say. But after we came to power in 2014, the situation had changed completely. For the first time in 30 years, India had a government with full majority. This was noticed by the entire world. They are accepting us as a leader now. That's because we have done well on domestic front. From day one, my government's focus has been on good governance, transparency, and this has given us results. India's ranking in ease of doing business jumped from 142 to 100. This resonated across the world," PM Modi said. PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and address the opening plenary. On the sidelines of the high-profile event, Modi will hold a number of important bilateral meetings with various world leaders. He wll be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in two decades after H D Devegowda who visited Davos in 1997. Apart from his political engagements, PM Modi will also be there at a dinner on January 22 which will be attended by CEOs of 60 companies. These 60 companies are across 26 different sectors. Among those attending the dinner will be the heads of Airbus group, Hitachi group, BAE Systems, IBM, and the Carlyle group.

Proud to present India's success story at Davos: PM Modi to Zee News

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave yet another indication that the upcoming budget will not be a populist one.</p>

<p>Last week, asked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-governments-only-agenda-for-budget-is-development-pm-modi-to-zee-news-30099">in an interview to the Zee Group</a> whether the budget would be political one where he would try to appease the voter, PM Modi said that his government&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/upa-government-was-unable-to-solve-gst-issues-pm-modi-to-wion-30214">only mantra was development</a>.</p>

<p>&quot;Budget or no budget. Election or no election. First budget or last budget. BJP and Modi have only one mantra -- development. whatever is required to achieve this mission, we will do. That has been our only intention,&quot; PM Modi had said in the interview.</p>

<p>In an interview to a news channel on Sunday, when asked&nbsp;if his government will turn populist in its last full-year budget before the general elections in 2019, the prime minister again hinted that the budget would not be populist.</p>

<p>He said it was a &quot;myth&quot; that the common man expects &quot;freebies and sops&quot; from the government.</p>

<p>&quot;But those who have seen me as the chief minister (of Gujarat) and also as the prime minister (would know) common man does not want all these things. It is a myth,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The common man, he said, expects honest governance. &quot;He doesn&#39;t demand sops and freebies. It is our myth.&quot;</p>

<p>PM Modi said his government was taking decisions to fulfil the needs and aspirations of the common man.</p>

<p>Asked specifically if he will resist populism in the budget, the prime minister said it needs to be decided if the country needs to grow and become strong, should &quot;this political culture, the Congress culture, be followed&quot;.</p>

<p>He also said that the budget fell under the purview of the finance minister and that he did not want to interfere in it.</p>

<p>The budget will be presented on February 1.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said it was a 'myth' that the common man expects 'freebies and sops' from the government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave yet another indication that the upcoming budget will not be a populist one. Last week, asked in an interview to the Zee Group whether the budget would be political one where he would try to appease the voter, PM Modi said that his government's only mantra was development. "Budget or no budget. Election or no election. First budget or last budget. BJP and Modi have only one mantra -- development. whatever is required to achieve this mission, we will do. That has been our only intention," PM Modi had said in the interview. In an interview to a news channel on Sunday, when asked if his government will turn populist in its last full-year budget before the general elections in 2019, the prime minister again hinted that the budget would not be populist. He said it was a "myth" that the common man expects "freebies and sops" from the government. "But those who have seen me as the chief minister (of Gujarat) and also as the prime minister (would know) common man does not want all these things. It is a myth," he said. The common man, he said, expects honest governance. "He doesn't demand sops and freebies. It is our myth." PM Modi said his government was taking decisions to fulfil the needs and aspirations of the common man. Asked specifically if he will resist populism in the budget, the prime minister said it needs to be decided if the country needs to grow and become strong, should "this political culture, the Congress culture, be followed". He also said that the budget fell under the purview of the finance minister and that he did not want to interfere in it. The budget will be presented on February 1.

Budget may not be populist, indicates PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the India-Oman business meet in Muscat on Monday</p>

<p>He addressed the business leaders at the meet organised by Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Oman, in association with Embassy of India, Muscat.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="da">Oman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended India-Oman business meeting in Muscat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInOman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInOman</a> <a href="https://t.co/lq0obD6E0G">pic.twitter.com/lq0obD6E0G</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962922097289891840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The forum aims at uplifting Omani and Indian entrepreneurs to conduct successful businesses with the other.</p>

<p>PM Modi is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Oman&#39;s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relation and Cooperation Affairs, Sayyid Asa&#39;ad bin Tariq AI Said and HH Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmood AI-Said, the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers to discuss international relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His visit is a &lsquo;broad-base&rsquo; India&#39;s engagement with Palestine, UAE and Oman and focus on strategic domains encompassing defence and security, trade and investment.</p>

<p>The bilateral partnership between two countries has been swelling and his visit will take the strategic partnership to a new high, with Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to be signed.</p>

<p>On a two-day visit on the last leg of his West Asian tour, PM Modi arrived in Oman on Sunday from Dubai after receiving a ceremonial welcome.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The forum aims at uplifting Omani and Indian entrepreneurs to conduct successful businesses

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the India-Oman business meet in Muscat on Monday He addressed the business leaders at the meet organised by Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Oman, in association with Embassy of India, Muscat. Oman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended India-Oman business meeting in Muscat #ModiInOman pic.twitter.com/lq0obD6E0G — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × The forum aims at uplifting Omani and Indian entrepreneurs to conduct successful businesses with the other. PM Modi is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for International Relation and Cooperation Affairs, Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq AI Said and HH Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmood AI-Said, the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers to discuss international relations. His visit is a ‘broad-base’ India's engagement with Palestine, UAE and Oman and focus on strategic domains encompassing defence and security, trade and investment. The bilateral partnership between two countries has been swelling and his visit will take the strategic partnership to a new high, with Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to be signed. On a two-day visit on the last leg of his West Asian tour, PM Modi arrived in Oman on Sunday from Dubai after receiving a ceremonial welcome.

PM Modi attends India-Oman business meet in Muscat

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport on February 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new airport will be the second international aviation hub for the city. The NMIA will be constructed by the GVK Power &amp; Infrastructure Ltd (GVKPIL) at an estimated cost of Rs 16,000 crore. The nodal authority of Maharashtra will oversee the project implementation.</p>

<p>The NMIAL will be a greenfield airport that will be constructed on 1,160 hectares of land in Navi Mumbai, across the Mumbai harbour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event will take place this Sunday in the presence of leaders like Maharashtra Governor CV Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Civil Aviation Minister PA Gajapathi Raju, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari along with GVK and CIDCO officials.&nbsp;</p>


The NMIAL will be a greenfield airport that will be constructed on 1,160 hectares of land in Navi Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport on February 18. The new airport will be the second international aviation hub for the city. The NMIA will be constructed by the GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd (GVKPIL) at an estimated cost of Rs 16,000 crore. The nodal authority of Maharashtra will oversee the project implementation. The NMIAL will be a greenfield airport that will be constructed on 1,160 hectares of land in Navi Mumbai, across the Mumbai harbour. The event will take place this Sunday in the presence of leaders like Maharashtra Governor CV Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Civil Aviation Minister PA Gajapathi Raju, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari along with GVK and CIDCO officials.

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for Navi Mumbai international airport this Sunday

<p>Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/renuka-chowdhury-interrupts-modis-speech-spat-follows-8231"> &quot;Ramayana&quot; jibe </a>at her in Parliament, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury today said there was no GST on laughter and that she did not need anyone&#39;s permission to laugh.</p>

<p>She also said that Modi&#39;s remarks against her showed his mindset towards women.</p>

<p>The former Union minister said she received a huge support from women across the country after Modi&#39;s remarks over her laughter.</p>

<p>&quot;There were hashtags like #Laugh like Surpankha, #Lol is a passe and #Laugh Like Renuka Chowdhury.</p>

<p>&quot;I am a five-time MP and the prime minister draws a parallel of me with a negative character. But he forgets that the women today have changed and they know how to speak for themselves. This shows his mindset towards women,&quot; she told reporters.</p>

<p>Chowdhury was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the &quot;Difficult Dialogues&quot; conference on gender here.</p>

<p>The MP said people&#39;s support had been her base throughout her public life.</p>

<p>&quot;If you are right, it resonates all over. That&#39;s what is happening now...There is no rule on how and when. You laugh...And there is no GST on laughter. I don&#39;t require permission to laugh after being a five-time MP. I have shattered the myth of being stereotyped,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>On a lighter note, Chowdhury said her laughter had always been spontaneous but now, she had become conscious about it.</p>

<p>&quot;I had challenged the authority with my laughter. Parliament makes laws, but we need to educate the lawmakers on how to treat women as their equals and that they are here in their own rights.&nbsp;<br />
Parliament is a reflection of what our society is,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Chowdhury added that she had challenged the authorities years ago by performing her father&#39;s last rites.</p>

<p>&quot;My father had raised me as a citizen of this country and not as a boy or a girl,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Last week, the prime minister had taken a dig at Renuka Chowdhury in the Rajya Sabha, saying her laughter reminded him of television serial &quot;Ramayana&quot;.</p>

<p>As Chowdhury laughed loudly during the prime minister&#39;s speech, prompting Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to chide her, Modi had urged Naidu not to act against her as he had the privilege of hearing such a laughter after the popular television serial, which was first aired in the 80s.</p>


Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'Ramayana' jibe at her in Parliament, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury today said there was no GST on laughter

Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "Ramayana" jibe at her in Parliament, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury today said there was no GST on laughter and that she did not need anyone's permission to laugh. She also said that Modi's remarks against her showed his mindset towards women. The former Union minister said she received a huge support from women across the country after Modi's remarks over her laughter. "There were hashtags like #Laugh like Surpankha, #Lol is a passe and #Laugh Like Renuka Chowdhury. "I am a five-time MP and the prime minister draws a parallel of me with a negative character. But he forgets that the women today have changed and they know how to speak for themselves. This shows his mindset towards women," she told reporters. Chowdhury was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the "Difficult Dialogues" conference on gender here. The MP said people's support had been her base throughout her public life. "If you are right, it resonates all over. That's what is happening now...There is no rule on how and when. You laugh...And there is no GST on laughter. I don't require permission to laugh after being a five-time MP. I have shattered the myth of being stereotyped," she added. On a lighter note, Chowdhury said her laughter had always been spontaneous but now, she had become conscious about it. "I had challenged the authority with my laughter. Parliament makes laws, but we need to educate the lawmakers on how to treat women as their equals and that they are here in their own rights. Parliament is a reflection of what our society is," she said. Chowdhury added that she had challenged the authorities years ago by performing her father's last rites. "My father had raised me as a citizen of this country and not as a boy or a girl," she said. Last week, the prime minister had taken a dig at Renuka Chowdhury in the Rajya Sabha, saying her laughter reminded him of television serial "Ramayana". As Chowdhury laughed loudly during the prime minister's speech, prompting Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to chide her, Modi had urged Naidu not to act against her as he had the privilege of hearing such a laughter after the popular television serial, which was first aired in the 80s.

No GST on laughter, don't need permission to laugh: Renuka Chowdhary

<p>Calling the UAE second home for Indians, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the contribution made by the people of the country in India&#39;s story of growth and prosperity during his address to the Indian diaspora in Dubai on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi, in his second visit to the UAE, addressed a hall packed with close to 1800 people of the Indian diaspora.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian community gives a warm welcome to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at the community reception in Dubai. <a href="https://t.co/IRUgCAJZ4x">pic.twitter.com/IRUgCAJZ4x</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/962581177688260608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi reached Dubai Opera after visiting the Wahat Al Karama memorial in UAE and laid the foundation stone for first Hindu Temple in UAE.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I want to thank His Highness Crown Price on behalf of 125 crore Indians for the grand temple which will be constructed: PM<a href="https://t.co/QTw9jeXzce">https://t.co/QTw9jeXzce</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/962574556798976001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Expressing delight on visiting the country for the second time, PM&nbsp;thanked the Prince of UAE for giving him a warm&nbsp;welcome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I want to thank His Highness Crown Prince on behalf of 125 crore Indians for the grand temple which will be constructed,&quot; PM Modi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also thanked the Gulf countries for providing almost 30 Lakh people from India a &quot;home-like environment&quot; away from home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the temple which will soon be constructed and get ready by the year 2020, PM Modi noted that the temple will not just be a site for worship.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I believe this temple will not be only unique in terms of architecture &amp; splendour, but will also give a message of &#39;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&#39; to people across the world: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/962574927432794113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister also briefly touched upon the achievements of his government and spoke about the efficacy of the newly-introduced Goods and Services Tax.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;India&#39;s jump in World Bank&#39;s &#39;Ease of Doing Business Rankings&#39; from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied with this, we want to improve even more. We will do whatever it takes to achieve it,&quot; the Prime Minister noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India&#39;s leap in World Bank&#39;s Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied at this, we want to do better. We will do whatever it takes to make it possible: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/962576298244685824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I assure you that we will work together to bring to reality the dreams you see, here and in India,&quot; PM Modi concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai later today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will also present a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai today.</p>

<p>The two countries signed a crucial series of MoUs yesterday with an aim of boosting key areas like the railways, energy, manpower and financial services between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister&#39;s a two-day official visit to UAE will end today after which he will&nbsp;head&nbsp;to Oman.&nbsp;</p>


The Prime Minister called the UAE the second home for Indians

Calling the UAE second home for Indians, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the contribution made by the people of the country in India's story of growth and prosperity during his address to the Indian diaspora in Dubai on Sunday. Modi, in his second visit to the UAE, addressed a hall packed with close to 1800 people of the Indian diaspora. Indian community gives a warm welcome to PM @narendramodi at the community reception in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/IRUgCAJZ4x — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 11, 2018 × PM Modi reached Dubai Opera after visiting the Wahat Al Karama memorial in UAE and laid the foundation stone for first Hindu Temple in UAE. I want to thank His Highness Crown Price on behalf of 125 crore Indians for the grand temple which will be constructed: PMhttps://t.co/QTw9jeXzce — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 11, 2018 × Expressing delight on visiting the country for the second time, PM thanked the Prince of UAE for giving him a warm welcome. "I want to thank His Highness Crown Prince on behalf of 125 crore Indians for the grand temple which will be constructed," PM Modi noted. PM Modi also thanked the Gulf countries for providing almost 30 Lakh people from India a "home-like environment" away from home. Talking about the temple which will soon be constructed and get ready by the year 2020, PM Modi noted that the temple will not just be a site for worship. I believe this temple will not be only unique in terms of architecture & splendour, but will also give a message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' to people across the world: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 11, 2018 × The Prime Minister also briefly touched upon the achievements of his government and spoke about the efficacy of the newly-introduced Goods and Services Tax. "India's jump in World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business Rankings' from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied with this, we want to improve even more. We will do whatever it takes to achieve it," the Prime Minister noted. India's leap in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied at this, we want to do better. We will do whatever it takes to make it possible: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 11, 2018 × "I assure you that we will work together to bring to reality the dreams you see, here and in India," PM Modi concluded. PM Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai later today. He will also present a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai today. The two countries signed a crucial series of MoUs yesterday with an aim of boosting key areas like the railways, energy, manpower and financial services between the two nations. Prime Minister's a two-day official visit to UAE will end today after which he will head to Oman.

PM Modi in Dubai: We'll work together to bring dreams to reality, here and in India

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wahat Al Karama memorial and paid homage to martyrs after he arrived&nbsp;United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on the second leg of his three-nation tour earlier today.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was&nbsp;received by the Prince and the members of the royal family as he landed in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Abu Dhabi: PM Modi pays tribute to Emirati soldiers at Wahat Al Karama memorial. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInUAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInUAE</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwJIlUYHSj">pic.twitter.com/lwJIlUYHSj</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962547842677198848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two countries signed a crucial series of MoUs yesterday with an aim o boost key areas like the railways, energy, manpower and financial services between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi visited the Wahat Al Karama memorial in Abu Dhabi and paid homage to the martyrs. The prime minister will take part in the groundbreaking ceremony where he will lay the stone foundation of the UAE&#39;s first Hindu temple.</p>

<p>At the Dubai Opera, he will address close to 1800 people of the Indian diaspora.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Wahat Al Karama memorial. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInUAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInUAE</a> <a href="https://t.co/fPoCJrGuo3">pic.twitter.com/fPoCJrGuo3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962549965150216192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai later today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will also present a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai today.</p>

<p>Prime Minister&#39;s a two-day official visit to UAE will end today after which he will be headed to Oman.&nbsp;</p>


The prime minister will also lay the stone foundation of the UAE's first Hindu temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wahat Al Karama memorial and paid homage to martyrs after he arrived United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on the second leg of his three-nation tour earlier today. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family as he landed in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi: PM Modi pays tribute to Emirati soldiers at Wahat Al Karama memorial. #ModiInUAE pic.twitter.com/lwJIlUYHSj — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × The two countries signed a crucial series of MoUs yesterday with an aim o boost key areas like the railways, energy, manpower and financial services between the two nations. PM Modi visited the Wahat Al Karama memorial in Abu Dhabi and paid homage to the martyrs. The prime minister will take part in the groundbreaking ceremony where he will lay the stone foundation of the UAE's first Hindu temple. At the Dubai Opera, he will address close to 1800 people of the Indian diaspora. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Wahat Al Karama memorial. #ModiInUAE pic.twitter.com/fPoCJrGuo3 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × PM Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai later today. He will also present a keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai today. Prime Minister's a two-day official visit to UAE will end today after which he will be headed to Oman.

PM Modi visits Wahat Al Karama memorial in UAE, pays homage to martyrs

<p>India and Palestine signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s worth $40 million on Saturday.</p>

<p>Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale addressed a media briefing in Abu Dhabi yesterday and shared details about the new projects which India will undertake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian President welcomed the Indian Prime Minister and thanked him for the ongoing projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will take up the project of building a speciality hospital of 100 beds in Palestine and a women&#39;s empowerment centre where women from different parts of Palestine can come and learn skills.</p>

<p>Gokhale also shared details about the renovation of schools in Palestine. The national printing press here will receive machinery from India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gokhale called PM Modi&#39;s visit to Palestine &quot;historic&quot;, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine. He engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Palestinian counterpart and expressed India&#39;s commitment towards assisting the Palestinian state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was escorted by Israeli choppers and Royal Jordanian choppers by the King on his way to Palestine.&nbsp;</p>


The Palestinian President welcomed the Indian Prime Minister and thanked him for the ongoing projects

India and Palestine signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s worth $40 million on Saturday. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale addressed a media briefing in Abu Dhabi yesterday and shared details about the new projects which India will undertake. The Palestinian President welcomed the Indian Prime Minister and thanked him for the ongoing projects. India will take up the project of building a speciality hospital of 100 beds in Palestine and a women's empowerment centre where women from different parts of Palestine can come and learn skills. Gokhale also shared details about the renovation of schools in Palestine. The national printing press here will receive machinery from India. Gokhale called PM Modi's visit to Palestine "historic", the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine. He engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Palestinian counterpart and expressed India's commitment towards assisting the Palestinian state. PM Modi was escorted by Israeli choppers and Royal Jordanian choppers by the King on his way to Palestine.

India to build speciality hospital, women empowerment centre in Palestine, signs 6 MoUs

<p>Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, in a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, told reporters that Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend.</p>

<p>According to Gokhale, the prince also stated that Abu Dhabi is PM Modi&#39;s second home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prince also noted that &quot;the contribution of Indians in building the UAE is what every citizen of Abu Dhabi appreciates&quot;.</p>

<p>Prince Al Nahyan also shared that the &quot;Indians with their hard work and trustworthiness have built this country. The Indian community can be trusted. Trust was the word used&quot;.</p>

<p>PM Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family at the Abu Dhabi airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The Prince of Abu Dhabi along with the members of the royal family were present at the airport to receive Prime Minister Modi. This is an exceptional honour, &quot; noted Gokhale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and the UAE have also signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s in total.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family at the Abu Dhabi airport

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, in a media briefing in Abu Dhabi, told reporters that Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend. According to Gokhale, the prince also stated that Abu Dhabi is PM Modi's second home. The Prince also noted that "the contribution of Indians in building the UAE is what every citizen of Abu Dhabi appreciates". Prince Al Nahyan also shared that the "Indians with their hard work and trustworthiness have built this country. The Indian community can be trusted. Trust was the word used". PM Modi was received by the Prince and the members of the royal family at the Abu Dhabi airport. "The Prince of Abu Dhabi along with the members of the royal family were present at the airport to receive Prime Minister Modi. This is an exceptional honour, " noted Gokhale. India and the UAE have also signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s in total.

'PM Modi is a friend,' says Abu Dhabi Prince Mohammed bin Zayed

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