<p>The all-powerful <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gst-council-cuts-tax-rates-on-29-items-54-services-29987" target="_blank">GST Council</a> today veered around the idea of making the GST return filing process simpler to ease compliance burden for small businesses.</p>

<p>The panel, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising representatives of all states, at its 25th meeting today decided to reduce tax rate on 29 items and 54 categories of services with effect from January 25.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-got-cheaper-after-revised-gst-rates-23947" target="_blank">Previous revised GST rates: Complete list</a></p>

<p><em>Heres a list of all items under the new tax slabs:</em></p>

<p><ins><strong>List of good reduced from 28 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 18 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong>&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Old and used motor vehicles [medium and large cars and SUVs] on the margin of the supplier, subject to the condition that no input tax credit of central excise duty/value-added tax or GST paid on such vehicles has been availed by him</li>
	<li>Buses, for use in public transport, which exclusively run on biofuels</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good reduced from 28 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 12 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong>&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>All types of old and used motors vehicles [other than medium and large cars and SUVs] on the margin of the supplier of subject to the conditions that no input tax credit of central excise duty /value added tax or GST paid on such vehicles has been availed by him</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good reduced from 18 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 12 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong>&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Sugar boiled confectionary</li>
	<li>Drinking water packed in 20 litters bottles</li>
	<li>Fertilizer grade Phosphoric acid</li>
	<li>Bio-diesel</li>
	<li>Bio-pesticides</li>
	<li>Bamboo wood building joinery</li>
	<li>Drip irrigation system including laterals, sprinklers</li>
	<li>Mechanical Sprayer</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good reduced from 18 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 5 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong>&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Tamarind Kernel Powder</li>
	<li>Mehendi paste in cones</li>
	<li>LPG supplied for supply to household domestic consumers by private LPG distributors Scientific and technical instruments, apparatus, equipment, accessories, parts, components, spares, tools, mockups and modules, raw material and consumables required for launch vehicles and satellites and payloads</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good reduced from 12 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 5 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong>&nbsp;</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Articles of straw, of esparto or of other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good reduced from 12 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 5 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> with no refund of unutilised input tax credit</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Velvet fabric</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of goods on which no GST will be charged</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Vibhuti</li>
	<li>Parts and accessories for manufacture of hearing aids</li>
	<li>De-oiled rice bran</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good <em>increased</em> from 12 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins><ins><strong> to 18 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Cigarette filter rods</li>
</ul>

<p><ins><strong>List of good <em>increased</em> from nil to 5 </strong></ins><ins><strong>per cent</strong></ins></p>

<ul>
	<li>Rice bran (other than de-oiled rice bran)</li>
</ul>


The tax rate cut on 29 goods and 54 services would result in a revenue loss of around Rs 1,000 crore, sources said

The all-powerful GST Council today veered around the idea of making the GST return filing process simpler to ease compliance burden for small businesses. The panel, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising representatives of all states, at its 25th meeting today decided to reduce tax rate on 29 items and 54 categories of services with effect from January 25. Also read: Previous revised GST rates: Complete list Heres a list of all items under the new tax slabs: List of good reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent Old and used motor vehicles [medium and large cars and SUVs] on the margin of the supplier, subject to the condition that no input tax credit of central excise duty/value-added tax or GST paid on such vehicles has been availed by him Buses, for use in public transport, which exclusively run on biofuels List of good reduced from 28 per cent to 12 per cent All types of old and used motors vehicles [other than medium and large cars and SUVs] on the margin of the supplier of subject to the conditions that no input tax credit of central excise duty /value added tax or GST paid on such vehicles has been availed by him List of good reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent Sugar boiled confectionary Drinking water packed in 20 litters bottles Fertilizer grade Phosphoric acid Bio-diesel Bio-pesticides Bamboo wood building joinery Drip irrigation system including laterals, sprinklers Mechanical Sprayer List of good reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent Tamarind Kernel Powder Mehendi paste in cones LPG supplied for supply to household domestic consumers by private LPG distributors Scientific and technical instruments, apparatus, equipment, accessories, parts, components, spares, tools, mockups and modules, raw material and consumables required for launch vehicles and satellites and payloads List of good reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent Articles of straw, of esparto or of other plaiting materials; basketware and wickerwork List of good reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent with no refund of unutilised input tax credit Velvet fabric List of goods on which no GST will be charged Vibhuti Parts and accessories for manufacture of hearing aids De-oiled rice bran List of good increased from 12 per cent to 18 per cent Cigarette filter rods List of good increased from nil to 5 per cent Rice bran (other than de-oiled rice bran)

Complete list: 29 items which got cheaper in revised GST rates

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-modi-netanyahu-to-hold-open-jeep-roadshow-in-ahmedabad-29784">attended the inauguration of the iCreate centre</a> in Ahmedabad today.</p>

<p>At the event, both the leaders talked about the significance of technology and how it can help in cementing India-Israel ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi noted that technology and innovation can bring India and Israel closer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am pleased that today, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Israel, the country is getting an institution dedicated to innovators,&quot; PM Modi noted.</p>

<p>&quot;Israel&#39;s creativity and technology inspire and affect the entire world,&quot; PM Modi noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मुझे खुशी है कि आज, इजराइल के प्रधानमंत्री की उपस्थिति में, देश के नौजवान innovators को समर्पित इस संस्थान का लोकार्पण हो रहा है : 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/953553191727083520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister addressed the youth of the nation and noted that today&#39;s youngsters are full of energy and ideas, all they need is a small nudge in the right direction, some mentorship, encouragement and institutional support.</p>

<p>&quot;We are trying to make India an innovation-friendly nation. Intent will lead to innovations and with the power of innovations we will build a new India,&quot; PM noted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">इजरायल की technology एवं creativity पूरे विश्व को प्रभावित करती है: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/3Rik6M6WK2">https://t.co/3Rik6M6WK2</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/953554728805281792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>PM Modi also noted that during his visit to Israel last year, a gigantic fund worth $40 million was created as a joint-venture between the two countries.</p>

<p>&quot;The fund will help the talent and youth of the two countries in the field of innovation and technology. The joint venture will pay special attention to the area of food, water, diseases and energy,&quot; he noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;These collaborations between India and Israel are very important for the bright future of both the countries. In the 21st century, both the countries will write new chapters in the history of humanity,&quot; noted PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारत और इजरायल के बीच ये सहयोग, ये परस्पर विकास की भावना, दोनों ही देशों के उज्जवल भविष्य के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है। 21वीं सदी में दोनों देशों का ये साथ मानवता के इतिहास में नया अध्याय लिखेगा: 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/953560686260404224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his delight at being able to attend the event.</p>

<p>&quot;The world knows about iPads and iPods, there is one more &#39;i&#39; that the world needs to know about, that is iCreate,&quot; Netanyahu exclaimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Now, Prime Minister Modi is changing India by the force and vision of his leadership. He is revolutionizing India as one of the world&#39;s great power. He and I are both very young and both very optimistic, we are young in our thinking and optimistic about the future,&quot; Netanyahu asserted.</p>

<p>PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Sabarmati Ashram earlier today and also held a grand roadshow in Ahmedabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is how Gujarat welcomed Mrs. Netanyahu and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a>. <a href="https://t.co/mEKFfiNk0t">pic.twitter.com/mEKFfiNk0t</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/953531609457737729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Netanyahu and his wife Sara wrote their comments in the visitor&#39;s log book at the Sabarmati Ashram where the Israeli PM described his visit as &quot;inspiring&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;An inspiring visit to the hearth of one of humanity&#39;s great prophets of inspiration - Mahatma Gandhi,&quot; Netanyahu wrote in the book.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two dignitaries also tried their hands at the &#39;charkha&#39;, the hand spinning wheel which was emblematic of India&#39;s quest for self-reliance during the freedom struggle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The quest for modernity &amp; innovation is being challenged by radical Islam and its terrorist offshoots, and this can upset the international system. One of the ways to overcome this is to strengthen the relationship between our two great democracies,&quot; PM Netanyahu noted earlier yesterday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM: The quest for modernity &amp; innovation is being challenged by radical Islam and its terrorist offshoots, and this can upset the international system. One of the ways to overcome this is to strengthen the relationship between our two great democracies<a href="https://t.co/unt8hbxJ4X">https://t.co/unt8hbxJ4X</a></p>
&mdash; PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/953333599746609153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Both the leaders talked about the significance of technology and how can it help cement India-Israel ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu attended the inauguration of the iCreate centre in Ahmedabad today. At the event, both the leaders talked about the significance of technology and how it can help in cementing India-Israel ties. PM Modi noted that technology and innovation can bring India and Israel closer. "I am pleased that today, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Israel, the country is getting an institution dedicated to innovators," PM Modi noted. "Israel's creativity and technology inspire and affect the entire world," PM Modi noted. मुझे खुशी है कि आज, इजराइल के प्रधानमंत्री की उपस्थिति में, देश के नौजवान innovators को समर्पित इस संस्थान का लोकार्पण हो रहा है : PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 17, 2018 × The Prime Minister addressed the youth of the nation and noted that today's youngsters are full of energy and ideas, all they need is a small nudge in the right direction, some mentorship, encouragement and institutional support. "We are trying to make India an innovation-friendly nation. Intent will lead to innovations and with the power of innovations we will build a new India," PM noted. इजरायल की technology एवं creativity पूरे विश्व को प्रभावित करती है: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/3Rik6M6WK2 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 17, 2018 × PM Modi also noted that during his visit to Israel last year, a gigantic fund worth $40 million was created as a joint-venture between the two countries. "The fund will help the talent and youth of the two countries in the field of innovation and technology. The joint venture will pay special attention to the area of food, water, diseases and energy," he noted. "These collaborations between India and Israel are very important for the bright future of both the countries. In the 21st century, both the countries will write new chapters in the history of humanity," noted PM Modi. भारत और इजरायल के बीच ये सहयोग, ये परस्पर विकास की भावना, दोनों ही देशों के उज्जवल भविष्य के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है। 21वीं सदी में दोनों देशों का ये साथ मानवता के इतिहास में नया अध्याय लिखेगा: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 17, 2018 × Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his delight at being able to attend the event. "The world knows about iPads and iPods, there is one more 'i' that the world needs to know about, that is iCreate," Netanyahu exclaimed. "Now, Prime Minister Modi is changing India by the force and vision of his leadership. He is revolutionizing India as one of the world's great power. He and I are both very young and both very optimistic, we are young in our thinking and optimistic about the future," Netanyahu asserted. PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Sabarmati Ashram earlier today and also held a grand roadshow in Ahmedabad. Here is how Gujarat welcomed Mrs. Netanyahu and PM @netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/mEKFfiNk0t — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 17, 2018 × Netanyahu and his wife Sara wrote their comments in the visitor's log book at the Sabarmati Ashram where the Israeli PM described his visit as "inspiring". "An inspiring visit to the hearth of one of humanity's great prophets of inspiration - Mahatma Gandhi," Netanyahu wrote in the book. The two dignitaries also tried their hands at the 'charkha', the hand spinning wheel which was emblematic of India's quest for self-reliance during the freedom struggle. "The quest for modernity & innovation is being challenged by radical Islam and its terrorist offshoots, and this can upset the international system. One of the ways to overcome this is to strengthen the relationship between our two great democracies," PM Netanyahu noted earlier yesterday. PM: The quest for modernity & innovation is being challenged by radical Islam and its terrorist offshoots, and this can upset the international system. One of the ways to overcome this is to strengthen the relationship between our two great democracieshttps://t.co/unt8hbxJ4X — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 16, 2018 ×

PM Modi is changing India by vision of his leadership: Benjamin Netanyahu in Ahmedabad

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented a special gift from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p>The Israeli Prime Minister is reported to have gifted PM Modi a water desalination and purification jeep.</p>

<p>The Gal-Mobile water purification jeep is an integrated water purification vehicle which can produce high-quality drinking water.</p>

<p>The machine can purify up to 20,000 litres of seawater in a day and close to 80,000 litres of brackish or contaminated river water every day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vehicle can prove beneficial in tackling calamities and natural disasters.</p>

<p>It can easily provide pure drinking water to military personnel and to people living in remote villages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi dedicated Netanyahu&#39;s gift to the people of Suigam village in Banaskantha.</p>

<p>A live demonstration of seawater desalination using the vehicle was also done.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Gal-Mobile (Mobile Filtration Vehicle), on which I also rode with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a>, fascinated me! I thank <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraeliPM</a> for gifting it to us. We will be using this vehicle to provide clean water to our brave BSF Jawans in Banaskantha and some villages in that district. <a href="https://t.co/ODy97Cj4Qd">pic.twitter.com/ODy97Cj4Qd</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/953575534377689088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Last year, I was shown a motorable vehicle (during a visit to Israel), which can purify dirty water. I was driven by the prime minister (Netanyahu). He has brought this vehicle here as a gift,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>&quot;This vehicle, the live demonstration of which you witnessed, is stationed at Suigam in the border region, from where it will be able to give pure water to BSF soldiers guarding our borders and people of the surrounding villages,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi thanked Benjamin Netanyahu for his valuable gift. &quot;People of India will be thankful for this,&quot; PM Modi exclaimed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The two Prime Ministers will dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Banaskantha district, through a video link. Both leaders will also address the gathering.</p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/953271000317046784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Seawater purification technology is believed to be pioneered by Isreal. PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed a demonstration of the purification technology at a water desalination unit during the Indian Prime Minister&#39;s visit to Israel last year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. <a href="https://t.co/FuirtlyLAG">pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/882960986063290368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The jeep complies with WHO standards for&nbsp;water purification and costs close to 390,000 shekels -- approximately $111,000.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi dedicated Netanyahu's gift to the people of Suigam village in Banaskantha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented a special gift from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister is reported to have gifted PM Modi a water desalination and purification jeep. The Gal-Mobile water purification jeep is an integrated water purification vehicle which can produce high-quality drinking water. The machine can purify up to 20,000 litres of seawater in a day and close to 80,000 litres of brackish or contaminated river water every day. The vehicle can prove beneficial in tackling calamities and natural disasters. It can easily provide pure drinking water to military personnel and to people living in remote villages. PM Modi dedicated Netanyahu's gift to the people of Suigam village in Banaskantha. A live demonstration of seawater desalination using the vehicle was also done. The Gal-Mobile (Mobile Filtration Vehicle), on which I also rode with PM @netanyahu, fascinated me! I thank @IsraeliPM for gifting it to us. We will be using this vehicle to provide clean water to our brave BSF Jawans in Banaskantha and some villages in that district. pic.twitter.com/ODy97Cj4Qd — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2018 × "Last year, I was shown a motorable vehicle (during a visit to Israel), which can purify dirty water. I was driven by the prime minister (Netanyahu). He has brought this vehicle here as a gift," Modi said. "This vehicle, the live demonstration of which you witnessed, is stationed at Suigam in the border region, from where it will be able to give pure water to BSF soldiers guarding our borders and people of the surrounding villages," Modi said. PM Modi thanked Benjamin Netanyahu for his valuable gift. "People of India will be thankful for this," PM Modi exclaimed. The two Prime Ministers will dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Banaskantha district, through a video link. Both leaders will also address the gathering. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 16, 2018 × Seawater purification technology is believed to be pioneered by Isreal. PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed a demonstration of the purification technology at a water desalination unit during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel last year. Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017 × The jeep complies with WHO standards for water purification and costs close to 390,000 shekels -- approximately $111,000.

Benjamin Netanyahu's gift to PM Modi: Mass water-purifying jeep

<p>PM Modi while inaugurating an oil refinery in Barmer praised Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje declaring that Rajasthan chief minister tackled droughts in both terms.</p>

<p>Modi took a dig at the Congress saying: Congress and <em>aakaal</em>(drought)<em> </em><em>judwa</em><em> </em><em>bhai</em><em> </em><em>hain</em><em>, </em><em>jahan</em> Congress<em> </em><em>jayegi</em><em> </em><em>wahan</em><em> </em><em>aakaal</em><em> </em><em>jayega</em>(Congress and droughts are like twins, wherever Congress goes, drought follows).</p>

<p>&quot;I am elated to be in Rajasthan that too for a project that will bring happiness and prosperity,&quot; the PM said while inaugurating the oil refinery which is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government.</p>

<p>The oil refinery reportedly conforms to BS-VI emission norms.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;We must focus on our aims and work towards achieving them by 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom,&quot; the PM said ahead of India&#39;s Republic Day celebrations due to take place on January 25th.</p>

<p>The PM told the crowd gathered at the inauguration ceremony that as soon as Israel PM Netanyahu&nbsp;landed in India both went to Teen Murti Haifa chowk built&nbsp;in memory of Major Dalpat Shekhawat who the PM said commemorated Rajasthan&#39;s history of valour.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi was in Barmer today to inaugurate an oil refinery in Barmer

PM Modi while inaugurating an oil refinery in Barmer praised Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje declaring that Rajasthan chief minister tackled droughts in both terms. Modi took a dig at the Congress saying: Congress and aakaal(drought) judwa bhai hain, jahan Congress jayegi wahan aakaal jayega(Congress and droughts are like twins, wherever Congress goes, drought follows). "I am elated to be in Rajasthan that too for a project that will bring happiness and prosperity," the PM said while inaugurating the oil refinery which is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government. The oil refinery reportedly conforms to BS-VI emission norms. "We must focus on our aims and work towards achieving them by 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom," the PM said ahead of India's Republic Day celebrations due to take place on January 25th. The PM told the crowd gathered at the inauguration ceremony that as soon as Israel PM Netanyahu landed in India both went to Teen Murti Haifa chowk built in memory of Major Dalpat Shekhawat who the PM said commemorated Rajasthan's history of valour.

'Congress and droughts are like twin brothers,' says PM Modi in Barmer

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he was discussing with India ways to strengthen security cooperation against the menace of Islamist extremism that both democracies faced.</p>

<p>Netanyahu spoke while on a six-day tour of India, the first by an Israeli premier for 15 years, and is being feted by Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, whose Hindu nationalist party has long admired Israel for its tough posture against terrorism.</p>

<p>India, wary of upsetting Arab nations on which it was dependent for oil, and heeding the sentiments of its own large Muslim minority, kept a distance from Israel for decades. But under Modi, the two sides have embraced a closer relationship based on security and economics.</p>

<p>The right-wing Netanyahu told a security conference that India and Israel were two democracies with a natural affinity, but their open and liberal societies faced risks.</p>

<p>&quot;Our way of life is being challenged, most notably, the quest for modernity, the quest for innovation (are) being challenged by radical Islam and its terrorist offshoots from a variety of corners,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Both Israel and India have long sought to counter militant Islamists - in Israel&#39;s case, mainly from Gaza and Egypt&#39;s Sinai region and, in India&#39;s case, mainly from Pakistan. Away from the public eye, India and Israel have been cooperating against the threat through, in part, intelligence sharing, officials say.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;ve discussed in this visit how we can strengthen our two nations in the civilian areas, in security areas, in every area,&quot; Netanyahu told the conference.</p>

<p>His trip to India comes just six months after Modi made the first trip by an Indian prime minister to Israel, during which he did not go to Ramallah, seat of the self-ruling Palestinian Authority and a customary stop for leaders visiting the region.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-israeli-pm-netanyahu-visits-taj-mahal-during-visit-to-india-7813">Netanyahu toured the Taj Mahal on Tuesday</a> and will also visit Modi&#39;s home state of Gujarat and India&#39;s financial capital Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will join an 11-year-old Israeli boy, Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents were murdered by Pakistan-based militants in Mumbai in 2008, for a memorial event at</p>

<p>Mumbai&#39;s Jewish centre where the attack took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The boy, who lives with his grandparents in Israel, arrived on Tuesday as a guest of Modi.</p>


Netanyahu told a security conference that India and Israel were two democracies with a natural affinity for each other

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he was discussing with India ways to strengthen security cooperation against the menace of Islamist extremism that both democracies faced. Netanyahu spoke while on a six-day tour of India, the first by an Israeli premier for 15 years, and is being feted by Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, whose Hindu nationalist party has long admired Israel for its tough posture against terrorism. India, wary of upsetting Arab nations on which it was dependent for oil, and heeding the sentiments of its own large Muslim minority, kept a distance from Israel for decades. But under Modi, the two sides have embraced a closer relationship based on security and economics. The right-wing Netanyahu told a security conference that India and Israel were two democracies with a natural affinity, but their open and liberal societies faced risks. "Our way of life is being challenged, most notably, the quest for modernity, the quest for innovation (are) being challenged by radical Islam and its terrorist offshoots from a variety of corners," he said. Both Israel and India have long sought to counter militant Islamists - in Israel's case, mainly from Gaza and Egypt's Sinai region and, in India's case, mainly from Pakistan. Away from the public eye, India and Israel have been cooperating against the threat through, in part, intelligence sharing, officials say. "We've discussed in this visit how we can strengthen our two nations in the civilian areas, in security areas, in every area," Netanyahu told the conference. His trip to India comes just six months after Modi made the first trip by an Indian prime minister to Israel, during which he did not go to Ramallah, seat of the self-ruling Palestinian Authority and a customary stop for leaders visiting the region. Netanyahu toured the Taj Mahal on Tuesday and will also visit Modi's home state of Gujarat and India's financial capital Mumbai. He will join an 11-year-old Israeli boy, Moshe Holtzberg, whose parents were murdered by Pakistan-based militants in Mumbai in 2008, for a memorial event at Mumbai's Jewish centre where the attack took place. The boy, who lives with his grandparents in Israel, arrived on Tuesday as a guest of Modi.

India, Israel both face threat from radical Islam, says Netanyahu

<p>The bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his &quot;good friend&quot; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-un-vote-will-not-affect-ties-netanyahu-on-jerusalem-29519">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> was on full display on Monday when the leaders hugged and shook hands a number of times during their joint press event.</p>

<p>While the visiting Israeli prime minister called Modi a &quot;revolutionary leader&quot; and used an endearment like &quot;my friend Narendra&quot;, Modi responded with great warmth, welcoming the guest in Hebrew.</p>

<p>Netanyahu said he was willing to participate in a &quot;yoga class&quot; with his &quot;friend Narendra&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;My friend Narendra... any time you want to do yoga a class with me... it is a big stretch but I will be there. Trust me,&quot; Netanyahu remarked, reflecting the deep camaraderie the two leaders share.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-india-and-israel-see-a-new-era-of-brotherhood-29497"><strong>Opinion: India and Israel see a new era of brotherhood</strong></a></p>

<p>The chemistry between the two leaders is well known.</p>

<p>Last year when Modi visited Israel, the first Indian prime minister to do so, he was received by Netanyahu at the airport, a gesture normally reserved for guests such as US presidents.</p>

<p>The overwhelming warmth was also seen when the two leaders took a walk along the Mediterranean Sea during Modi&#39;s visit.</p>

<p>The warmth has continued with Modi setting aside protocol to receive Netanyahu at the airport yesterday.</p>

<p>At the joint press statement, Netanyahu showered praise on Modi.</p>

<p>&quot;You are a revolutionary leader and you are revolutionising India. You are catapulting this magnificent state into to the future. And you have revolutionised the relations between Israel and India,&quot; Netanyahu, popularly known as &#39;Bibi&#39;, said.</p>

<p>Modi also responded warmly dubbing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-ink-9-pacts-modi-invites-israeli-defence-companies-for-co-production-29610">Netanyahu&#39;s visit</a> as a &quot;long-anticipated moment in the journey of friendship&quot; between India and Israel.</p>

<p>He further said that the visit was also a fitting climax to the commemoration of 25 years of bilateral diplomatic relations and marked a &quot;special beginning&quot; to the new year calendar, with Indians rejoicing the arrival of spring, hope and harvest.</p>

<p>Modi will also accompany Netanyahu to his home state, Gujarat, on January 17.</p>


The chemistry between the two leaders is well known.

The bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his "good friend" Benjamin Netanyahu was on full display on Monday when the leaders hugged and shook hands a number of times during their joint press event. While the visiting Israeli prime minister called Modi a "revolutionary leader" and used an endearment like "my friend Narendra", Modi responded with great warmth, welcoming the guest in Hebrew. Netanyahu said he was willing to participate in a "yoga class" with his "friend Narendra". "My friend Narendra... any time you want to do yoga a class with me... it is a big stretch but I will be there. Trust me," Netanyahu remarked, reflecting the deep camaraderie the two leaders share. Opinion: India and Israel see a new era of brotherhood The chemistry between the two leaders is well known. Last year when Modi visited Israel, the first Indian prime minister to do so, he was received by Netanyahu at the airport, a gesture normally reserved for guests such as US presidents. The overwhelming warmth was also seen when the two leaders took a walk along the Mediterranean Sea during Modi's visit. The warmth has continued with Modi setting aside protocol to receive Netanyahu at the airport yesterday. At the joint press statement, Netanyahu showered praise on Modi. "You are a revolutionary leader and you are revolutionising India. You are catapulting this magnificent state into to the future. And you have revolutionised the relations between Israel and India," Netanyahu, popularly known as 'Bibi', said. Modi also responded warmly dubbing Netanyahu's visit as a "long-anticipated moment in the journey of friendship" between India and Israel. He further said that the visit was also a fitting climax to the commemoration of 25 years of bilateral diplomatic relations and marked a "special beginning" to the new year calendar, with Indians rejoicing the arrival of spring, hope and harvest. Modi will also accompany Netanyahu to his home state, Gujarat, on January 17.

It's a big stretch but I will be there: Netanyahu ready to do yoga with 'friend Narendra'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his greetings often manifested in warm embraces.</p>

<p>The Congress today mocked PM&#39;s &#39;hugplomacy&#39; and tweeted a video showcasing his interactions with world leaders that turned into awkward moments more than often.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hugplomacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hugplomacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/M3BKK2Mhmf">pic.twitter.com/M3BKK2Mhmf</a></p>
&mdash; Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/952469912554946561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video starts by stating &#39;Modi is awkward&#39; and depicted an event where the Prime Minister&#39;s handshake was dismissed by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Video&#39;s &#39;Hug highlights&#39; included PM Modi&#39;s &#39;Titanic Hug&#39; with former French President Francois Hollande, the &#39;Barely There Hug&#39; with the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the &#39;Never Let You Go Hug&#39; with Japanese President Abe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We can&#39;t wait for more &#39;hugplomacy&#39;,&quot; noted the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy,&quot; noted Congress&#39; tweet.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste,&quot; PM Modi tweeted earlier today.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome to India, my friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a>! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraeliPM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShalomNamaste?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShalomNamaste</a> <a href="https://t.co/sidgMmA1fu">pic.twitter.com/sidgMmA1fu</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/952461694567047168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport,&quot; Netanyahu posted on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> , who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights! ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/bPZftC4caF">pic.twitter.com/bPZftC4caF</a></p>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/952490280481099776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress for releasing a video that &quot;insults&quot; PM Modi.</p>

<p>&quot;Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also the guest,&quot; Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar, noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also a guest: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi &amp; Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://t.co/oqrEwiu7lP">pic.twitter.com/oqrEwiu7lP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952527381893234689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Congress leaders have stooped low,&quot; exclaimed Union Minister Babul Supriyo.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The tweet proves that Congress leaders have stooped* low and shows their low mentality. They are indulging in crass humor to seek attention. Congress has taken another step towards its annihilation: Babul Supriyo, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi &amp; Israel PM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952531007713849344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his greetings often manifested in warm embraces. The Congress today mocked PM's 'hugplomacy' and tweeted a video showcasing his interactions with world leaders that turned into awkward moments more than often. With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy pic.twitter.com/M3BKK2Mhmf — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2018 × The video starts by stating 'Modi is awkward' and depicted an event where the Prime Minister's handshake was dismissed by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Video's 'Hug highlights' included PM Modi's 'Titanic Hug' with former French President Francois Hollande, the 'Barely There Hug' with the President of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the 'Never Let You Go Hug' with Japanese President Abe. "We can't wait for more 'hugplomacy'," noted the video. "With Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visiting India, we look forward to more hugs from PM Modi! #Hugplomacy," noted Congress' tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug. "Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste," PM Modi tweeted earlier today. Welcome to India, my friend PM @netanyahu! Your visit to India is historic and special. It will further cement the close friendship between our nations. @IsraeliPM #ShalomNamaste pic.twitter.com/sidgMmA1fu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2018 × "Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport," Netanyahu posted on Twitter. Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi , who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/bPZftC4caF — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) January 14, 2018 × Meanwhile, the BJP slammed the Congress for releasing a video that "insults" PM Modi. "Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also the guest," Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar, noted. Congress lacks concrete issues to discuss so they tweeted a disgusting video showing PM Modi when he was receiving Israel PM. This not only insults our PM but also a guest: Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi & Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu pic.twitter.com/oqrEwiu7lP — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 × "Congress leaders have stooped low," exclaimed Union Minister Babul Supriyo. The tweet proves that Congress leaders have stooped* low and shows their low mentality. They are indulging in crass humor to seek attention. Congress has taken another step towards its annihilation: Babul Supriyo, Union Minister on Congress tweeting a video on PM Modi & Israel PM — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2018 ×

Congress releases video on PM Modi's 'hugplomacy', BJP slams it

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-internal-matter-will-be-resolved-soon-says-bar-councilof-india-29484">Supreme Court crisis: &#39;Internal matter, will be resolved soon,&#39; says Bar Council of India</a></p>

<p>The Bar Council made the statement after meeting with Justice Chelameswar, one of the four judges to have called an unprecedented press conference on Friday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-live-updates-israeli-pm-bejamin-netanyahu-lands-in-india-modi-breaks-protocol-to-receive-him-at-airport-29470">Live Updates:&nbsp;Israeli PM, PM Modi laud role of Indian soldiers in liberating Haifa</a></p>

<p>Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi this afternoon, six months after PM Modi&#39;s first-ever visit to Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-4-retired-judges-write-open-letter-to-cji-29488">Supreme Court crisis: 4 retired judges write open letter to CJI</a></p>

<p>The four retired judges, including one from the Supreme Court, said they agree with the issues raised by the Supreme Court judges.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-a-global-power-says-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-29478">India a global power, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu</a></p>

<p>The statement was made before Netanyahu, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday, left Israel for India.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-video-on-pm-modis-hugplomacy-29487">Congress releases video on PM Modi&#39;s &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-video-on-pm-modis-hugplomacy-29487">hugplomacy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-video-on-pm-modis-hugplomacy-29487">&#39;</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Supreme Court crisis: 'Internal matter, will be resolved soon,' says Bar Council of India The Bar Council made the statement after meeting with Justice Chelameswar, one of the four judges to have called an unprecedented press conference on Friday. Live Updates: Israeli PM, PM Modi laud role of Indian soldiers in liberating Haifa Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in New Delhi this afternoon, six months after PM Modi's first-ever visit to Israel. Supreme Court crisis: 4 retired judges write open letter to CJI The four retired judges, including one from the Supreme Court, said they agree with the issues raised by the Supreme Court judges. India a global power, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu The statement was made before Netanyahu, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday, left Israel for India. Congress releases video on PM Modi's 'hugplomacy' Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol today to receive his Israeli counterpart at the airport. PM Netanyahu was received with a warm hug.

WION Evening News brief, January 14, 2018

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference today at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi.</p>

<p>Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian overseas community&nbsp;toward the development of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was first organised in the year 2003 by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).</p>

<p>Some of the previous editions of the event were hosted in cities like Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and Kochi among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today&#39;s conference, the first of its kind, will be attended by close to 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries.</p>

<p>The event is scheduled to commence at 10 am with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj&#39;s speech; PM Modi will be the keynote speaker.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will also hold a logo-design competition to zero down on a logo that would best reflect the spirit of the conference.&nbsp;</p>


Today's conference, the first of its kind, will be attended by close to 124 Members of Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the first Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference today at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian overseas community toward the development of the country. The event was first organised in the year 2003 by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Some of the previous editions of the event were hosted in cities like Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and Kochi among others. Today's conference, the first of its kind, will be attended by close to 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries. The event is scheduled to commence at 10 am with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj's speech; PM Modi will be the keynote speaker. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will also hold a logo-design competition to zero down on a logo that would best reflect the spirit of the conference.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: PM Modi to inaugurate first PIO Parliamentary Conference today

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi lashed out at PM Modi&#39;s government for delaying the appointment of Lokpal.</p>

<p>The Lokpal Bill was passed in the year 2013 with an aim to check and sanitise public functionaries and fight corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Four years have passed, the Lokpal has not come into reality. The public is asking only one question until when shall be the tune of falsehood be played?&quot; tweeted Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>&quot;Are the &lsquo;defenders of democracy&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;harbingers of accountability&rsquo; listening? #FindingLokpal,&quot; his tweet noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lokpal Bill was first introduced in the year 1968 and subsequently passed in 1969.</p>

<p>The bill could not be passed by the Rajya Sabha and ended up getting lapsed owing to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">??? ?? ??? ???<br />
???? ??? ??????<br />
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?? ?? ?????? &#39;???? ???&#39;?<br />
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Are the &lsquo;defenders of democracy&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;harbingers of accountability&rsquo; listening?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindingLokpal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindingLokpal</a> <a href="https://t.co/v9Kc2Io3Ur">pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/949225977875320833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Bill was finally passed on 17 December 2013 in the Rajya Sabha and on 18 December 2013 in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alternatively known as the Citizen&#39;s Ombudsman Bill, the bill is touted as an anti-corruption tool which calls for the appointment of an investigative committee -- Jan Lokpal -- to check and counter corruption.</p>


'Are the ?defenders of democracy? & ?harbingers of accountability? listening? #FindingLokpal," Gandhi tweeted

Congress President Rahul Gandhi lashed out at PM Modi's government for delaying the appointment of Lokpal. The Lokpal Bill was passed in the year 2013 with an aim to check and sanitise public functionaries and fight corruption. "Four years have passed, the Lokpal has not come into reality. The public is asking only one question until when shall be the tune of falsehood be played?" tweeted Rahul Gandhi. "Are the ‘defenders of democracy’ & ‘harbingers of accountability’ listening? #FindingLokpal," his tweet noted. The Lokpal Bill was first introduced in the year 1968 and subsequently passed in 1969. The bill could not be passed by the Rajya Sabha and ended up getting lapsed owing to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?????? '???? ???'? Are the ‘defenders of democracy’ & ‘harbingers of accountability’ listening?#FindingLokpal pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 5, 2018 × The Bill was finally passed on 17 December 2013 in the Rajya Sabha and on 18 December 2013 in the Lok Sabha. Alternatively known as the Citizen's Ombudsman Bill, the bill is touted as an anti-corruption tool which calls for the appointment of an investigative committee -- Jan Lokpal -- to check and counter corruption.

Rahul Gandhi criticises Modi government for delay in appointing Jan Lokpal

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shook hands with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die.</p>

<p>The cordial &quot;handshake&quot; came barely weeks after the duo had been locked in a bitter war of words over Gujarat elections.</p>

<p>As soon as Chairman M Venkiah Naidu adjourned the House sine die and &#39;Vande Mataram&#39; was rendered, PM Modi was seen moving towards the opposition benches shaking hands with some members, including his predecessor.</p>

<p>He reached the seat of the former premier, shook hands with him for quite some time and spoke to him.</p>

<p>Among others with whom the Prime Minister was seen shaking hands were Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and veteran Congress leader Karan Singh, who was bid farewell by the Upper House today as his tenure ends on January 27.</p>

<p>The show of cordiality between the incumbent and the former premier follows a rare row that broke out last month after Modi insinuated that Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan in the Gujarat polls and latter hitting back saying a &quot;dangerous precedent&quot; was being set by such accusations and seeking apology.</p>

<p>Both the Houses had witnessed stormy protests over the issue with an adamant opposition seeking apology from Modi for his statement during Gujarat poll campaign and the BJP sticking to its point that PM would not apologise.</p>


Among others with whom the Prime Minister was seen shaking hands were Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and veteran Congress leader Karan Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shook hands with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh soon after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die. The cordial "handshake" came barely weeks after the duo had been locked in a bitter war of words over Gujarat elections. As soon as Chairman M Venkiah Naidu adjourned the House sine die and 'Vande Mataram' was rendered, PM Modi was seen moving towards the opposition benches shaking hands with some members, including his predecessor. He reached the seat of the former premier, shook hands with him for quite some time and spoke to him. Among others with whom the Prime Minister was seen shaking hands were Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and veteran Congress leader Karan Singh, who was bid farewell by the Upper House today as his tenure ends on January 27. The show of cordiality between the incumbent and the former premier follows a rare row that broke out last month after Modi insinuated that Manmohan Singh had colluded with Pakistan in the Gujarat polls and latter hitting back saying a "dangerous precedent" was being set by such accusations and seeking apology. Both the Houses had witnessed stormy protests over the issue with an adamant opposition seeking apology from Modi for his statement during Gujarat poll campaign and the BJP sticking to its point that PM would not apologise.

PM Modi walks up to Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha, shakes hands

<p>In his recent tweet, Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the Prime Minister and his government on Lokpal.</p>

<p>Gandhi tweeted asking the government that for how long will they continue to recite false tunes. He said that four years have passed but the Lokpal was still not put into effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Targetting the government he said &quot; Are the &quot;defenders of democracy&quot; and &quot;harbingers of accountability&quot; listening?</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">??? ?? ??? ???<br />
???? ??? ??????<br />
???? ???? ?? ????<br />
?? ?? ?????? &#39;???? ???&#39;?<br />
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Are the &lsquo;defenders of democracy&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;harbingers of accountability&rsquo; listening?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindingLokpal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindingLokpal</a> <a href="https://t.co/v9Kc2Io3Ur">pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/949225977875320833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi&#39;s tweet came in response to PM Modi&#39;s tweet of 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi&#39;s tweet on 18 December 2013 said&quot; Am very proud of the positive and proactive role played by BJP MPs under leadership of @SushmaSwarajbjp &amp; @arunjaitley in passing Lokpal Bill.</p>

<p>The Lokpal bill aims to the appointment of Jan Lokpal, an Independent body to investigate corruption cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anna Hazare had earlier alleged that Modi-led government has weakened the Lokpal Act.&nbsp;</p>


Gandhi tweeted asking the government that for how long will they continue to recite false tunes. He said that four years have passed but the Lokpal was still not put into effect

In his recent tweet, Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the Prime Minister and his government on Lokpal. Gandhi tweeted asking the government that for how long will they continue to recite false tunes. He said that four years have passed but the Lokpal was still not put into effect. Targetting the government he said " Are the "defenders of democracy" and "harbingers of accountability" listening? ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?? ?????? '???? ???'? Are the ‘defenders of democracy’ & ‘harbingers of accountability’ listening?#FindingLokpal pic.twitter.com/v9Kc2Io3Ur — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 5, 2018 × Gandhi's tweet came in response to PM Modi's tweet of 2013. PM Modi's tweet on 18 December 2013 said" Am very proud of the positive and proactive role played by BJP MPs under leadership of @SushmaSwarajbjp & @arunjaitley in passing Lokpal Bill. The Lokpal bill aims to the appointment of Jan Lokpal, an Independent body to investigate corruption cases. Anna Hazare had earlier alleged that Modi-led government has weakened the Lokpal Act.

Rahul tweets: 4 years and no Lokpal, PM Modi playing wrong tune

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.</p>

<p>Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the &quot;buggy&quot; jeep on the coast during the latter&#39;s visit to Israel in July last year.</p>

<p>Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.</p>

<p>As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has &quot;indeed&quot; left for India and &quot;would be arriving on time&quot; to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.</p>

<p>The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately Rs 72 lakh).</p>

<p>PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister&#39;s visit to Israel.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. <a href="https://t.co/FuirtlyLAG">pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/882960986063290368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water,&quot; Modi had said after the demonstration.</p>

<p>Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.</p>

<p>It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of seawater and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.</p>

<p>The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.</p>

<p>&quot;There&#39;s nothing like going to the beach with friends!,&quot; the Israeli leader had later tweeted.</p>

<p>The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.</p>


PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here. Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year. Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said. As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi. The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately Rs 72 lakh). PM Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel. Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017 × "I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration. Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water. It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of seawater and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards. The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet. "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted. The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to gift water desalinisation jeep to PM Narendra Modi

<p>In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The four legislators, including Congress&#39;Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre.</p>

<p>The development comes ahead of the scheduled&nbsp;2018 state assembly elections.</p>

<p>Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People&#39;s Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.&nbsp;</p>


Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to PM Modi

In a major setback to the ruling Congress, four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Union Minister KJ Alphons and national general secretary Ram Madhav, on Tuesday. The four legislators, including Congress'Alexander Hek, resigned from the Meghalaya Assembly to join the ruling-Centre. The development comes ahead of the scheduled 2018 state assembly elections. Last year, five MLAs of Mukul Sangma-led Congress government resigned from the state Assembly to join National People's Party, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The five MLAs included former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh also. BJP state President Shibun Lyngdoh said all the four legislators decided to join the BJP after observing the overall performance of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level. Earlier in the day, Ram Madhav credited the induction of Congress MLAs in BJP to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As of now, Congress stands with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.

Meghalaya: 4 MLAs quit Congress to join BJP ahead of assembly elections

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed via video conference the curtain-raiser ceremony of the commemoration of professor Satyendra Nath Bose&#39;s 125th birth anniversary at Kolkata.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister started his inaugural address in Bengali by extending wishes for the New Year. &quot;We open a long year celebration of the 125th year of Satyendra Nath Bose who was born on this day in 1894. I have learnt about his accomplishment which is far ahead of his times and society. We have a lot to learn from the life and works of Acharya SN Bose. He was a self-taught scholar. He succeeded despite many constraints - including the lack of formal research education and little connectivity with global scientific community,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said.</p>

<p>He further said that science and technology should contribute towards building a new India.</p>

<p>&quot;Anyone associated with science and technology must focus their innovation and research towards building a new India. Our country&#39;s scientists will continue to give us creative technological solutions with their out of box thinking, in order to make lives of people easier,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;To promote understanding and love of science among our youth, it is vital that we promote science communication in a big way. Language should not be a barrier but a facilitator in this task.&quot;</p>

<p>The prime minister also asked the scientists to use their fundamental knowledge to help the general public in today&#39;s life. &quot;It is important that final outcome of innovation and research should be judged for their positive impact on life of poor people,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>In the speech, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the contribution of Bengalis in various fields and said, &quot;It is a matter of pride for India that Bengal has given the best scientists to the world.&quot;</p>

<p>Physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, born on January 1, 1894, is best known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, providing the foundation for Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of the Bose-Einstein condensate.</p>

<p>The class of particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics has been named Bosons, after Prof Bose.</p>


He further said that science and technology should contribute towards building a new India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed via video conference the curtain-raiser ceremony of the commemoration of professor Satyendra Nath Bose's 125th birth anniversary at Kolkata. The Prime Minister started his inaugural address in Bengali by extending wishes for the New Year. "We open a long year celebration of the 125th year of Satyendra Nath Bose who was born on this day in 1894. I have learnt about his accomplishment which is far ahead of his times and society. We have a lot to learn from the life and works of Acharya SN Bose. He was a self-taught scholar. He succeeded despite many constraints - including the lack of formal research education and little connectivity with global scientific community," Prime Minister Modi said. He further said that science and technology should contribute towards building a new India. "Anyone associated with science and technology must focus their innovation and research towards building a new India. Our country's scientists will continue to give us creative technological solutions with their out of box thinking, in order to make lives of people easier," he said. "To promote understanding and love of science among our youth, it is vital that we promote science communication in a big way. Language should not be a barrier but a facilitator in this task." The prime minister also asked the scientists to use their fundamental knowledge to help the general public in today's life. "It is important that final outcome of innovation and research should be judged for their positive impact on life of poor people," he said. In the speech, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the contribution of Bengalis in various fields and said, "It is a matter of pride for India that Bengal has given the best scientists to the world." Physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, born on January 1, 1894, is best known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, providing the foundation for Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of the Bose-Einstein condensate. The class of particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics has been named Bosons, after Prof Bose.

Research & innovation should be judged for positive impact on life: PM Modi

<p>As the year nears its end, microblogging giant, Twitter recently released a list of top trending hashtags, most retweeted posts and top followed personalities for the&nbsp;year 2017.</p>

<p>While PM Narendra Modi was the most followed personality in India this year, others on the list included eminent personalities like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, said Twitter in a release.</p>

<p>According to the Twitter release, some of the most popular hashtags under &#39;news and governance&#39; category for India included #Jallikattu, #GST, #tripletalaq, #demonetisation and #mumbairains.</p>

<p>PM Modi&#39;s radio initiative, &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; (#Mannkibaat) emerged as the most hashtag under the category.</p>

<p>#Gujaratelections, #Swachhbharat and #Uttarpradesh also made to the list.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi also emerged as the most popular political figure among Twitterati in India followed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath; BJP Chief Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to trends, Anushka Sharma&#39;s wedding post on Twitter was named as the &#39;Golden Tweet&#39;&nbsp;of the year with the maximum number of reposts.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Twitter recently released a list of top trending hashtags, most retweeted posts and top followed personalities for the?year 2017

As the year nears its end, microblogging giant, Twitter recently released a list of top trending hashtags, most retweeted posts and top followed personalities for the year 2017. While PM Narendra Modi was the most followed personality in India this year, others on the list included eminent personalities like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, said Twitter in a release. According to the Twitter release, some of the most popular hashtags under 'news and governance' category for India included #Jallikattu, #GST, #tripletalaq, #demonetisation and #mumbairains. PM Modi's radio initiative, 'Mann Ki Baat' (#Mannkibaat) emerged as the most hashtag under the category. #Gujaratelections, #Swachhbharat and #Uttarpradesh also made to the list. PM Narendra Modi also emerged as the most popular political figure among Twitterati in India followed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath; BJP Chief Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. According to trends, Anushka Sharma's wedding post on Twitter was named as the 'Golden Tweet' of the year with the maximum number of reposts.

PM Modi leads Twitter's 'most popular' list of 2017

<p>Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi&#39;s remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Jaitley clarified, &quot;PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-reiterates-pain-and-anguish-in-video-26668">PM Manmohan Singh</a> or Former VP Hamid Ansari.&quot;</p>

<p>He called any such perception &quot;erroneous&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;We hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India,&quot; shared Jaitley.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM in his speeches didn&#39;t question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari, any such perception is erroneous, we hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India: Arun Jaitley in RS <a href="https://t.co/nhwp8tBXTs">pic.twitter.com/nhwp8tBXTs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945936542878507009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">houses of Parliament were adjourned previously</a> over sloganeering by the Opposition against PM Modi&#39;s remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party had also staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged &quot;secret meeting with Pakistani officials&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. It was attended by Pakistan&#39;s high commissioner, Pakistan&#39;s former foreign minister, India&#39;s former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh,&quot; PM Modi spoke at an election rally at Palanpur earlier this month.</p>

<p>Congress has strongly condemned PM Modi&#39;s remark, demanding his apology for the same.</p>

<p>Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri trashed Modi&#39;s allegations, calling them &quot;baseless&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Jaitley called any such perception "erroneous"

Union Finance Minister and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley spoke on PM Modi's remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh today at Rajya Sabha. Jaitley clarified, "PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari." He called any such perception "erroneous". "We hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India," shared Jaitley. PM in his speeches didn't question, nor meant to question the commitment to this nation of either former PM Manmohan Singh or Former VP Hamid Ansari, any such perception is erroneous, we hold these leaders in high esteem, as well as their commitment to India: Arun Jaitley in RS pic.twitter.com/nhwp8tBXTs — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Both the houses of Parliament were adjourned previously over sloganeering by the Opposition against PM Modi's remarks. The Congress party had also staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha after seeking an apology from PM Modi over his remarks against Manmohan Singh for an alleged "secret meeting with Pakistani officials". "There were media reports yesterday about a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. It was attended by Pakistan's high commissioner, Pakistan's former foreign minister, India's former vice president and former prime minister Manmohan Singh," PM Modi spoke at an election rally at Palanpur earlier this month. Congress has strongly condemned PM Modi's remark, demanding his apology for the same. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri trashed Modi's allegations, calling them "baseless".

'PM Modi didn't question former PM Manmohan Singh's commitment to nation,' Arun Jaitley clarifies

<p>Jairam Thakur<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jairam-thakur-to-be-new-himachal-pradesh-chief-minister-27582"> will be sworn in as chief minister of </a>Himachal Pradesh today.</p>

<p>The ceremony, to be held at the Ridge ground in Shimla, is expected to begin at&nbsp;11 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending, as will a number of other BJP leaders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Himachal Pradesh&#39;s Shimla, received by CM elect <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiRamThakur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiRamThakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/LNfGAZMI5v">pic.twitter.com/LNfGAZMI5v</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945887948846784513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shimla: Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh &amp; UP CM Yogi Adityanath present for soon to begin oath taking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh CM elect <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiRamThakur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiRamThakur</a>; PM Narendra Modi to arrive shortly <a href="https://t.co/SroFVjwj4w">pic.twitter.com/SroFVjwj4w</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945892184250769409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former deputy prime minister LK Advani will also be attending.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723" target="_blank">Rupani </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723" target="_blank">sworn</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723" target="_blank"> in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The oath of office will be administered by Governor Aacharya Devvrat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The names of Thakur&#39;s ministers are still to be finalised, news reports said.</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-thank-everyone-central-leadership-says-himachal-cm-elect-jairam-thakur-27585">&nbsp;&quot;I thank everyone, central leadership...,&quot; says Himachal CM-elect Jairam Thakur</a></p>

<p>The five-time BJP MLA from the hill state&#39;s Seraj constituency was chosen to lead the state after the BJP&#39;s original chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal failed to win in the recent elections.</p>

<p>The BJP ousted the Congress from Himachal Pradesh after winning 44 of the 68 seats in the recently-held Assembly polls.</p>


Prime Minister Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending

Jairam Thakur will be sworn in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh today. The ceremony, to be held at the Ridge ground in Shimla, is expected to begin at 11 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will be attending, as will a number of other BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, received by CM elect #JaiRamThakur pic.twitter.com/LNfGAZMI5v — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Shimla: Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh & UP CM Yogi Adityanath present for soon to begin oath taking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh CM elect #JaiRamThakur; PM Narendra Modi to arrive shortly pic.twitter.com/SroFVjwj4w — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Former deputy prime minister LK Advani will also be attending. Also read: Rupani sworn in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance The oath of office will be administered by Governor Aacharya Devvrat. The names of Thakur's ministers are still to be finalised, news reports said. Also read: "I thank everyone, central leadership...," says Himachal CM-elect Jairam Thakur The five-time BJP MLA from the hill state's Seraj constituency was chosen to lead the state after the BJP's original chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal failed to win in the recent elections. The BJP ousted the Congress from Himachal Pradesh after winning 44 of the 68 seats in the recently-held Assembly polls.

Jairam Thakur sworn in as Himachal Pradesh chief minister

<p>The new BJP government led by Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel will be sworn in in Gandhinagar today.</p>

<p>The swearing in is expected to start at 11 am.</p>

<p>Rupani and Patel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-rupani-nitin-patel-swearing-in-ceremony-to-take-place-on-december-26-27547">will take their oaths&nbsp;</a>as chief minister and deputy chief minister for the second consecutive term after having been elected on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP National President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a>&#39;s rousing welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his first visit to Gujarat after election victory. <a href="https://t.co/mLli9Ndh51">pic.twitter.com/mLli9Ndh51</a></p>
&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/945294740605493249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah among other union ministers and senior leaders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to crowd gathered on his way from the airport in Ahmedabad <a href="https://t.co/uXJ3u0UBhP">pic.twitter.com/uXJ3u0UBhP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945515329815420934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>&#39;s Ahmedabad, to attend swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others <a href="https://t.co/nCuypAS5I6">pic.twitter.com/nCuypAS5I6</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945513246869528576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Apart from Rupani and Patel, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in, party sources said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To be able to work for the welfare of the people and contribute in all-round development of the state is a reward of the life time. Humbled &amp; honoured indeed. <a href="https://t.co/KZWdj1hMh0">pic.twitter.com/KZWdj1hMh0</a></p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/944178381058273280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My sincere gratitude to Honourable PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji &amp; BJP President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> Ji for reposing trust &amp; confidence in a humble Karyakarta like me. I also thank <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Gujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Gujarat</a> legislative party for sustaining trust.</p>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/944181912721014784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>News reports said Rupani plans to keep the number of ministers in his cabinet to below 20, against the maximum provision of 27.</p>

<p>The newly-elected leader said the party would consider&nbsp;a mixture of factors such as experience, caste, and region while selecting its ministers.</p>

<p>The BJP won the election to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly&nbsp;with a clear majority of 99 seats.</p>

<p>The Congress Party trailed in second with 77 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (two), and NCP (one), while three seats were won by independent candidates.</p>

<p>Rupani secured a comfortable win by a margin of 1,31,586 votes from the Rajkot West seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With agency inputs)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Apart from Rupani and Nitin Patel as deputy chief minister, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in

The new BJP government led by Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel will be sworn in in Gandhinagar today. The swearing in is expected to start at 11 am. Rupani and Patel will take their oaths as chief minister and deputy chief minister for the second consecutive term after having been elected on Friday. BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's rousing welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his first visit to Gujarat after election victory. pic.twitter.com/mLli9Ndh51 — BJP (@BJP4India) December 25, 2017 × The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah among other union ministers and senior leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to crowd gathered on his way from the airport in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/uXJ3u0UBhP — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches #Gujarat's Ahmedabad, to attend swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others pic.twitter.com/nCuypAS5I6 — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Apart from Rupani and Patel, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in, party sources said. To be able to work for the welfare of the people and contribute in all-round development of the state is a reward of the life time. Humbled & honoured indeed. pic.twitter.com/KZWdj1hMh0 — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 22, 2017 × My sincere gratitude to Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi Ji & BJP President Shri @AmitShah Ji for reposing trust & confidence in a humble Karyakarta like me. I also thank @BJP4Gujarat legislative party for sustaining trust. — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 22, 2017 × News reports said Rupani plans to keep the number of ministers in his cabinet to below 20, against the maximum provision of 27. The newly-elected leader said the party would consider a mixture of factors such as experience, caste, and region while selecting its ministers. The BJP won the election to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly with a clear majority of 99 seats. The Congress Party trailed in second with 77 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (two), and NCP (one), while three seats were won by independent candidates. Rupani secured a comfortable win by a margin of 1,31,586 votes from the Rajkot West seat. (With agency inputs)

Rupani to be sworn in as Gujarat CM today, PM Modi, Amit Shah to attend

<p><a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/GST-collections" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gst-collections-slip-to-rs-80808-crore-in-november/articleshow/62254633.cms~GST collections-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/GST-collections">GST collections</a>&nbsp;slipped for a second straight month to Rs 80,808 crore in November, down from over Rs 83,000 crore in the previous month.</p>

<p>The total collection of&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/gst" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gst-collections-slip-to-rs-80808-crore-in-november/articleshow/62254633.cms~GST-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/gst">GST</a>&nbsp;till December 25 stood at Rs 80,808 crore for November and 53.06 lakh returns have been filed for the month, a finance ministry statement said.<br />
<br />
Of the Rs 80,808 crore collected, Rs 7,798 crore has been garnered as compensation cess in November - the fifth month of GST roll out.<br />
<br />
Besides, Rs 13,089 crore has been collected as Central GST, Rs 18,650 crore as State GST, Rs 41,270 crore as Integrated Goods and Services Tax.<br />
<br />
Further, Rs 10,348 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST account and Rs 14,488 crore is being transferred from IGST to SGST account by way of settlement of funds on account of cross utilisation of IGST credit for payment of CGST and SGST, respectively or due to inter-state business to consumer transactions.</p>

<p>Thus, a total amount of Rs 24,836 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST/SGST account by way of settlement, the statement added.<br />
<br />
Thus, the total collection of CGST and SGST for the month of December 2017 (up to December 25) is Rs 23,437 crore and Rs 33,138 crore, respectively.</p>

<p>As per the data available, GST collections in July was over Rs 95,000 crore, while in August the figure was over Rs 91,000 crore.<br />
<br />
In September, it was over Rs 92,150 crore and in October it was over Rs 83,000 crore.</p>


Of the Rs 80,808 crore collected, Rs 7,798 crore has been garnered as compensation cess in November

GST collections slipped for a second straight month to Rs 80,808 crore in November, down from over Rs 83,000 crore in the previous month. The total collection of GST till December 25 stood at Rs 80,808 crore for November and 53.06 lakh returns have been filed for the month, a finance ministry statement said. Of the Rs 80,808 crore collected, Rs 7,798 crore has been garnered as compensation cess in November - the fifth month of GST roll out. Besides, Rs 13,089 crore has been collected as Central GST, Rs 18,650 crore as State GST, Rs 41,270 crore as Integrated Goods and Services Tax. Further, Rs 10,348 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST account and Rs 14,488 crore is being transferred from IGST to SGST account by way of settlement of funds on account of cross utilisation of IGST credit for payment of CGST and SGST, respectively or due to inter-state business to consumer transactions. Thus, a total amount of Rs 24,836 crore is being transferred from IGST to CGST/SGST account by way of settlement, the statement added. Thus, the total collection of CGST and SGST for the month of December 2017 (up to December 25) is Rs 23,437 crore and Rs 33,138 crore, respectively. As per the data available, GST collections in July was over Rs 95,000 crore, while in August the figure was over Rs 91,000 crore. In September, it was over Rs 92,150 crore and in October it was over Rs 83,000 crore.

GST collections slip to Rs 80,808 crore in November

<p>Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).</p>

<p>In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people&#39;s pockets.</p>

<p>&quot;All over the world at this time an old man with a white beard creeps in your house through chimney and puts money in your socks In India an old man with a white beard crept into your house through TV removed money from your pockets,cupboards,lockers&amp; left you only in your socks (sic),&quot; Tewari said in his tweet.</p>

<p>But the Twitterati gave it back to Tewari by highlighting the scams during Congress-led UPA government&#39;s tenure.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes you are right Tewari Satab. This old man with white beard used to rob our money in form of Coal Scam, 2G, CWG and NH scam &amp; left us with only socks. <a href="https://t.co/u53AyTVfAj">pic.twitter.com/u53AyTVfAj</a></p>
&mdash; Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) <a href="https://twitter.com/me_ganesh14/status/945596246563024896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManishTewari</a> is talking about this man with white beard <a href="https://t.co/6DT8SV7Duj">pic.twitter.com/6DT8SV7Duj</a></p>
&mdash; Pavan Takkalaki (@TakkalakiPavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TakkalakiPavan/status/945644491876306947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManishTewari</a> ji, close your eyes for five minutes and think what you speak. PM is the santa of masses, who has revived pride, honesty &amp; patriotism long dead/comatose in this nation</p>
&mdash; @mitbadyal (@amitbadyal96) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitbadyal96/status/945645296104509441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tewari is the latest from Congress to face the flak for attack on PM Modi. During the campaigning for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147">called the PM &#39;neech&#39;</a> in response to PM&#39;s remarks against Congress leaders.</p>

<p>Aiyar later clarified: &quot;I meant low level when I said &#39;neech&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue.&quot; But the clarification came too late as Congress president Rahul Gandhi had by that time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">suspended Aiyar from the party</a>.</p>


In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people's pockets.

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people's pockets. "All over the world at this time an old man with a white beard creeps in your house through chimney and puts money in your socks In India an old man with a white beard crept into your house through TV removed money from your pockets,cupboards,lockers& left you only in your socks (sic)," Tewari said in his tweet. But the Twitterati gave it back to Tewari by highlighting the scams during Congress-led UPA government's tenure. Yes you are right Tewari Satab. This old man with white beard used to rob our money in form of Coal Scam, 2G, CWG and NH scam & left us with only socks. pic.twitter.com/u53AyTVfAj — Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) December 26, 2017 × @ManishTewari is talking about this man with white beard pic.twitter.com/6DT8SV7Duj — Pavan Takkalaki (@TakkalakiPavan) December 26, 2017 × @ManishTewari ji, close your eyes for five minutes and think what you speak. PM is the santa of masses, who has revived pride, honesty & patriotism long dead/comatose in this nation — @mitbadyal (@amitbadyal96) December 26, 2017 × Tewari is the latest from Congress to face the flak for attack on PM Modi. During the campaigning for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called the PM 'neech' in response to PM's remarks against Congress leaders. Aiyar later clarified: "I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue." But the clarification came too late as Congress president Rahul Gandhi had by that time suspended Aiyar from the party.

Manish Tewari 'man in a white beard' jibe targets PM Modi, Twitterati thinks it's Manmohan

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday advocated the use of public transport to save on fuel and costs associated with the import of petroleum, saying travelling on a metro train should be a &quot;prestige issue&quot;.</p>

<p>Addressing a rally after inaugurating a 12-km stretch of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-launches-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27654">Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line</a>, PM Modi said governments incur a lot of cost in creating infrastructure but when it is ready it benefits generations to come.</p>

<p>Modi said by 2022, when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, he wants to cut down on imported petroleum products.</p>

<p>He said a multi-modal transportation system will ensure that use of fuel is cut down, which will help the common man save money and also be useful for the environment.</p>

<p>On December 24, 2002, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a ride on the metro, Modi recalled. &quot;It was a historic moment. Since then, the Metro network in NCR has expanded considerably,&quot; he said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-inaugurates-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27646"><strong>Read: Highlights of PM Modi&#39;s speech after inaugurating Magenta Line</strong></a></p>

<p>We live in an era in which connectivity is all important, the prime minister said.</p>

<p>&quot;Without connectivity, life comes to a standstill. This Metro... is not only for the present but also for future generations,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>There was need to change the mindset so that people prefer using public transport than their private vehicles, the PM said, adding that travelling on a metro should be a &quot;prestige issue&quot;.</p>

<p>The 12.64-km stretch, which was inaugurated by PM Modi today, runs between Kalkaji and Noida&#39;s Botanical Garden and accounts for a travel time of 19 minutes, thus facilitating easy access for commuters from South Delhi to Noida, and vice versa. UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yogi-adityanath-attends-metro-inauguration-function-pm-modi-praises-him-for-breaking-noida-jinx-27660">Yogi Adityanath</a> were present at the inauguration function.</p>

<p>The coaches on th new Magenta Line will have an LED display, power charging capacity and colourful seats, while the stations will portray themes of nature, yoga, and cultural landmarks. The Magenta Line also marks the usage of the first platform screen doors (PSDs), which are glass-made screens installed near the edge of platforms that open only when a train arrives and shut after it departs.</p>


Modi said by 2022, when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, he wants to cut down on imported petroleum products.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday advocated the use of public transport to save on fuel and costs associated with the import of petroleum, saying travelling on a metro train should be a "prestige issue". Addressing a rally after inaugurating a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, PM Modi said governments incur a lot of cost in creating infrastructure but when it is ready it benefits generations to come. Modi said by 2022, when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, he wants to cut down on imported petroleum products. He said a multi-modal transportation system will ensure that use of fuel is cut down, which will help the common man save money and also be useful for the environment. On December 24, 2002, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a ride on the metro, Modi recalled. "It was a historic moment. Since then, the Metro network in NCR has expanded considerably," he said. Read: Highlights of PM Modi's speech after inaugurating Magenta Line We live in an era in which connectivity is all important, the prime minister said. "Without connectivity, life comes to a standstill. This Metro... is not only for the present but also for future generations," he said. There was need to change the mindset so that people prefer using public transport than their private vehicles, the PM said, adding that travelling on a metro should be a "prestige issue". The 12.64-km stretch, which was inaugurated by PM Modi today, runs between Kalkaji and Noida's Botanical Garden and accounts for a travel time of 19 minutes, thus facilitating easy access for commuters from South Delhi to Noida, and vice versa. UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present at the inauguration function. The coaches on th new Magenta Line will have an LED display, power charging capacity and colourful seats, while the stations will portray themes of nature, yoga, and cultural landmarks. The Magenta Line also marks the usage of the first platform screen doors (PSDs), which are glass-made screens installed near the edge of platforms that open only when a train arrives and shut after it departs.

Inaugurating Delhi Metro's Magenta Line, PM Modi asks people to use public transport & save fuel costs

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a part of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-launches-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27654">Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line</a> which will connect Botanical Garden in Noida to Kalkaji in south Delhi. And accompanying him was Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>Adityanath&#39;s presence at the metro inauguration function was being highlighted by the media due to &#39;Noida jinx&#39;, a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position.</p>

<p>Today, as he addressed a rally in Noida after inaugurating the Magenta Line, PM Modi congratulated Yogi Adityanath for breaking the &#39;Noida jinx&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;I want to congratulate Yogi Adityanath, he is focussing on the all-round development of Uttar Pradesh. His (saffron) clothes might create confusion that he is old school, but just by being here, Yogiji has proved that there is no place for such myths in a developed society,&quot; PM Modi said. &quot;This shows his progressive thinking.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-inaugurates-delhi-metros-magenta-line-27646"><strong>Read: Highlights of PM Modi&#39;s address</strong></a></p>

<p>Politicians who believe that by going somewhere they will lose their CM&#39;s chair, such people don&#39;t deserve to lead a state, the PM added.</p>

<p>The &#39;Noida jinx&#39; took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida.</p>

<p>Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM&#39;s chair after visiting Noida, in 1997.</p>

<p>Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.</p>


Adityanath's presence at the metro inauguration function was being highlighted by the media due to 'Noida jinx', a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a part of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line which will connect Botanical Garden in Noida to Kalkaji in south Delhi. And accompanying him was Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Adityanath's presence at the metro inauguration function was being highlighted by the media due to 'Noida jinx', a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. Today, as he addressed a rally in Noida after inaugurating the Magenta Line, PM Modi congratulated Yogi Adityanath for breaking the 'Noida jinx'. "I want to congratulate Yogi Adityanath, he is focussing on the all-round development of Uttar Pradesh. His (saffron) clothes might create confusion that he is old school, but just by being here, Yogiji has proved that there is no place for such myths in a developed society," PM Modi said. "This shows his progressive thinking." Read: Highlights of PM Modi's address Politicians who believe that by going somewhere they will lose their CM's chair, such people don't deserve to lead a state, the PM added. The 'Noida jinx' took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida. Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM's chair after visiting Noida, in 1997. Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.

Yogi Adityanath attends metro inauguration function, PM Modi praises him for breaking 'Noida jinx'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta Line with a ride between the Botanical Garden and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary stations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Noida: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates a stretch of the new Magenta line of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a>. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/d1K7l1URmM">pic.twitter.com/d1K7l1URmM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945196887119863808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh.</p>

<p>The prime minister&#39;s four-minute metro ride began from Botanical Garden, which is the terminal station of the Magenta Line, at 1.05 pm, and ended at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary station. Both the stations fall in Noida.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Noida: PM Narendra Modi onboard <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a> after inauguration of a stretch of the new Magenta line. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/oEzY4f66wi">pic.twitter.com/oEzY4f66wi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945197628836397056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The other end of the line, for now, will be south Delhi&#39;s Kalkaji Mandir. However, by April, the entire corridor, stretching till Janakpuri West, is scheduled to be functional.</p>

<p>From the metro station, Modi proceeded to Sector 125 rally ground at Amity University where he will address a public rally.</p>


Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a 12-km stretch of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line with a ride between the Botanical Garden and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary stations. Noida: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates a stretch of the new Magenta line of the #DelhiMetro. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/d1K7l1URmM — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2017 × Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh. The prime minister's four-minute metro ride began from Botanical Garden, which is the terminal station of the Magenta Line, at 1.05 pm, and ended at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary station. Both the stations fall in Noida. Noida: PM Narendra Modi onboard #DelhiMetro after inauguration of a stretch of the new Magenta line. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/oEzY4f66wi — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2017 × The other end of the line, for now, will be south Delhi's Kalkaji Mandir. However, by April, the entire corridor, stretching till Janakpuri West, is scheduled to be functional. From the metro station, Modi proceeded to Sector 125 rally ground at Amity University where he will address a public rally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Delhi Metro's Magenta line

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