<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the G7 summit in Canada. The invitation for the huddle of the world's richest nations is strategically and symbolically important for India. Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, it is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages on manufacturing, trade, stability and security particularly in the conext of China.</p><h2><br>A bulwark of stabilty for the Indo-Pacific region</h2><p>Amid G7 members' concerns over Chinese territorial and trade ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, India can play a crucial role in providing regional security and stability in the region, in alignment with the G7 interests. India has the advantages of strategic location, maritime capabilities and trade and infrastructure inititiaves such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor or IMEC make it vital for trade and stability.</p><h2>Bolstering trade relations with the G7 nations</h2><p><br>India has growing trade relationships with all G7 countries : the US, &nbsp;UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. This enhance its economic influence, with major trade deals underway, boosting bilateral relationships and offering alternatives to China.</p><h2>India can raise concerns of the Global South<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>India is arguably the only representative of the Global South at the G7, and can use the platform to raise its concerns, particularly in the context of energy security and climate action.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The G7 and India can be partners on equitable climate finance and foster green technology transfer, which are requirements of the Global South, particularly Africa.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>India can be the alternative to China on supply chains and manufacturing</h2><p><br><br>G7 nations are slowly realising the perils of over-reliance on China for supply chains and manufacturing, particularly on critical issues like rare earths and clean energy components.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India can be a trustworthy alternative for secure supply chains and manufacturing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It has stability ensured by democracy, and can act as bridge between the G7 advanced economies and emerging markets.<br>&nbsp;</p><h2>Africa outreach as counter to China<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>India has been engaged in Africa outreach, partially as a counterweight to China's presence in the continent through the Chinese Belt and Road initiative or BRI. India's outreach also aligns with G7's Africa focus.</p><p><br>&nbsp;</p><h2>India is an advocate of equitable trade and climate finance<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>At various international fora, India has raised its voice for equitable trade and climate finance for vulnerable regions, particularly in Asia and Africa.<br><br>At the G7, India can achieve these goals by positioning itself as a manufacturing hub amid US-China trade tensions.<br><br>G7 nations can look at India as part of their diversification strategy, given India's workforce, digital growth, logistics, and trade pacts with several of its members.<br><br>The proof of concept is already there, given investments in India by major global firms.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>India can be a beacon of clean energy growth<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>India can find new avenues of cooperation with G7 in clean energy growth, particularly in areas like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and Artificial Intelligence.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When it comes to climate action, India is targeting net-zero by 2070. It also has a solar capacity potential estimated at 10,830 GW, and can be an important player in clean energy future, and potential partner of G7.<br><br>India has called for fair and substantial climate financial funding in tune with the needs of developing nations, and supports reforms in global financial systems, something that it can advocate at the G7.<br><br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, the G7 summit is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the G7 summit in Canada. The invitation for the huddle of the world's richest nations is strategically and symbolically important for India. Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, it is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages on manufacturing, trade, stability and security particularly in the conext of China. A bulwark of stabilty for the Indo-Pacific region Amid G7 members' concerns over Chinese territorial and trade ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, India can play a crucial role in providing regional security and stability in the region, in alignment with the G7 interests. India has the advantages of strategic location, maritime capabilities and trade and infrastructure inititiaves such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor or IMEC make it vital for trade and stability. Bolstering trade relations with the G7 nations India has growing trade relationships with all G7 countries : the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. This enhance its economic influence, with major trade deals underway, boosting bilateral relationships and offering alternatives to China. India can raise concerns of the Global South India is arguably the only representative of the Global South at the G7, and can use the platform to raise its concerns, particularly in the context of energy security and climate action. The G7 and India can be partners on equitable climate finance and foster green technology transfer, which are requirements of the Global South, particularly Africa. India can be the alternative to China on supply chains and manufacturing G7 nations are slowly realising the perils of over-reliance on China for supply chains and manufacturing, particularly on critical issues like rare earths and clean energy components. India can be a trustworthy alternative for secure supply chains and manufacturing. It has stability ensured by democracy, and can act as bridge between the G7 advanced economies and emerging markets. Africa outreach as counter to China India has been engaged in Africa outreach, partially as a counterweight to China's presence in the continent through the Chinese Belt and Road initiative or BRI. India's outreach also aligns with G7's Africa focus. India is an advocate of equitable trade and climate finance At various international fora, India has raised its voice for equitable trade and climate finance for vulnerable regions, particularly in Asia and Africa. At the G7, India can achieve these goals by positioning itself as a manufacturing hub amid US-China trade tensions. G7 nations can look at India as part of their diversification strategy, given India's workforce, digital growth, logistics, and trade pacts with several of its members. The proof of concept is already there, given investments in India by major global firms. India can be a beacon of clean energy growth India can find new avenues of cooperation with G7 in clean energy growth, particularly in areas like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and Artificial Intelligence. When it comes to climate action, India is targeting net-zero by 2070. It also has a solar capacity potential estimated at 10,830 GW, and can be an important player in clean energy future, and potential partner of G7. India has called for fair and substantial climate financial funding in tune with the needs of developing nations, and supports reforms in global financial systems, something that it can advocate at the G7.

<p>Coming as it does amid conflicts in West Asia and Europe, the G7 summit is also an opportunity for India to highlight the challenges of security, climate change and disruption of supply chains while foregrounding its advantages.</p>

PM Modi at G7: India has advantages on security, stability, trade, climate action and Global South. Can a membership be next?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia from June 15 to 19, underscoring India’s growing global engagement and strategic outreach.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Post Operation Sindoor, this will be PM Modi's first foreign visit. The tour begins with a landmark visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, followed by his participation in the G-7 Summit in Canada. The visit will conclude with a historic first-ever trip to Croatia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Cyprus on 15-16 June, 2025. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. While in Nicosia, Prime Minister will hold talks with President Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol. The visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement on Saturday (June 14).</p><h2>Sixth consecutive G-7 participation</h2><p>In the second leg of his tour, PM Modi will visit Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16–17 at the invitation of his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, to participate in the G-7 Summit. This will mark his sixth consecutive appearance at the G-7 Summit.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“At the Summit, Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues. Prime Minister will also hold several bilateral meetings on the side-lines of the Summit,” the ministry of external affairs added.</p><h2>First official visit to Croatia</h2><p>In the final leg of his tour, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, PM Modi will undertake an official visit to Croatia on June 18, which will be the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, marking an important milestone in the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Plenkovic and meet the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic. The visit to Croatia will also underscore India's commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union,” the ministry of external affairs said.</p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation official visit to Cyprus Canada and Croatia from June 15 to 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia from June 15 to 19, underscoring India’s growing global engagement and strategic outreach. Post Operation Sindoor, this will be PM Modi's first foreign visit. The tour begins with a landmark visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, followed by his participation in the G-7 Summit in Canada. The visit will conclude with a historic first-ever trip to Croatia. “At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Cyprus on 15-16 June, 2025. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. While in Nicosia, Prime Minister will hold talks with President Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol. The visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement on Saturday (June 14). Sixth consecutive G-7 participation In the second leg of his tour, PM Modi will visit Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16–17 at the invitation of his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, to participate in the G-7 Summit. This will mark his sixth consecutive appearance at the G-7 Summit. “At the Summit, Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues. Prime Minister will also hold several bilateral meetings on the side-lines of the Summit,” the ministry of external affairs added. First official visit to Croatia In the final leg of his tour, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, PM Modi will undertake an official visit to Croatia on June 18, which will be the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, marking an important milestone in the bilateral relationship. “Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Plenkovic and meet the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic. The visit to Croatia will also underscore India's commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union,” the ministry of external affairs said.

<p>PM Modi will embark on a three-nation official visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia from June 15 to 19</p>

In first foreign visit post Operation Sindoor, PM Modi to visit Canada, Croatia, Cyprus starting June 15

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening hosted members of all-party delegations, who travelled to various countries to highlight India’s stand against Pakistan-linked terrorism following Operation Sindoor, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. The prime minister met Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha and others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines, former MPs and distinguished diplomats, had highlighted India’s stand against terror and commitment to world peace during their visits to various nations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hosted members of various delegations who went to various countries, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Delegation members talked about their meetings in different nations. <br><br>The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines,… <a href="https://t.co/5kR6cjuoNe">pic.twitter.com/5kR6cjuoNe</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1932461998551269382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Four delegations were led by MPs of the ruling alliance, including two from the BJP, one from JD(U) and one from Shiv Sena, while three were led by opposition MPs, one each of the Congress, DMK and NCP(SP).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijyant Panda, Congress’s Shashi Tharoor, JD(U)‘s Sanjay Jha, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule led their delegations to different countries.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The government had sent the multi-party delegations to portray national unity in the fight against terrorism, as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi joined the ruling alliance members in championing the Indian cause abroad.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Met members of the various delegations who represented India in different countries and elaborated on India&#39;s commitment to peace and the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism. We are all proud of the manner in which they put forward India&#39;s voice. <a href="https://t.co/MZqQYgsAEp">pic.twitter.com/MZqQYgsAEp</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1932462724094583157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, is ongoing, the Prime Minister told the MPs, adding that India would treat all future terrorist attacks as acts of war and respond accordingly.</p><p>The Prime Minister met senior Congress leaders who were part of the delegations, including four-term Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, former minister Anand Sharma and MP Amar Singh from Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab.</p><p>Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi was also there along with NCP SP leader Supriya Sule.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The delegations briefed the Prime Minister about what they said across the world, with the main message being India would no longer see promoters of terrorism and terrorists differently.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hosted members of the various delegations who went to various countries, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Delegation members talked about their meetings in different nations. <br><br>The delegations, consisting of MPs from across Party lines, former MPs and… <a href="https://t.co/LP86ciIsJB">pic.twitter.com/LP86ciIsJB</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1932457929594052958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>A PMO statement said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted members of the various delegations who went to various countries at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Delegation members talked about their meetings in different nations.”</p><p>“The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines, former MPs, and distinguished diplomats, had highlighted India’s stand against terror and India’s commitment to world peace during their visits to various nations.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has already met the delegations and lauded their efforts in conveying India’s strong stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.</p>

The government had sent the multi-party delegations to portray national unity in the fight against terrorism, as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi joined the ruling alliance members in championing the Indian cause abroad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening hosted members of all-party delegations, who travelled to various countries to highlight India’s stand against Pakistan-linked terrorism following Operation Sindoor, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. The prime minister met Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha and others. The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines, former MPs and distinguished diplomats, had highlighted India’s stand against terror and commitment to world peace during their visits to various nations.

<p>The government had sent the multi-party delegations to portray national unity in the fight against terrorism, as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi joined the ruling alliance members in championing the Indian cause abroad.</p>

PM Modi hosts members of Operation Sindoor outreach all-party delegations

Modi government turns 11 Lets take a look at top 11 moments


<p>The NDA government at the Centre has completed 11 years in office</p>

Modi government turns 11: Let's take a look at top 11 moments

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 8) underlined the transformative role played by women in the journey towards a developed India, highlighting the government’s focus on women-led development over the past 11 years.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As the NDA government at the Centre completes 11 years in office, PM Modi reaffirmed that in all sectors, including science, education, sports, startups, and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a social media post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Over the last 11 years, the NDA Government has redefined women-led development. Various initiatives, from ensuring dignity through Swachh Bharat to financial inclusion via Jan Dhan accounts, the focus has been on empowering our Nari Shakti. Ujjwala Yojana brought smoke-free kitchens to several homes. MUDRA loans enabled lakhs of women entrepreneurs to pursue dreams on their own terms. Houses under the women’s name in PM Awas Yojana too have made a remarkable impact. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ignited a national movement to protect the girl child. In all sectors, including science, education, sports, StartUps and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people. #11YearsOfSashaktNari.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over the last 11 years, the NDA Government has redefined women-led development. <br><br>Various initiatives, from ensuring dignity through Swachh Bharat to financial inclusion via Jan Dhan accounts, the focus has been on empowering our Nari Shakti. Ujjwala Yojana brought smoke-free… <a href="https://t.co/FAETIjNJKk">https://t.co/FAETIjNJKk</a></p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1931576318828630336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The Prime Minister also pointed out how Micro Units Development &amp; Refinance Agency (MUDRA) loans have helped lakhs of women to become entrepreneurs and pursue their dreams independently. He also emphasised how the construction of houses in women’s names under the PM Awas Yojana has brought a significant change in their security and empowerment. The Prime Minister also recalled the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, which he characterised as a national movement to save the girl child.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Modi also highlighted the impact of his government’s “pro-farmer” programme. He said, “It’s our privilege to serve our hardworking farmers. For the past 11 years, our various initiatives have boosted prosperity for farmers and also ensured an overall transformation of the agriculture sector. We have focussed on issues like soil health and irrigation, which have been greatly beneficial. Our efforts towards farmer welfare will continue with greater vigour in the times to come.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Reflecting on the last 11 years, the government’s initiatives have not only enhanced prosperity among farmers but have also contributed to an overall transformation of the agriculture sector. Due to the continuous increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the country’s food producers are receiving fair prices for their crops and experiencing a rise in their income,” Modi was quoted as saying in a PIB release.</p><p><br>&nbsp;On June 9, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for his third term.</p>

Government redefined women-led development over past 11 years as cornerstone of India’s progress, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 8) underlined the transformative role played by women in the journey towards a developed India, highlighting the government’s focus on women-led development over the past 11 years. As the NDA government at the Centre completes 11 years in office, PM Modi reaffirmed that in all sectors, including science, education, sports, startups, and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people. In a social media post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Over the last 11 years, the NDA Government has redefined women-led development. Various initiatives, from ensuring dignity through Swachh Bharat to financial inclusion via Jan Dhan accounts, the focus has been on empowering our Nari Shakti. Ujjwala Yojana brought smoke-free kitchens to several homes. MUDRA loans enabled lakhs of women entrepreneurs to pursue dreams on their own terms. Houses under the women’s name in PM Awas Yojana too have made a remarkable impact. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ignited a national movement to protect the girl child. In all sectors, including science, education, sports, StartUps and the armed forces, women are excelling and inspiring several people. #11YearsOfSashaktNari.”

<p>The Prime Minister cited several welfare programs that have benefitted women</p>

<p data-start="113" data-end="441" class="">Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday praised teenage cricket sensation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/vaibhav-suryavanshi">Vaibhav Suryavanshi</a>, calling him the 'son of Bihar' and a shining example of what dedication and consistent competition can achieve. Modi's remarks came during his video address at the inauguration of the 7th Khelo India Youth Games, held in Patna, Bihar.</p>
<p data-start="443" data-end="936" class="">Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, recently made headlines with a memorable performance for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rajasthan-royals">Rajasthan Royals</a> in the IPL, smashing a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans at Jaipur&rsquo;s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. At just 14 years and 32 days old, he became the youngest player ever to score a T20 century, finishing with 101 runs off 38 balls, including 7 boundaries and 11 sixes. His innings, at an impressive strike rate of 265.79, played a crucial role in a successful 210-run chase.</p>
<p data-start="443" data-end="936" class="">'Applauding Suryavanshi's performance, PM Narendra Modi said,&nbsp;&ldquo;I have seen in the IPL, the son of Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi&rsquo;s spectacular performance. At such a young age, Vaibhav has set such a great record. There is a lot of hard work behind Vaibhav&rsquo;s performance,&rdquo; Modi said in his address.</p>
<h2 data-start="443" data-end="936">'The more you play, the more you will shine'</h2>
<p>&ldquo;To bring his talent to the forefront, he has played many matches at different levels. The more you play, the more you will shine. Competing in matches and competitions as much as possible is very important. The NDA government has always given it the highest priority in its policies," he added.</p>
<p data-start="938" data-end="1267" class=""><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/formula-1-three-in-a-row-piastri-wins-in-miami-to-lead-mclaren-one-two-9033473">Formula 1: Three in a row Piastri wins in Miami to lead McLaren one-two</a></strong></p>
<p data-start="1269" data-end="1554" class="">Modi emphasised the value of regular competition in nurturing sporting excellence. &ldquo;The more you play, the more you shine &mdash; 'jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega'. Vaibhav&rsquo;s journey is proof of this,&rdquo; he noted, encouraging youth to train diligently and seize every opportunity to compete.</p>
<p data-start="1556" data-end="1885" class="">The Prime Minister also highlighted the central government's commitment to promoting sports, pointing to initiatives like the inclusion of traditional disciplines such as Gatka, Kho-Kho, Malkhamb, and Yogasana in the Khelo India Youth Games. He said that expanding India&rsquo;s sporting base will also strengthen the nation&rsquo;s 'soft power'.</p>
<p data-start="1887" data-end="2216" class="">&ldquo;The government&rsquo;s focus is on giving our athletes the opportunity to play new sports. That is why the Khelo India Youth Games included Gatka, Kho-kho, Malkhambh and Yogasana. In recent days, our athletes have performed very well in many new sports like Wushu, Lawn Balls, Roller Skating.&rdquo; Modi said sports holds a significant place in his government&rsquo;s policy making."</p>

India News, Sports: Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, made headlines with remarkable performance for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, smashing a 35-ball ton

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, calling him the 'son of Bihar' and a shining example of what dedication and consistent competition can achieve. Modi's remarks came during his video address at the inauguration of the 7th Khelo India Youth Games, held in Patna, Bihar. Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, recently made headlines with a memorable performance for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, smashing a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. At just 14 years and 32 days old, he became the youngest player ever to score a T20 century, finishing with 101 runs off 38 balls, including 7 boundaries and 11 sixes. His innings, at an impressive strike rate of 265.79, played a crucial role in a successful 210-run chase. 'Applauding Suryavanshi's performance, PM Narendra Modi said, “I have seen in the IPL, the son of Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s spectacular performance. At such a young age, Vaibhav has set such a great record. There is a lot of hard work behind Vaibhav’s performance,” Modi said in his address. 'The more you play, the more you will shine' “To bring his talent to the forefront, he has played many matches at different levels. The more you play, the more you will shine. Competing in matches and competitions as much as possible is very important. The NDA government has always given it the highest priority in its policies," he added. Also Read: Formula 1: Three in a row Piastri wins in Miami to lead McLaren one-two Modi emphasised the value of regular competition in nurturing sporting excellence. “The more you play, the more you shine — 'jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega'. Vaibhav’s journey is proof of this,” he noted, encouraging youth to train diligently and seize every opportunity to compete. The Prime Minister also highlighted the central government's commitment to promoting sports, pointing to initiatives like the inclusion of traditional disciplines such as Gatka, Kho-Kho, Malkhamb, and Yogasana in the Khelo India Youth Games. He said that expanding India’s sporting base will also strengthen the nation’s 'soft power'. “The government’s focus is on giving our athletes the opportunity to play new sports. That is why the Khelo India Youth Games included Gatka, Kho-kho, Malkhambh and Yogasana. In recent days, our athletes have performed very well in many new sports like Wushu, Lawn Balls, Roller Skating.” Modi said sports holds a significant place in his government’s policy making."

PM Narendra Modi hails 'Bihar's Son' Vaibhav Suryavanshi's phenomenal knock in IPL

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>For India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the year 2024 was marked by topsy-turvy political developments.</p></p>
<p>The year started on a high note with the grand opening of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya in a star-studded, high-on-emotions consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. </p>
<p>Building the temple at Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya had been the BJP’s most prominent promise to its Hindu votebank for decades, and it became true in 2024.</p>
<p>There was euphoria among the masses, and most BJP leaders were sure that it would carry through till the elections a few months ahead.</p>
<p>But that was not to be. </p>
<p>What some sceptics within the BJP had said in hushed tones—that the ceremony was held a bit too early and should have been timed closer to the polls—turned out to be true.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accuses-us-deep-state-elements-for-targeting-pm-modi-says-washington-trying-to-destabilise-india-782118">BJP accuses US 'deep state' elements for targeting PM Modi, says Washington trying to 'destabilise India'</a></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Among other things, the Congress party’s election promise of depositing Rs 8,500 in the bank accounts of women each month turned the tide considerably.</p>
<p>Eventually, the Congress-led INDIA alliance won in some crucial states, the most notable being Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state most crucial electorally, as it elects 80 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha.</p>
<h2><strong>Overconfidence cost Yogi dearly; the BJP fell short of majority</strong></h2>
<p>It is said that “The way to Delhi goes through UP.” The saying draws proof from the fact that eight former prime ministers have represented Uttar Pradesh. After two huge consecutive victories in 2014 and 2019 general elections and two back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2022 UP assembly polls, the BJP got overconfident, riding on the hope of Ayodhya temple grand opening having a massive influence on voting.</p>
<p>UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was BJP’s ‘star campaigner’ and went around the country, possibly unaware that his party was losing ground in his very own backyard.</p>
<p>In 2014, BJP had won 71 Lok Sabha seats in UP and got 62 in 2019, as the state played a crucial role in getting it a majority on its own both times.</p>
<p>In 2024, the Samajwadi Party led the UP tally with 37, while the BJP won just 33 out of the 80 seats.</p>
<p>As a result, the party fell short of winning a majority on its own, and PM Narendra Modi had to depend on the NDA allies to be back in power again after all the hype of the slogan of winning 400+ seats.</p>
<h2><strong>Maharashtra mauling took majority mark further away</strong></h2>
<p>Similarly, in Maharashtra, the BJP won just nine seats while the main opposition party, the Congress won 13. </p>
<p>BJP’s alliance partners too didn’t fare well: Shiv Sena won seven seats, and the NCP just one.</p>
<p>In 2019, BJP had won 25 seats, and along with the then undivided Shiv Sena’s 18 seats, the NDA had bagged 41 out of the total 48 seats, and quite a difference it proved to be. </p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-devendra-fadnavis-5-key-insights-into-the-bjp-leaders-political-journey-781484">Who is Devendra Fadnavis? 5 key insights into the BJP leader's political journey</a></strong></p>
<p>So overall, for the first time since 2014, the BJP failed to get a majority on its own, winning just 240 seats, 63 less than 303 in 2019, and 32 less than a clear majority.</p>
<p>In fact, adding the seats BJP lost in UP and Maharashtra would have again resulted in a clear majority for it on its own.</p>
<p>BJP also lost seven seats in West Bengal as its tally came down from 19 in 2019 to 12 in 2024.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the NDA won 294 seats, more than the 272 seats required for a simple majority.</p>
<p>The INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, won 232 seats.</p>
<h2><strong>BJP breached its final frontier, Kerala</strong></h2>
<p>The BJP had been struggling to make a mark in Kerala, for long a bastion of the Left, but that changed in 2024 when the party’s Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur constituency by a margin of 74,686 votes and became the party’s first Lok Sabha parliamentarian from Kerala.</p>
<p>In total, the results were a setback for Modi, who had always secured majorities in elections as chief minister of Gujarat and prime minister till now.</p>
<h2><strong>Undaunted Modi declares victory</strong></h2>
<p>Undaunted by the highly unexpected dip in the number of seats, PM Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance, claiming it was a mandate to move forward with his agenda and pledged to keep his election promise of turning India’s economy into the world’s third biggest.</p>
<p>Modi, however, did succeed in matching one record, becoming only the second PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to retain power for the third time, but now has to depend on the support of TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and NCP.</p>
<h2><strong>Overconfidence and overexposure</strong></h2>
<p>Most analysts blamed the overconfidence of BJP leadership and the ‘<i>Abki</i> <i>baar 400 paar</i>’ (which translates to: This time more than 400 seats) slogan, saying it bred smugness in the party leaders and workers and resulted in the jolt.</p>
<p>Another factor was the overexposure of PM Modi. In branding and marketing, overexposure is defined as an excessive amount of media coverage, resulting in the audience losing interest in the message.</p>
<p>The number of interviews PM Modi gave to media channels during the campaign and polling was a bit too much. </p>
<p>Almost no news channel was left out: one would switch on the TV and Modi would be there giving an interview, whichever was the channel.</p>
<h2><strong>BJP wrests Odisha from BJD, unseats Naveen Patnaik</strong></h2>
<p>In the simultaneous assembly elections, the BJP won Odisha spectacularly, deposing the three-time CM Naveen Patnaik.</p>
<p>In alliance with TDP, the BJP also won Telangana assembly elections, while Congress won Andhra Pradesh.</p>
<h2><strong>Hat-trick in Haryana</strong></h2>
<p>Once the dust settled on general elections in the summer, it was time for BJP to prove its mettle in some state assembly elections.</p>
<p>In Haryana, BJP got the first relief from the drubbing it faced in general elections.</p>
<p><strong>Also watch | BJP does the impossible, clinches Haryana hattrick</strong></p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/10/09/0810_WION_HARYANA_ELECTION_ORG_GK_WEB-1728454037-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0810_WION_HARYANA_ELECTION_ORG_GK_WEB.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=165&tags=Haryana,Modi,congress,Rahul Gandhi,Haryana election" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p></p>
<p>The party secured a historic third term in the northern state, winning 48 seats and preventing a Congress comeback.</p>
<p>BJP stormed back to power with a clear majority in the 90-member assembly, while the Congress got 37, though their vote share was almost equal at 39.94 per cent and 39.09 per cent respectively.</p>
<p>BJP and Congress almost captured four-fifths of the entire vote base, making the poll a bipolar affair. The Aam Aadmi Party proved dud and drew a blank despite campaigning aggressively.</p>
<h2><strong>Jammu and Kashmir gets an elected govt after Article 370 revocation</strong></h2>
<p>Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) and witnessed a high turnout.</p>
<p>The results in Jammu and Kashmir were on expected lines, where the BJP did well in the Jammu region. The National Conference won 42 out of the 90 seats, while BJP bagged 29. All other parties, including Congress and PDP, were in single digits.</p>
<p>But as a consolation, BJP had the largest vote share of 25.64 per cent, more than National Conference’s 23.43 per cent despite the big difference in their seats.</p>
<h2><strong>Stunning comeback in Maharashtra</strong></h2>
<p>The Maharashtra assembly elections later in the year saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a sweeping victory by winning 235 seats. </p>
<p>The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena at 57 and NCP at 41 seats.</p>
<p>It was a huge turnaround from the parliamentary elections five months ago. </p>
<p>In the western state, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray had already lost his claim of being the inheritor of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy after aligning with Congress and the NCP to grab power earlier. </p>
<p>As for the NCP, the people of Maharashtra chose to side with Ajit Pawar than Sharad Pawar in the family clash over the party reigns.</p>
<p>BJP’s choice of alliance and strategy in Maharashtra worked out to perfection.</p>
<p>As part of the Mahayuti, BJP had contested 148 seats, Shiv Sena 83 and Ajit Pawar's NCP 59 seats.</p>
<p>There doesn’t seem to be even a remote chance of this alliance breaking up anytime soon, since both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar know that the alliance with the BJP has helped them cement their places in the hearts of Maharashtra voters as the leaders of their parties.</p>
<p>In Jharkhand, the BJP put up a good fight and won 21 out of the 81 seats, far short of the majority mark, but came second behind the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) tally of 34. </p>
<p>Surprisingly, and in sharp contrast to the results, BJP had got 33.18 per cent of the total polled votes, almost 10 per cent more than JMM, which polled 23.44 per cent. </p>
<p>This was a consolation for the BJP leadership and kept alive its hope of winning power in next election, perhaps.</p>
<h2><strong>Modi govt sailing smoothly</strong></h2>
<p>The year 2024 saw a return to coalition government at the centre. Even though India has witnessed chaotic coalition governments since the 1990s, Modi 3.0 has so far not seen any hiccups and is sailing unhindered.</p>
<p>One reason may be that the allies have been themselves facing an existential threat. While JD (U) is bothered by RJD in Bihar, TDP was also looking for a revival in Telangana. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have to fortify their own bases and their claims to legacy, so it is in the interest of all to be solidly behind the BJP.</p>
<h2><strong>2024: A mixed bag for the saffron party</strong></h2>
<p>In most of the elections in 2024, the BJP either won or bagged the highest vote share. </p>
<p>The trend proves that BJP is still the preferred choice of most voters and the Lok Sabha poll verdict was just a blip in its trajectory.</p>
<p>As for the year ahead, a lot will depend on how effectively PM Modi is able to steer the economic growth in difficult times as wars continue, threaten to escalate, and an unpredictable administration of Donald Trump takes over the reigns in the US in the new year.</p>
<p>Will 2025 indeed be a happy new year for the BJP?</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em></p>


The Lok Sabha poll results were a setback for Modi, who had always secured majorities in elections as chief minister of Gujarat and prime minister till now. The year 2024 saw a return to coalition government at the centre. Even though India has witnessed chaotic coalition governments since the 1990s, Modi 3.0 has so far not seen any hiccups and is sailing smoothly.



New Delhi, India For India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the year 2024 was marked by topsy-turvy political developments. The year started on a high note with the grand opening of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya in a star-studded, high-on-emotions consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Building the temple at Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya had been the BJP’s most prominent promise to its Hindu votebank for decades, and it became true in 2024. There was euphoria among the masses, and most BJP leaders were sure that it would carry through till the elections a few months ahead. But that was not to be. What some sceptics within the BJP had said in hushed tones—that the ceremony was held a bit too early and should have been timed closer to the polls—turned out to be true. Also read | BJP accuses US 'deep state' elements for targeting PM Modi, says Washington trying to 'destabilise India' Among other things, the Congress party’s election promise of depositing Rs 8,500 in the bank accounts of women each month turned the tide considerably. Eventually, the Congress-led INDIA alliance won in some crucial states, the most notable being Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state most crucial electorally, as it elects 80 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Overconfidence cost Yogi dearly; the BJP fell short of majority It is said that “The way to Delhi goes through UP.” The saying draws proof from the fact that eight former prime ministers have represented Uttar Pradesh. After two huge consecutive victories in 2014 and 2019 general elections and two back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2022 UP assembly polls, the BJP got overconfident, riding on the hope of Ayodhya temple grand opening having a massive influence on voting. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was BJP’s ‘star campaigner’ and went around the country, possibly unaware that his party was losing ground in his very own backyard. In 2014, BJP had won 71 Lok Sabha seats in UP and got 62 in 2019, as the state played a crucial role in getting it a majority on its own both times. In 2024, the Samajwadi Party led the UP tally with 37, while the BJP won just 33 out of the 80 seats. As a result, the party fell short of winning a majority on its own, and PM Narendra Modi had to depend on the NDA allies to be back in power again after all the hype of the slogan of winning 400+ seats. Maharashtra mauling took majority mark further away Similarly, in Maharashtra, the BJP won just nine seats while the main opposition party, the Congress won 13. BJP’s alliance partners too didn’t fare well: Shiv Sena won seven seats, and the NCP just one. In 2019, BJP had won 25 seats, and along with the then undivided Shiv Sena’s 18 seats, the NDA had bagged 41 out of the total 48 seats, and quite a difference it proved to be. Also read | Who is Devendra Fadnavis? 5 key insights into the BJP leader's political journey So overall, for the first time since 2014, the BJP failed to get a majority on its own, winning just 240 seats, 63 less than 303 in 2019, and 32 less than a clear majority. In fact, adding the seats BJP lost in UP and Maharashtra would have again resulted in a clear majority for it on its own. BJP also lost seven seats in West Bengal as its tally came down from 19 in 2019 to 12 in 2024. Fortunately, the NDA won 294 seats, more than the 272 seats required for a simple majority. The INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, won 232 seats. BJP breached its final frontier, Kerala The BJP had been struggling to make a mark in Kerala, for long a bastion of the Left, but that changed in 2024 when the party’s Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur constituency by a margin of 74,686 votes and became the party’s first Lok Sabha parliamentarian from Kerala. In total, the results were a setback for Modi, who had always secured majorities in elections as chief minister of Gujarat and prime minister till now. Undaunted Modi declares victory Undaunted by the highly unexpected dip in the number of seats, PM Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance, claiming it was a mandate to move forward with his agenda and pledged to keep his election promise of turning India’s economy into the world’s third biggest. Modi, however, did succeed in matching one record, becoming only the second PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to retain power for the third time, but now has to depend on the support of TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and NCP. Overconfidence and overexposure Most analysts blamed the overconfidence of BJP leadership and the ‘Abki baar 400 paar’ (which translates to: This time more than 400 seats) slogan, saying it bred smugness in the party leaders and workers and resulted in the jolt. Another factor was the overexposure of PM Modi. In branding and marketing, overexposure is defined as an excessive amount of media coverage, resulting in the audience losing interest in the message. The number of interviews PM Modi gave to media channels during the campaign and polling was a bit too much. Almost no news channel was left out: one would switch on the TV and Modi would be there giving an interview, whichever was the channel. BJP wrests Odisha from BJD, unseats Naveen Patnaik In the simultaneous assembly elections, the BJP won Odisha spectacularly, deposing the three-time CM Naveen Patnaik. In alliance with TDP, the BJP also won Telangana assembly elections, while Congress won Andhra Pradesh. Hat-trick in Haryana Once the dust settled on general elections in the summer, it was time for BJP to prove its mettle in some state assembly elections. In Haryana, BJP got the first relief from the drubbing it faced in general elections. Also watch | BJP does the impossible, clinches Haryana hattrick The party secured a historic third term in the northern state, winning 48 seats and preventing a Congress comeback. BJP stormed back to power with a clear majority in the 90-member assembly, while the Congress got 37, though their vote share was almost equal at 39.94 per cent and 39.09 per cent respectively. BJP and Congress almost captured four-fifths of the entire vote base, making the poll a bipolar affair. The Aam Aadmi Party proved dud and drew a blank despite campaigning aggressively. Jammu and Kashmir gets an elected govt after Article 370 revocation Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) and witnessed a high turnout. The results in Jammu and Kashmir were on expected lines, where the BJP did well in the Jammu region. The National Conference won 42 out of the 90 seats, while BJP bagged 29. All other parties, including Congress and PDP, were in single digits. But as a consolation, BJP had the largest vote share of 25.64 per cent, more than National Conference’s 23.43 per cent despite the big difference in their seats. Stunning comeback in Maharashtra The Maharashtra assembly elections later in the year saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a sweeping victory by winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena at 57 and NCP at 41 seats. It was a huge turnaround from the parliamentary elections five months ago. In the western state, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray had already lost his claim of being the inheritor of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy after aligning with Congress and the NCP to grab power earlier. As for the NCP, the people of Maharashtra chose to side with Ajit Pawar than Sharad Pawar in the family clash over the party reigns. BJP’s choice of alliance and strategy in Maharashtra worked out to perfection. As part of the Mahayuti, BJP had contested 148 seats, Shiv Sena 83 and Ajit Pawar's NCP 59 seats. There doesn’t seem to be even a remote chance of this alliance breaking up anytime soon, since both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar know that the alliance with the BJP has helped them cement their places in the hearts of Maharashtra voters as the leaders of their parties. In Jharkhand, the BJP put up a good fight and won 21 out of the 81 seats, far short of the majority mark, but came second behind the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) tally of 34. Surprisingly, and in sharp contrast to the results, BJP had got 33.18 per cent of the total polled votes, almost 10 per cent more than JMM, which polled 23.44 per cent. This was a consolation for the BJP leadership and kept alive its hope of winning power in next election, perhaps. Modi govt sailing smoothly The year 2024 saw a return to coalition government at the centre. Even though India has witnessed chaotic coalition governments since the 1990s, Modi 3.0 has so far not seen any hiccups and is sailing unhindered. One reason may be that the allies have been themselves facing an existential threat. While JD (U) is bothered by RJD in Bihar, TDP was also looking for a revival in Telangana. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have to fortify their own bases and their claims to legacy, so it is in the interest of all to be solidly behind the BJP. 2024: A mixed bag for the saffron party In most of the elections in 2024, the BJP either won or bagged the highest vote share. The trend proves that BJP is still the preferred choice of most voters and the Lok Sabha poll verdict was just a blip in its trajectory. As for the year ahead, a lot will depend on how effectively PM Modi is able to steer the economic growth in difficult times as wars continue, threaten to escalate, and an unpredictable administration of Donald Trump takes over the reigns in the US in the new year. Will 2025 indeed be a happy new year for the BJP? Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

India's BJP in 2024: After a tough general election, party resumes winning streak

<p>For India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the year 2024 was marked by topsy-turvy political developments.</p>

<p>The year started on a high note with the grand opening of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya in a star-studded, high-on-emotions consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Building the temple at Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya had been the BJP’s most prominent promise to its Hindu votebank for decades, and it became true in 2024.</p>

<p>There was euphoria among the masses, and most BJP leaders were sure that it would carry through till the elections a&nbsp;few months ahead.<br />
<br />
But that was not to be.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What some sceptics within the BJP had said in hushed tones—that the ceremony was held a bit too early and should have been timed closer to the polls—turned out to be true.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accuses-us-deep-state-elements-for-targeting-pm-modi-says-washington-trying-to-destabilise-india-782118">BJP accuses US 'deep state' elements for targeting PM Modi, says Washington trying to 'destabilise India'</a></strong></p>

<p><br />
Among other things, the Congress party’s election promise of depositing Rs 8,500 in the bank accounts of women each month turned the tide considerably.</p>

<p>Eventually, the Congress-led INDIA alliance won in some crucial states, the most notable being Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state most crucial electorally, as it elects 80 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha.</p>

<h2><strong>Overconfidence cost Yogi dearly; the BJP fell&nbsp;short of majority</strong></h2>

<p>It is said that “The way to Delhi goes through UP.” The saying draws proof from the fact that eight former prime ministers have represented Uttar Pradesh. After two huge consecutive victories in 2014 and 2019 general elections and two back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2022 UP assembly polls, the BJP got overconfident, riding on the hope of Ayodhya temple grand opening having a massive influence on voting.</p>

<p>UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was BJP’s ‘star campaigner’ and went around the country, possibly unaware that his party was losing ground in his very own backyard.</p>

<p>In 2014, BJP had won 71 Lok Sabha seats in UP and got 62 in 2019, as the state played a crucial role in getting it a majority on its own both times.</p>

<p>In 2024, the Samajwadi Party led the UP tally with 37, while the BJP won just 33 out of the 80 seats.</p>

<p>As a result, the party fell short of winning a majority on its own, and PM Narendra Modi had to depend on the NDA allies to be back in power again after all the hype of the slogan of winning 400+ seats.</p>

<h2><strong>Maharashtra mauling took&nbsp;majority mark further away</strong></h2>

<p>Similarly, in Maharashtra, the BJP won just nine seats while the main opposition party, the Congress won 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP’s alliance partners too didn’t fare well: Shiv Sena won seven seats, and the NCP just one.</p>

<p>In 2019, BJP had won 25 seats, and along with the then undivided Shiv Sena’s 18 seats, the NDA had bagged 41 out of the total 48 seats, and quite a difference it&nbsp;proved to be.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-devendra-fadnavis-5-key-insights-into-the-bjp-leaders-political-journey-781484">Who is Devendra Fadnavis? 5 key insights into the BJP leader's political journey</a></strong></p>

<p>So overall, for the first time since 2014, the BJP failed to get a majority on its own, winning just 240 seats, 63 less than 303 in 2019, and 32 less than a clear majority.<br />
<br />
In fact, adding the seats BJP lost in UP and Maharashtra would have again resulted in a clear majority for it on its own.</p>

<p>BJP also lost seven seats in West Bengal as its tally came down from 19 in 2019 to 12 in 2024.</p>

<p>Fortunately, the NDA won 294 seats, more than the 272 seats required for a simple majority.</p>

<p>The INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, won 232 seats.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP breached its final frontier, Kerala</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP had been struggling to make a mark in Kerala, for long a bastion of the Left, but that changed in 2024 when the party’s Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur constituency by a margin of 74,686 votes and became the party’s first Lok Sabha parliamentarian from Kerala.</p>

<p>In total, the results were&nbsp;a setback for Modi, who had always secured majorities in elections as chief minister of Gujarat and prime minister till now.</p>

<h2><strong>Undaunted Modi declares victory</strong></h2>

<p>Undaunted by the highly unexpected dip in the number of seats, PM Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance, claiming it was a mandate to move forward with his agenda and pledged to keep his election promise of turning India’s economy into the world’s third biggest.</p>

<p>Modi, however, did succeed in matching one record, becoming only the second PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to retain power for the third time, but now has to depend on the support of TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and NCP.</p>

<h2><strong>Overconfidence and overexposure</strong></h2>

<p>Most analysts blamed the overconfidence of BJP leadership and the ‘<i>Abki</i>&nbsp;<i>baar 400 paar</i>’ (which translates to: This time more than 400 seats) slogan, saying it bred smugness in the party leaders and workers and resulted in the jolt.</p>

<p>Another factor was the overexposure of PM Modi. In branding and marketing, overexposure is defined as an excessive amount of media coverage, resulting in the audience losing interest in the message.</p>

<p>The number of interviews PM Modi gave to media channels during the campaign&nbsp;and polling was a bit too much.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Almost no news channel was left out: one would switch on the TV and Modi would be there giving an interview, whichever was the channel.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP wrests Odisha from BJD, unseats Naveen Patnaik</strong></h2>

<p>In the simultaneous assembly elections, the BJP won Odisha spectacularly, deposing the three-time CM Naveen Patnaik.</p>

<p>In alliance with TDP, the BJP also won Telangana assembly elections, while Congress won Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<h2><strong>Hat-trick in Haryana</strong></h2>

<p>Once the dust settled on general elections in the summer, it was time for BJP to prove its mettle in some state assembly&nbsp;elections.</p>

<p>In Haryana, BJP got the first relief from the drubbing it faced in general elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BJP does the impossible, clinches Haryana hattrick</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haryana-elections-bjp-delivers-shocker-to-congress-in-haryana-assembly-polls-wion-originals-765830/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><br />
The party secured a historic third term in the northern state, winning 48 seats and preventing a Congress comeback.</p>

<p>BJP stormed back to power with&nbsp;a clear majority in the 90-member assembly, while the Congress got 37, though their vote share was almost equal at 39.94 per cent and 39.09 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>BJP and Congress almost captured four-fifths of the entire vote base, making the poll a bipolar affair. The Aam Aadmi Party proved dud and drew a blank despite campaigning aggressively.</p>

<h2><strong>Jammu and Kashmir gets an elected govt after Article 370 revocation</strong></h2>

<p>Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) and witnessed a high turnout.</p>

<p>The results in Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir were on expected lines, where the BJP did well in the Jammu region. The National Conference&nbsp;won 42 out of the 90 seats, while BJP bagged 29. All other parties, including Congress and PDP, were in single digits.</p>

<p>But as a consolation, BJP had the largest vote share of 25.64 per cent, more than National Conference’s 23.43 per cent despite the big difference in their seats.</p>

<h2><strong>Stunning comeback in Maharashtra</strong></h2>

<p>The Maharashtra assembly elections later in the year saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a sweeping victory by winning 235 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena at 57 and NCP at 41 seats.</p>

<p>It was a huge turnaround from the parliamentary elections five months ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the western state, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray had already lost his claim of being the inheritor of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy after aligning with Congress and the NCP to grab power earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for the NCP, the people of Maharashtra chose to side with Ajit Pawar than Sharad Pawar in the family clash over the party reigns.</p>

<p>BJP’s choice of alliance and strategy in Maharashtra worked out to perfection.</p>

<p>As part of the Mahayuti, BJP had contested 148 seats, Shiv Sena 83 and Ajit Pawar's NCP 59 seats.</p>

<p>There doesn’t seem to be even a remote chance of this alliance breaking up anytime soon, since both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar know that the alliance with the BJP has helped them cement their places in the hearts of Maharashtra voters as the leaders of their parties.</p>

<p>In Jharkhand, the BJP put up a good fight and won 21 out of the 81 seats, far short of the majority mark, but came second behind the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) tally of 34.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surprisingly, and in sharp contrast to the results, BJP had got 33.18 per cent of the total polled votes, almost 10 per cent more than JMM, which polled 23.44 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was a consolation for the BJP leadership and kept alive its hope of winning power in next election, perhaps.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi govt sailing smoothly</strong></h2>

<p>The year 2024 saw a return to coalition government at the centre. Even though India has witnessed chaotic coalition governments since the 1990s, Modi 3.0 has so far not seen any hiccups and is sailing unhindered.</p>

<p>One reason may be that the allies have been themselves facing an existential threat.&nbsp;While JD (U) is bothered by RJD in Bihar, TDP was also looking for a revival in Telangana.&nbsp;Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have to fortify their own bases and their claims to legacy, so it is in the interest of all to be solidly behind the BJP.</p>

<h2><strong>2024: A&nbsp;mixed bag for the saffron party</strong></h2>

<p>In most of the elections in 2024, the BJP either won or bagged the highest vote share.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trend proves that BJP is still the preferred choice of most voters and the Lok Sabha poll verdict was just a blip in its trajectory.<br />
<br />
As for the year ahead, a lot will depend on how effectively PM Modi is able to steer the economic growth in difficult times as wars continue, threaten to escalate, and an unpredictable administration of Donald Trump takes over the reigns in the US in the new year.</p>

<p>Will 2025 indeed be a happy new year for the BJP?</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em></p>


For India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the year 2024 was marked by topsy-turvy political developments. The year started on a high note with the grand opening of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya in a star-studded, high-on-emotions consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

For India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the year 2024 was marked by topsy-turvy political developments. The year started on a high note with the grand opening of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya in a star-studded, high-on-emotions consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Building the temple at Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya had been the BJP’s most prominent promise to its Hindu votebank for decades, and it became true in 2024. There was euphoria among the masses, and most BJP leaders were sure that it would carry through till the elections a few months ahead. But that was not to be. What some sceptics within the BJP had said in hushed tones—that the ceremony was held a bit too early and should have been timed closer to the polls—turned out to be true. Also read | BJP accuses US 'deep state' elements for targeting PM Modi, says Washington trying to 'destabilise India' Among other things, the Congress party’s election promise of depositing Rs 8,500 in the bank accounts of women each month turned the tide considerably. Eventually, the Congress-led INDIA alliance won in some crucial states, the most notable being Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state most crucial electorally, as it elects 80 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Overconfidence cost Yogi dearly; the BJP fell short of majority It is said that “The way to Delhi goes through UP.” The saying draws proof from the fact that eight former prime ministers have represented Uttar Pradesh. After two huge consecutive victories in 2014 and 2019 general elections and two back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2022 UP assembly polls, the BJP got overconfident, riding on the hope of Ayodhya temple grand opening having a massive influence on voting. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was BJP’s ‘star campaigner’ and went around the country, possibly unaware that his party was losing ground in his very own backyard. In 2014, BJP had won 71 Lok Sabha seats in UP and got 62 in 2019, as the state played a crucial role in getting it a majority on its own both times. In 2024, the Samajwadi Party led the UP tally with 37, while the BJP won just 33 out of the 80 seats. As a result, the party fell short of winning a majority on its own, and PM Narendra Modi had to depend on the NDA allies to be back in power again after all the hype of the slogan of winning 400+ seats. Maharashtra mauling took majority mark further away Similarly, in Maharashtra, the BJP won just nine seats while the main opposition party, the Congress won 13. BJP’s alliance partners too didn’t fare well: Shiv Sena won seven seats, and the NCP just one. In 2019, BJP had won 25 seats, and along with the then undivided Shiv Sena’s 18 seats, the NDA had bagged 41 out of the total 48 seats, and quite a difference it proved to be. Also read | Who is Devendra Fadnavis? 5 key insights into the BJP leader's political journey So overall, for the first time since 2014, the BJP failed to get a majority on its own, winning just 240 seats, 63 less than 303 in 2019, and 32 less than a clear majority. In fact, adding the seats BJP lost in UP and Maharashtra would have again resulted in a clear majority for it on its own. BJP also lost seven seats in West Bengal as its tally came down from 19 in 2019 to 12 in 2024. Fortunately, the NDA won 294 seats, more than the 272 seats required for a simple majority. The INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, won 232 seats. BJP breached its final frontier, Kerala The BJP had been struggling to make a mark in Kerala, for long a bastion of the Left, but that changed in 2024 when the party’s Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur constituency by a margin of 74,686 votes and became the party’s first Lok Sabha parliamentarian from Kerala. In total, the results were a setback for Modi, who had always secured majorities in elections as chief minister of Gujarat and prime minister till now. Undaunted Modi declares victory Undaunted by the highly unexpected dip in the number of seats, PM Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance, claiming it was a mandate to move forward with his agenda and pledged to keep his election promise of turning India’s economy into the world’s third biggest. Modi, however, did succeed in matching one record, becoming only the second PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to retain power for the third time, but now has to depend on the support of TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and NCP. Overconfidence and overexposure Most analysts blamed the overconfidence of BJP leadership and the ‘Abki baar 400 paar’ (which translates to: This time more than 400 seats) slogan, saying it bred smugness in the party leaders and workers and resulted in the jolt. Another factor was the overexposure of PM Modi. In branding and marketing, overexposure is defined as an excessive amount of media coverage, resulting in the audience losing interest in the message. The number of interviews PM Modi gave to media channels during the campaign and polling was a bit too much. Almost no news channel was left out: one would switch on the TV and Modi would be there giving an interview, whichever was the channel. BJP wrests Odisha from BJD, unseats Naveen Patnaik In the simultaneous assembly elections, the BJP won Odisha spectacularly, deposing the three-time CM Naveen Patnaik. In alliance with TDP, the BJP also won Telangana assembly elections, while Congress won Andhra Pradesh. Hat-trick in Haryana Once the dust settled on general elections in the summer, it was time for BJP to prove its mettle in some state assembly elections. In Haryana, BJP got the first relief from the drubbing it faced in general elections. Also watch | BJP does the impossible, clinches Haryana hattrick The party secured a historic third term in the northern state, winning 48 seats and preventing a Congress comeback. BJP stormed back to power with a clear majority in the 90-member assembly, while the Congress got 37, though their vote share was almost equal at 39.94 per cent and 39.09 per cent respectively. BJP and Congress almost captured four-fifths of the entire vote base, making the poll a bipolar affair. The Aam Aadmi Party proved dud and drew a blank despite campaigning aggressively. Jammu and Kashmir gets an elected govt after Article 370 revocation Elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) and witnessed a high turnout. The results in Jammu and Kashmir were on expected lines, where the BJP did well in the Jammu region. The National Conference won 42 out of the 90 seats, while BJP bagged 29. All other parties, including Congress and PDP, were in single digits. But as a consolation, BJP had the largest vote share of 25.64 per cent, more than National Conference’s 23.43 per cent despite the big difference in their seats. Stunning comeback in Maharashtra The Maharashtra assembly elections later in the year saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a sweeping victory by winning 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena at 57 and NCP at 41 seats. It was a huge turnaround from the parliamentary elections five months ago. In the western state, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray had already lost his claim of being the inheritor of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy after aligning with Congress and the NCP to grab power earlier. As for the NCP, the people of Maharashtra chose to side with Ajit Pawar than Sharad Pawar in the family clash over the party reigns. BJP’s choice of alliance and strategy in Maharashtra worked out to perfection. As part of the Mahayuti, BJP had contested 148 seats, Shiv Sena 83 and Ajit Pawar's NCP 59 seats. There doesn’t seem to be even a remote chance of this alliance breaking up anytime soon, since both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar know that the alliance with the BJP has helped them cement their places in the hearts of Maharashtra voters as the leaders of their parties. In Jharkhand, the BJP put up a good fight and won 21 out of the 81 seats, far short of the majority mark, but came second behind the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) tally of 34. Surprisingly, and in sharp contrast to the results, BJP had got 33.18 per cent of the total polled votes, almost 10 per cent more than JMM, which polled 23.44 per cent. This was a consolation for the BJP leadership and kept alive its hope of winning power in next election, perhaps. Modi govt sailing smoothly The year 2024 saw a return to coalition government at the centre. Even though India has witnessed chaotic coalition governments since the 1990s, Modi 3.0 has so far not seen any hiccups and is sailing unhindered. One reason may be that the allies have been themselves facing an existential threat. While JD (U) is bothered by RJD in Bihar, TDP was also looking for a revival in Telangana. Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have to fortify their own bases and their claims to legacy, so it is in the interest of all to be solidly behind the BJP. 2024: A mixed bag for the saffron party In most of the elections in 2024, the BJP either won or bagged the highest vote share. The trend proves that BJP is still the preferred choice of most voters and the Lok Sabha poll verdict was just a blip in its trajectory. As for the year ahead, a lot will depend on how effectively PM Modi is able to steer the economic growth in difficult times as wars continue, threaten to escalate, and an unpredictable administration of Donald Trump takes over the reigns in the US in the new year. Will 2025 indeed be a happy new year for the BJP? Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. </p></p>
<p>Speaking about the visit during the special briefing on Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait, Secretary (CPV &amp; OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee said, "PM Modi will undertake a visit to Kuwait on 21st and 22nd December at the invitation of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years...There are excellent political relations between the two countries...India ranks among Kuwait's top trading partners with bilateral trade between the two countries at more than US$ 10 billion during the year 2023-24...Kuwait also remains a reliable energy partner for India."</p>
<p>Prime Minister Modi will be welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace. He is scheduled to hold meetings with Kuwait's Emir and Crown Prince, followed by delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. The Crown Prince will host a banquet in his honour.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-the-ambedkar-row-that-disrupted-indian-parliament-785556">Explained: What is the 'Ambedkar row' that disrupted Indian Parliament?</a></strong></p>
<p>"There has been a major transformation in India's ties with the Gulf region. The honourable PM has given special emphasis to strengthening and deepening relations with the Gulf countries," Chatterjee added.</p>
<h2><strong>MEA on India-China Special Representatives' Talks</strong></h2>
<p>The Ministry of External Affairs also addressed the India-China Special Representatives' Talks held on 18 December in Beijing.</p>
<p>"We have put out the details of issues discussed in our press release. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005. The 2005 agreement is available on MEA website," the ministry stated.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Modi will be welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace. He is scheduled to hold meetings with Kuwait's Emir and Crown Prince, followed by delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. The Crown Prince will host a banquet in his honour.



New Delhi, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. Speaking about the visit during the special briefing on Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait, Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee said, "PM Modi will undertake a visit to Kuwait on 21st and 22nd December at the invitation of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years...There are excellent political relations between the two countries...India ranks among Kuwait's top trading partners with bilateral trade between the two countries at more than US$ 10 billion during the year 2023-24...Kuwait also remains a reliable energy partner for India." Prime Minister Modi will be welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace. He is scheduled to hold meetings with Kuwait's Emir and Crown Prince, followed by delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. The Crown Prince will host a banquet in his honour. Also read: Explained: What is the 'Ambedkar row' that disrupted Indian Parliament? "There has been a major transformation in India's ties with the Gulf region. The honourable PM has given special emphasis to strengthening and deepening relations with the Gulf countries," Chatterjee added. MEA on India-China Special Representatives' Talks The Ministry of External Affairs also addressed the India-China Special Representatives' Talks held on 18 December in Beijing. "We have put out the details of issues discussed in our press release. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005. The 2005 agreement is available on MEA website," the ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Kuwait among India's 'top trading partners,' says Indian foreign ministry ahead of PM Modi's historic visit

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the visit during the special briefing on Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait, Secretary (CPV &amp; OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee said, "PM Modi will undertake a visit to Kuwait on 21st and 22nd December at the invitation of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years...There are excellent political relations between the two countries...India ranks among Kuwait's top trading partners with bilateral trade between the two countries at more than US$ 10 billion during the year 2023-24...Kuwait also remains a reliable energy partner for India."</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi will be welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace. He is scheduled to hold meetings with Kuwait's Emir and Crown Prince, followed by delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. The Crown Prince will host a banquet in his honour.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-the-ambedkar-row-that-disrupted-indian-parliament-785556">Explained: What is the 'Ambedkar row' that disrupted Indian Parliament?</a></strong></p>

<p>"There has been a major transformation in India's ties with the Gulf region. The honourable PM has given special emphasis to strengthening and deepening relations with the Gulf countries," Chatterjee added.</p>

<h2><strong>MEA on India-China Special Representatives' Talks</strong></h2>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs also addressed the India-China Special Representatives' Talks held on 18&nbsp;December in Beijing.</p>

<p>"We have put out the details of issues discussed in our press release. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005. The 2005 agreement is available&nbsp;on&nbsp;MEA&nbsp;website," the ministry stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. Speaking about the visit during the special briefing on Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait, Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee said, "PM Modi will undertake a visit to Kuwait on 21st and 22nd December at the invitation of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years...There are excellent political relations between the two countries...India ranks among Kuwait's top trading partners with bilateral trade between the two countries at more than US$ 10 billion during the year 2023-24...Kuwait also remains a reliable energy partner for India." Prime Minister Modi will be welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Bayan Palace. He is scheduled to hold meetings with Kuwait's Emir and Crown Prince, followed by delegation-level talks with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. The Crown Prince will host a banquet in his honour. Also read: Explained: What is the 'Ambedkar row' that disrupted Indian Parliament? "There has been a major transformation in India's ties with the Gulf region. The honourable PM has given special emphasis to strengthening and deepening relations with the Gulf countries," Chatterjee added. MEA on India-China Special Representatives' Talks The Ministry of External Affairs also addressed the India-China Special Representatives' Talks held on 18 December in Beijing. "We have put out the details of issues discussed in our press release. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005. The 2005 agreement is available on MEA website," the ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>The United States on Saturday (Dec 7) firmly reacted to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s claims which alleged that the US State Department is trying to "destabilise India", its "deep state" elements are targeting India’s PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US said that it is "disappointing" that the BJP would make such accusations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sambit Patra, the spokesperson of the ruling BJP on Friday, alleged that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)'s articles are "singularly focused" on the Adani group and its alleged proximity with the Indian government to undermine PM Modi, further linking it with the US, saying that the OCCRP was funded by the US Agency for International Department and "other deep state figures" like George Soros.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US embassy spokesperson further reacted to the BJP's allegations, and told WION, "It’s disappointing that the ruling party in India would make these kinds of accusations."</p>

<p>"The US government works with independent organisations on programming that supports professional development and capacity-building training for journalists. This programming does not influence the editorial decisions or direction of these organizations," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accuses-us-deep-state-elements-for-targeting-pm-modi-says-washington-trying-to-destabilise-india-782118"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;BJP accuses US 'deep state' elements for targeting PM Modi, says Washington trying to 'destabilise India'</strong></a></p>

<p>The spokesperson also said that the US has long been a champion of media freedom around the world. “A free and independent press is an essential component of any democracy, enabling informed and constructive debate and holding those in power accountable.”</p>

<h2><strong>What were BJP's allegations?</strong></h2>

<p>Yesterday (Dec 6), the spokesperson of the ruling BJP said that the US deep state has been involved with a group of journalists and with the opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to pull down India's growth story with unsubstantiated allegations and malicious reports without a "shred of evidence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further stressed that all of this is in conjunction with the US State Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It has always been the US State Department behind this agenda," Patra added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Adani Group Denies US Bribery Allegations</strong></p>

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<p>"The Deep State had a clear objective to destabilise India by targeting Prime Minister Modi," he said, adding, "It has always been the US State Department behind this agenda...OCCRP has served as a media tool for carrying out a deep state agenda."</p>

<p>The BJP spokesperson also accused opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of being a "traitor of the highest order", saying that "some agencies of America" and billionaire George Soros make a "dangerous triangle trying to destabilise India".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States on Saturday (Dec 7) firmly reacted to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s claims which alleged that the US State Department is trying to "destabilise India", its "deep state" elements are targeting India’s PM.

The United States on Saturday (Dec 7) firmly reacted to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s claims which alleged that the US State Department is trying to "destabilise India", its "deep state" elements are targeting India’s PM. The US said that it is "disappointing" that the BJP would make such accusations. Sambit Patra, the spokesperson of the ruling BJP on Friday, alleged that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)'s articles are "singularly focused" on the Adani group and its alleged proximity with the Indian government to undermine PM Modi, further linking it with the US, saying that the OCCRP was funded by the US Agency for International Department and "other deep state figures" like George Soros. The US embassy spokesperson further reacted to the BJP's allegations, and told WION, "It’s disappointing that the ruling party in India would make these kinds of accusations." "The US government works with independent organisations on programming that supports professional development and capacity-building training for journalists. This programming does not influence the editorial decisions or direction of these organizations," the spokesperson added. Also read: BJP accuses US 'deep state' elements for targeting PM Modi, says Washington trying to 'destabilise India' The spokesperson also said that the US has long been a champion of media freedom around the world. “A free and independent press is an essential component of any democracy, enabling informed and constructive debate and holding those in power accountable.” What were BJP's allegations? Yesterday (Dec 6), the spokesperson of the ruling BJP said that the US deep state has been involved with a group of journalists and with the opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to pull down India's growth story with unsubstantiated allegations and malicious reports without a "shred of evidence". He further stressed that all of this is in conjunction with the US State Department. "It has always been the US State Department behind this agenda," Patra added. Watch | Adani Group Denies US Bribery Allegations × "The Deep State had a clear objective to destabilise India by targeting Prime Minister Modi," he said, adding, "It has always been the US State Department behind this agenda...OCCRP has served as a media tool for carrying out a deep state agenda." The BJP spokesperson also accused opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of being a "traitor of the highest order", saying that "some agencies of America" and billionaire George Soros make a "dangerous triangle trying to destabilise India". (With inputs from agencies)

'Disappointing...,' says US on BJP's allegations of Washington 'targeting PM Modi'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat.</p>

<p>Addressing his first rally in the state for the November 20 assembly elections, Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>“You all know my affinity with Maharashtra,” Modi said.</p>

<p>“We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people,” Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra’s Dhule district.</p>

<p>Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly.</p>

<p>“I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop,” Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-responds-to-mizoram-cm-lalduhomas-controversial-statement-in-the-us-774548">MEA responds to Mizoram CM Lalduhoma's controversial statement in the US</a></strong></p>

<p>The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs.</p>

<p>The Congress was in power simultaneously at Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, Modi said.</p>

<p>“A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing,” Modi said.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat. Addressing his first rally in the state for the November 20 assembly elections, Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra. “You all know my affinity with Maharashtra,” Modi said. “We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people,” Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra’s Dhule district. Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly. “I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop,” Modi said. Also read: MEA responds to Mizoram CM Lalduhoma's controversial statement in the US The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. The Congress was in power simultaneously at Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, Modi said. “A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing,” Modi said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: PM Modi mocks Maha Vikas Aghadi as ‘vehicle without wheels or brakes’ at Maharashtra rally

<p>Indian folksinger Sharda Sinha, widely celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili and Maghahi music, passed away on Tuesday in New Delhi. The singer was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for the last few days and had to be placed on ventilator support due to health complications stemming from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
An AIIMS official confirmed her passing on Tuesday and said, “Sharda Sinha expired at 9.20 pm due to refractory shock as a result of septicemia.” Sinha was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018 for her immense contribution to Indian music.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The popular singer was known for her beloved folk songs, including “Kartik Maas Ijoriya” and “Koyal Bin,” as well as popular Bollywood numbers like “Taar Bijli” from <em>Gangs of Wasseypur- II</em> and “Babul” from <em>Hum Aapke Hain Koun</em>.<br />
<br />
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to condole Sinha's demise and wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been very popular for the last several decades. The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the music world. My condolences are with her family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">सुप्रसिद्ध लोक गायिका शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनके गाए मैथिली और भोजपुरी के लोकगीत पिछले कई दशकों से बेहद लोकप्रिय रहे हैं। आस्था के महापर्व छठ से जुड़े उनके सुमधुर गीतों की गूंज भी सदैव बनी रहेगी। उनका जाना संगीत जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस… <a href="https://t.co/sOaLvUOnrW">pic.twitter.com/sOaLvUOnrW</a></p>
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<p>Before her death, an AIIMS spokesperson had reported that the PM was actively monitoring Sinha’s condition.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sinha’s influence in the folk music scene was profound, earning her the title of “Bihar Kokila.” Her songs were especially popular in Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sinha's songs were commonly sung during significant occasions like Chhath Puja and weddings.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan were among those who visited Sinha during her hospitalisation.&nbsp;</p>


Indian folksinger Sharda Sinha, widely celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili and Maghahi music, passed away on Tuesday in New Delhi. The singer was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for the last few days and had to be placed on ventilator support due to health complications stemming from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

Indian folksinger Sharda Sinha, widely celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili and Maghahi music, passed away on Tuesday in New Delhi. The singer was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for the last few days and had to be placed on ventilator support due to health complications stemming from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. An AIIMS official confirmed her passing on Tuesday and said, “Sharda Sinha expired at 9.20 pm due to refractory shock as a result of septicemia.” Sinha was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018 for her immense contribution to Indian music. The popular singer was known for her beloved folk songs, including “Kartik Maas Ijoriya” and “Koyal Bin,” as well as popular Bollywood numbers like “Taar Bijli” from Gangs of Wasseypur- II and “Babul” from Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to condole Sinha's demise and wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been very popular for the last several decades. The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the music world. My condolences are with her family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!" सुप्रसिद्ध लोक गायिका शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनके गाए मैथिली और भोजपुरी के लोकगीत पिछले कई दशकों से बेहद लोकप्रिय रहे हैं। आस्था के महापर्व छठ से जुड़े उनके सुमधुर गीतों की गूंज भी सदैव बनी रहेगी। उनका जाना संगीत जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस… pic.twitter.com/sOaLvUOnrW — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2024 × Before her death, an AIIMS spokesperson had reported that the PM was actively monitoring Sinha’s condition. Sinha’s influence in the folk music scene was profound, earning her the title of “Bihar Kokila.” Her songs were especially popular in Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sinha's songs were commonly sung during significant occasions like Chhath Puja and weddings. Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan were among those who visited Sinha during her hospitalisation.

Folk singer Sharda Sinha passes away, PM Modi pays condolences on X

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 22) addressed&nbsp;the Indian diaspora at a mega event in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi started his address by expressing his gratitude towards Indian diaspora, saying their love brought 'good fortune' to him.</p>

<p>"I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position...For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you 'Rashtradoot'..," Modi said.</p>

<p>"You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition. You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Maa Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins," the Indian leader stated.</p>

<h2><strong>'AI means America-India'</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi said AI meant American-Indian spirit to him, calling the duo 'the AI power of the world'.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US | In New York, PM Modi says, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here." <a href="https://t.co/ypuM4UjRvr">pic.twitter.com/ypuM4UjRvr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1837896191067279644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here," Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora.</p>

<h2><strong>15,000 community members attended the event</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, event organisers said more than 500 artists will perform&nbsp;during the event at the Nassau Coliseum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 15,000 community members had&nbsp;arrived at the venue to witness the grand event from 42 different states of the US.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US | Members of the Indian community from Maharashtra perform at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island, ahead of PM Modi's address to the diaspora <a href="https://t.co/Iao5ov4nFt">pic.twitter.com/Iao5ov4nFt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1837826836648104371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>People could be seen holding posters reading 'Welcome Modi' in several languages as they awaited the Indian PM at the venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A community member was quoted as saying by news agency ANI,&nbsp;"It is a historical event in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. It looks like we are celebrating Diwali here... 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states."</p>

<p>PM Modi earlier said it would be a 'delight' to interact with the Indian community in US. "The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It’s always a delight to interact with them," wrote the Indian leader on X.</p>

<p>PM Modi is on a three-day visit to the US. On Saturday, he participated in the Quad summit along with leaders from the US, Japan and Australia.</p>

<p>He also addressed a Cancer Moonshot event, an initiative aimed at enhancing measures to combat cervical cancer, hosted by Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 22) addressed the Indian diaspora at a mega event in New York. PM Modi started his address by expressing his gratitude towards Indian diaspora, saying their love brought 'good fortune' to him.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 22) addressed the Indian diaspora at a mega event in New York. PM Modi started his address by expressing his gratitude towards Indian diaspora, saying their love brought 'good fortune' to him. "I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position...For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you 'Rashtradoot'..," Modi said. "You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition. You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Maa Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins," the Indian leader stated. 'AI means America-India' PM Modi said AI meant American-Indian spirit to him, calling the duo 'the AI power of the world'. #WATCH | US | In New York, PM Modi says, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here." pic.twitter.com/ypuM4UjRvr — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 × "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here," Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora. 15,000 community members attended the event Earlier, event organisers said more than 500 artists will perform during the event at the Nassau Coliseum. More than 15,000 community members had arrived at the venue to witness the grand event from 42 different states of the US. #WATCH | US | Members of the Indian community from Maharashtra perform at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island, ahead of PM Modi's address to the diaspora pic.twitter.com/Iao5ov4nFt — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024 × People could be seen holding posters reading 'Welcome Modi' in several languages as they awaited the Indian PM at the venue. A community member was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, "It is a historical event in Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. It looks like we are celebrating Diwali here... 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states." PM Modi earlier said it would be a 'delight' to interact with the Indian community in US. "The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It’s always a delight to interact with them," wrote the Indian leader on X. PM Modi is on a three-day visit to the US. On Saturday, he participated in the Quad summit along with leaders from the US, Japan and Australia. He also addressed a Cancer Moonshot event, an initiative aimed at enhancing measures to combat cervical cancer, hosted by Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Your love is my good fortune,’ PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in New York

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18) approved the proposal for a 'One Nation One Election', in a step towards holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'One Nation, One Election'&nbsp;was&nbsp;one of the key promises made by PM Modi's&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(BJP) in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections which were held earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented in front of the cabinet.</p>

<p>The panel&nbsp;in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ram Nath Kovind-led committee has not specified any period for rolling out simultaneous polls.</p>

<p>It has proposed the creation of an 'Implementation Group' to look into the execution of the panel's recommendations.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken.</p>

<p>Currently,&nbsp;elections are held almost every year and within a year too at different times which keeps the politicians more focused on winning elections, instead of working for the welfare of the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

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<h2><strong>BJP batting for ONOE</strong></h2>

<p>The approval comes a day after Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, addressing a press conference to mark the 100 days of the third term of PM Modi said ONOE will be implemented within the current tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We plan to implement 'One Nation, One Election' in the present tenure of this government."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-nda-govt-in-india-to-implement-one-nation-one-election-within-its-current-tenure-report-758896"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>In his Independence Day address last month, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for 'One Nation, One Election', contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress.</p>

<p>"The nation has to come forward for 'One Nation, One Election'," Modi had said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.</p>

<p>According to reports, after the approval, the bill for ONOE is expected to be presented in the parliament during the winter session.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18) approved the proposal for a 'One Nation One Election', in a step towards holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18) approved the proposal for a 'One Nation One Election', in a step towards holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. 'One Nation, One Election' was one of the key promises made by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections which were held earlier this year. The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented in front of the cabinet. The panel in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. The Ram Nath Kovind-led committee has not specified any period for rolling out simultaneous polls. It has proposed the creation of an 'Implementation Group' to look into the execution of the panel's recommendations. Previous instance Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken. Currently, elections are held almost every year and within a year too at different times which keeps the politicians more focused on winning elections, instead of working for the welfare of the public. The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat". Watch | 'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work × BJP batting for ONOE The approval comes a day after Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, addressing a press conference to mark the 100 days of the third term of PM Modi said ONOE will be implemented within the current tenure. "We plan to implement 'One Nation, One Election' in the present tenure of this government." Also read | NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report In his Independence Day address last month, PM Modi also made a strong pitch for 'One Nation, One Election', contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress. "The nation has to come forward for 'One Nation, One Election'," Modi had said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. According to reports, after the approval, the bill for ONOE is expected to be presented in the parliament during the winter session. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi's cabinet approves One Nation One Election

<p>A Kolkata court on Friday (Aug 13) denied the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the permission to conduct a narco test on the prime accused of the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. The CBI wanted to extract more information from Sanjay Roy by placing him in a semi-conscious state, but the court refused to grant approval.</p>

<p>Earlier on Thursday, the CBI gathered dental impressions and saliva samples from Roy to compare with the bite marks found on the victim’s dead body. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) is aiding the federal investigative agency in tracing and analysing key evidence linked to the crime.</p>

<h2><strong>Agitating doctors demand president’s, PM’s intervention</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, junior doctors in the Indian state of&nbsp;West Bengal, who have been demanding justice for the victim, wrote a four-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her urgent intervention in the case.</p>

<p>The copies of the letter were also dispatched to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, urging support from the Centre.</p>

<p>The demand comes amidst the ongoing impasse between the state government, led by CM Mamata Banerjee, and the medics.</p>

<p>"We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension," the letter read.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinhPSa_r-IAxXnxDgGHTi9Ak8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-agitating-doctors-demand-live-telecast-cm-mamatas-presence-in-govt-meet-757893" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-agitating-doctors-demand-live-telecast-cm-mamatas-presence-in-govt-meet-757893&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinhPSa_r-IAxXnxDgGHTi9Ak8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Kolkata horror: Agitating doctors demand live telecast, CM Mamata’s presence in govt meet</a></strong></p>

<p>"Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us," stated the letter.</p>

<p>They continued their protests on Friday as they refused to meet the CM a day before, given some of their demands were rejected by the officials. The doctors wanted to live-stream their meeting with CM Mamata for transparency but the state government termed the demand ‘non-feasible.’</p>

<p>CM Banerjee later urged the agitating doctors to return to work, and said that she is “ready to resign for the sake of the people.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Kolkata court on Friday (Aug 13) denied the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the permission to conduct a narco test on the prime accused of the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case.

A Kolkata court on Friday (Aug 13) denied the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the permission to conduct a narco test on the prime accused of the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. The CBI wanted to extract more information from Sanjay Roy by placing him in a semi-conscious state, but the court refused to grant approval. Earlier on Thursday, the CBI gathered dental impressions and saliva samples from Roy to compare with the bite marks found on the victim’s dead body. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) is aiding the federal investigative agency in tracing and analysing key evidence linked to the crime. Agitating doctors demand president’s, PM’s intervention Meanwhile, junior doctors in the Indian state of West Bengal, who have been demanding justice for the victim, wrote a four-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her urgent intervention in the case. The copies of the letter were also dispatched to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, urging support from the Centre. The demand comes amidst the ongoing impasse between the state government, led by CM Mamata Banerjee, and the medics. "We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension," the letter read. Also read: Kolkata horror: Agitating doctors demand live telecast, CM Mamata’s presence in govt meet "Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us," stated the letter. They continued their protests on Friday as they refused to meet the CM a day before, given some of their demands were rejected by the officials. The doctors wanted to live-stream their meeting with CM Mamata for transparency but the state government termed the demand ‘non-feasible.’ CM Banerjee later urged the agitating doctors to return to work, and said that she is “ready to resign for the sake of the people.” (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata horror: ‘Darkness surrounds us,’ Agitating doctors demand president’s, PM Modi’s intervention

<p>The Indian contingent continues to create history at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, as judoka Kapil Parmer became the first athlete from the country – male or female, to win a medal (bronze) in this discipline at the Summer Games. Kapil defeated Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira at the Champ de Mars Arena in the men's 60kg (J1) category, increasing India’s tally to a record 25 and counting in this edition.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Parmar for this victory.</p>

<p>Modi took to X, “A very memorable sporting performance and a special medal!</p>

<p>Congratulations to Kapil Parmar, as he becomes the first-ever Indian to win a medal in Judo at the Paralympics. Congrats to him for winning a Bronze in the Men's 60kg J1 event at the #Paralympics2024! Best wishes for his endeavours ahead.</p>

<p>#Cheer4Bharat”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very memorable sporting performance and a special medal!<br />
<br />
Congratulations to Kapil Parmar, as he becomes the first-ever Indian to win a medal in Judo at the Paralympics. Congrats to him for winning a Bronze in the Men's 60kg J1 event at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics2024</a>! Best wishes for his… <a href="https://t.co/JYtpEf2CtI">pic.twitter.com/JYtpEf2CtI</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1831719444948623733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Parmar was on the top of his game in the bronze medal match, beating his opponent 10-0. Earlier, in the semifinal, Iranian S Banitaba Khorram Abadi beat Parmer 10-0 at the Champs-de-mart arena.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, per the rule book, the J1 class in para judo is for athletes who suffer from no to very low visual activity. Besides, to indicate they may need guided support before, during and after a match, this category of athletes wear red circles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian contingent continues to create history at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, as judoka Kapil Parmer became the first athlete from the country – male or female, to win a medal (bronze) in this discipline at the Summer Games.

The Indian contingent continues to create history at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, as judoka Kapil Parmer became the first athlete from the country – male or female, to win a medal (bronze) in this discipline at the Summer Games. Kapil defeated Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira at the Champ de Mars Arena in the men's 60kg (J1) category, increasing India’s tally to a record 25 and counting in this edition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Parmar for this victory. Modi took to X, “A very memorable sporting performance and a special medal! Congratulations to Kapil Parmar, as he becomes the first-ever Indian to win a medal in Judo at the Paralympics. Congrats to him for winning a Bronze in the Men's 60kg J1 event at the #Paralympics2024! Best wishes for his endeavours ahead. #Cheer4Bharat”. A very memorable sporting performance and a special medal! Congratulations to Kapil Parmar, as he becomes the first-ever Indian to win a medal in Judo at the Paralympics. Congrats to him for winning a Bronze in the Men's 60kg J1 event at the #Paralympics2024! Best wishes for his… pic.twitter.com/JYtpEf2CtI — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2024 × Parmar was on the top of his game in the bronze medal match, beating his opponent 10-0. Earlier, in the semifinal, Iranian S Banitaba Khorram Abadi beat Parmer 10-0 at the Champs-de-mart arena. Meanwhile, per the rule book, the J1 class in para judo is for athletes who suffer from no to very low visual activity. Besides, to indicate they may need guided support before, during and after a match, this category of athletes wear red circles. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris Paralympics 2024: Judoka Kapil Parmar wins historic bronze in men’s 60kg category, PM Modi congratulates

<p>The United States has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine as "potentially helpful," AFP reported on Friday (August 23), citing the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi reached Ukraine after a seven-hour train journey from Poland. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine. The White House&nbsp;said that it believes Modi's visit could contribute positively to the situation in Ukraine.</p>

<p>If Modi's Ukraine trip can work toward "getting us to an end to the conflict that comports with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky's vision for a just peace, well, then we think that would be helpful," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing.</p>

<p>In a joint statement released on Friday, the Indian PM and Ukrainian president&nbsp;highlighted their shared interest in advancing bilateral relations between the two nations. PM Modi emphasised his message of peace and urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks to end the war as soon as possible.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-to-visit-china-will-it-pave-the-way-for-a-biden-xi-meeting-752788">US national security advisor to visit China: Will it lead to Biden-Xi meet?</a></strong></p>

<p>"The road to resolution can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy. And we should move in that direction without wasting any time. Both sides should sit together to find a way out of this crisis," the Indian PM said.</p>

<p>"I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in any efforts towards peace. If I can play any role in this personally, I will do that I want to assure you as a friend," he added.</p>

<p>"Our approach are always people centric- I want to assure to the whole world that we stand for territorial integrity. While I was in Moscow - I told very clear that this is not time for war, any resolution can bring through dialogue, discussion not on war field. Both sides need to sit together and should find way for peace," Modi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine as "potentially helpful," AFP reported on Friday (August 23), citing the White House.

The United States has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine as "potentially helpful," AFP reported on Friday (August 23), citing the White House. PM Modi reached Ukraine after a seven-hour train journey from Poland. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine. The White House said that it believes Modi's visit could contribute positively to the situation in Ukraine. If Modi's Ukraine trip can work toward "getting us to an end to the conflict that comports with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky's vision for a just peace, well, then we think that would be helpful," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing. In a joint statement released on Friday, the Indian PM and Ukrainian president highlighted their shared interest in advancing bilateral relations between the two nations. PM Modi emphasised his message of peace and urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks to end the war as soon as possible. Also read: US national security advisor to visit China: Will it lead to Biden-Xi meet? "The road to resolution can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy. And we should move in that direction without wasting any time. Both sides should sit together to find a way out of this crisis," the Indian PM said. "I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in any efforts towards peace. If I can play any role in this personally, I will do that I want to assure you as a friend," he added. "Our approach are always people centric- I want to assure to the whole world that we stand for territorial integrity. While I was in Moscow - I told very clear that this is not time for war, any resolution can bring through dialogue, discussion not on war field. Both sides need to sit together and should find way for peace," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi's historic Ukraine visit could aid 'Zelensky’s vision' for peace, says White House

<p>Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oratory skills and "magnetic charm" but ruled himself out of ever taking the political plunge.</p>

<p>The <em>Animal</em>&nbsp;actor was in conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on his "People by WTF" podcast.</p>

<p>While he doesn't think much about politics, Ranbir said he remembers his first acquaintance with the prime minister back in 2019 when he and other industry colleagues, including now wife Alia Bhatt, <em>Sanju</em>&nbsp;co-star Vicky Kaushal and producer Karan Johar, met Modi in New Delhi.</p>

<p>"When I first went to meet our prime minister four-five years ago along with other young actors and directors... You see him on television, you see how he talks."</p>

<p>"He's a great orator. But I remember the moment when we were sitting and he walked in... He's got this magnetic charm about him," the actor said during the podcast, which aired on Saturday.</p>

<p>Ranbir was part of the star-studded delegation in 2019 that met Modi and also included Ranveer Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sidharth Malhotra, Ekta Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Varun Dhawan, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and Rohit Shetty.</p>

<p>At what was described as a "courtesy meeting", Ranveer had clicked a group selfie with the prime minister which soon went viral on social media.</p>

<p>Ranbir, whose late actor father Rishi Kapoor was undergoing treatment for leukaemia at the time, said the prime minister spoke to each member of the delegation about something "personal".</p>

<p>"My father was going through treatment at the time. He asked about how the treatment was going and all of that. He talked to Alia about something else, Vicky Kaushal about something, Karan Johar about something. Everything was very personal. You see that kind of effort in great men. He doesn't need to... That says a lot about that person," he said, adding superstar Shah Rukh Khan is one of such "achievers".</p>

<p>Would he like to join politics?</p>

<p>"Politics? No. I think I like the world of being an artist, creation," Ranbir said, adding he doesn't have the skill set to be a politician.</p>

<p>The actor said he wants to direct movies and would like "to die trying creating things".</p>

<p>"I know I'm not cut out to be a producer. I tried producing one film called 'Jagga Jasoos' which didn't do well at the box office at all. But I realised it's a skill set I don't have."</p>

<p>"It's easy to say 'You can join politics or any other profession', because you are kind of successful in the field that you are in. But everything requires a skill set. I'm not a people person. In politics, you have to be a people person, I'm not that," he added.</p>

<p><em>(This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oratory skills and "magnetic charm" but ruled himself out of ever taking the political plunge.

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his oratory skills and "magnetic charm" but ruled himself out of ever taking the political plunge. The Animal actor was in conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on his "People by WTF" podcast. While he doesn't think much about politics, Ranbir said he remembers his first acquaintance with the prime minister back in 2019 when he and other industry colleagues, including now wife Alia Bhatt, Sanju co-star Vicky Kaushal and producer Karan Johar, met Modi in New Delhi. "When I first went to meet our prime minister four-five years ago along with other young actors and directors... You see him on television, you see how he talks." "He's a great orator. But I remember the moment when we were sitting and he walked in... He's got this magnetic charm about him," the actor said during the podcast, which aired on Saturday. Ranbir was part of the star-studded delegation in 2019 that met Modi and also included Ranveer Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sidharth Malhotra, Ekta Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Varun Dhawan, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and Rohit Shetty. At what was described as a "courtesy meeting", Ranveer had clicked a group selfie with the prime minister which soon went viral on social media. Ranbir, whose late actor father Rishi Kapoor was undergoing treatment for leukaemia at the time, said the prime minister spoke to each member of the delegation about something "personal". "My father was going through treatment at the time. He asked about how the treatment was going and all of that. He talked to Alia about something else, Vicky Kaushal about something, Karan Johar about something. Everything was very personal. You see that kind of effort in great men. He doesn't need to... That says a lot about that person," he said, adding superstar Shah Rukh Khan is one of such "achievers". Would he like to join politics? "Politics? No. I think I like the world of being an artist, creation," Ranbir said, adding he doesn't have the skill set to be a politician. The actor said he wants to direct movies and would like "to die trying creating things". "I know I'm not cut out to be a producer. I tried producing one film called 'Jagga Jasoos' which didn't do well at the box office at all. But I realised it's a skill set I don't have." "It's easy to say 'You can join politics or any other profession', because you are kind of successful in the field that you are in. But everything requires a skill set. I'm not a people person. In politics, you have to be a people person, I'm not that," he added. (This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Ranbir Kapoor says PM Modi has magnetic charm, calls him a ‘great orator’

<p>Cricket has returned to the Olympic Games for the first time in over a century and will be part of the LA28 program four years from now. Former India coach Rahul Dravid feels the BCCI, the selected players, and the coaching staff that time must be fully prepared to bring the gold medal home. During a chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4), Dravid expressed his thoughts on the same.</p>

<p>The Indian Team met PM Modi at his residence in New Delhi shortly after landing from Barbados, where they won their second T20 World Cup title. The Men in Blue first visited the ITC Maurya Hotel before reaching the PM house for a quick chat and breakfast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi spoke with everyone about their experiences while mentioning cricket’s return to the Olympic Games.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/political-agendas-stop-people-from-praising-jay-shah-as-bcci-administrator-says-sunil-gavaskar-738447">Political agendas stop people from praising Jay Shah as BCCI administrator, says Sunil Gavaskar</a></strong></p>

<p>Team India and head coach Dravid appreciated the effort by everyone concerned to bring cricket back to the Olympics, and said India has a chance to win a gold medal at the Olympics in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though none of the star players, including Dravid, Virat, Rohit and even Jadeja, will be around by then, the head coach feels anyone in charge of the setup must be fully prepared to bring the glory home.</p>

<p>"Modiji, we cricketers don't get the opportunity to participate in the Olympics. But now cricket is going to be part of the Olympics. It's going to be big for the cricketers, the nation and the cricket board. We have to do well in the tournament. And to be with the other sportspersons, to learn from them, is a great thing. I think it's a proud moment for cricket to be part of the Olympics," Dravid said during the chat with PM Modi.</p>

<p>"I am confident that the BCCI and the players and the coaches at that time will be prepared. I am confident that from this team, a lot of people will be part of the team. Winning a gold in the Olympics is a great matter of pride and happiness. We need to fully prepare for that," he concluded.</p>

<h2>Dravid bows out with an ICC trophy</h2>

<p>Having won just one ICC trophy during his playing days (2002 Champions Trophy with co-winners Sri Lanka), a world title was eluded from Dravid’s glorious cabinet, which he won with the T20 World Cup win in Barbados.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Against South Africa in the final, India won the contest by seven runs, with veteran Virat Kohli winning the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 76.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the final&nbsp;the Indian Team entourage was stranded in Barbados for a few days because of a hurricane warning. BCCI then arranged a special flight for all struck there, including the players, their families, coaching staff and media personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cricket has returned to the Olympic Games for the first time in over a century and will be part of the LA28 program four years from now. Former India coach Rahul Dravid feels the BCCI, the selected players, and the coaching staff that time must be fully prepared to bring the gold medal home.

Cricket has returned to the Olympic Games for the first time in over a century and will be part of the LA28 program four years from now. Former India coach Rahul Dravid feels the BCCI, the selected players, and the coaching staff that time must be fully prepared to bring the gold medal home. During a chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4), Dravid expressed his thoughts on the same. The Indian Team met PM Modi at his residence in New Delhi shortly after landing from Barbados, where they won their second T20 World Cup title. The Men in Blue first visited the ITC Maurya Hotel before reaching the PM house for a quick chat and breakfast. PM Modi spoke with everyone about their experiences while mentioning cricket’s return to the Olympic Games. ALSO READ: Political agendas stop people from praising Jay Shah as BCCI administrator, says Sunil Gavaskar Team India and head coach Dravid appreciated the effort by everyone concerned to bring cricket back to the Olympics, and said India has a chance to win a gold medal at the Olympics in Los Angeles. Though none of the star players, including Dravid, Virat, Rohit and even Jadeja, will be around by then, the head coach feels anyone in charge of the setup must be fully prepared to bring the glory home. "Modiji, we cricketers don't get the opportunity to participate in the Olympics. But now cricket is going to be part of the Olympics. It's going to be big for the cricketers, the nation and the cricket board. We have to do well in the tournament. And to be with the other sportspersons, to learn from them, is a great thing. I think it's a proud moment for cricket to be part of the Olympics," Dravid said during the chat with PM Modi. "I am confident that the BCCI and the players and the coaches at that time will be prepared. I am confident that from this team, a lot of people will be part of the team. Winning a gold in the Olympics is a great matter of pride and happiness. We need to fully prepare for that," he concluded. Dravid bows out with an ICC trophy Having won just one ICC trophy during his playing days (2002 Champions Trophy with co-winners Sri Lanka), a world title was eluded from Dravid’s glorious cabinet, which he won with the T20 World Cup win in Barbados. Against South Africa in the final, India won the contest by seven runs, with veteran Virat Kohli winning the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 76. After the final the Indian Team entourage was stranded in Barbados for a few days because of a hurricane warning. BCCI then arranged a special flight for all struck there, including the players, their families, coaching staff and media personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

‘India will be fully prepared to win Olympic gold in cricket’ – Rahul Dravid to PM Modi

<p>India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26. PM Modi spoke with the Indian entourage, some through video conferencing, including star athletes, youngsters making maiden appearances, and medal hopes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. PM Modi expressed confidence in athletes making India proud at the 2024 Olympic Games.</p>

<p>Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted, “Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a>. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. <a href="https://t.co/OOoipJpfUb">pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1808877249124507716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>With India sending nearly 120 athletes to the French Capital, including shooters, wrestlers, boxers, archers, track and field athletes and others, they believe they can top the previous tally (in Tokyo, where India won seven medals) and created history in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-seine-water-quality-improves-reveals-latest-tests-737973">Paris Olympics 2024: Seine water quality improves, reveals latest tests</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse accompanied the Indian contingent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra - the javelin thrower who won gold in Tokyo, updated PM Modi on his fitness and how he is preparing to defend his crown in Paris.</p>

<p>"Sir, my training is going as planned. I missed a few tournaments due to a recurring injury, but right now, I am feeling much better. We have just under a month to get the final preparations done," Neeraj Chopra said while conversing with PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Hoping to host 2036 Olympics</h2>

<p>With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) showing keen interest in bagging the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Games, PM Modi also spoke on the same lines to the athletes. He urged the athletes to deliver their best to be on the medal podium, asking them to observe the arrangements whenever they get little time in between their schedules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036; it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere. Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better prepared,” he continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the much-awaited Summer Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26. PM Modi spoke with the Indian entourage, some through video conferencing, including star athletes, youngsters making maiden appearances, and medal hopes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. PM Modi expressed confidence in athletes making India proud at the 2024 Olympic Games. Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted, “Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians.” Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024 × With India sending nearly 120 athletes to the French Capital, including shooters, wrestlers, boxers, archers, track and field athletes and others, they believe they can top the previous tally (in Tokyo, where India won seven medals) and created history in Paris. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024: Seine water quality improves, reveals latest tests Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse accompanied the Indian contingent. Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra - the javelin thrower who won gold in Tokyo, updated PM Modi on his fitness and how he is preparing to defend his crown in Paris. "Sir, my training is going as planned. I missed a few tournaments due to a recurring injury, but right now, I am feeling much better. We have just under a month to get the final preparations done," Neeraj Chopra said while conversing with PM Modi. Hoping to host 2036 Olympics With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) showing keen interest in bagging the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Games, PM Modi also spoke on the same lines to the athletes. He urged the athletes to deliver their best to be on the medal podium, asking them to observe the arrangements whenever they get little time in between their schedules. “We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036; it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere. Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” PM Modi said. “I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better prepared,” he continued. Meanwhile, the much-awaited Summer Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Olympics: PM Modi interacts with Indian contingent ahead of Paris departure; Chopra vows to defend crown

<p>The Indian Cricket Team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday&nbsp;(Jul&nbsp;4)&nbsp;morning at his residence in New Delhi. Upon their arrival in the country, the Men in Blue first went to the ITC Maurya Hotel before departing for the PM residence to have breakfast with him. The T20 World Cup-winning Team met PM Modi and chatted briefly, recalling the magical moments during the final in Barbados.</p>

<p>India beat South Africa by seven runs in the summit clash&nbsp;on Saturday (Jun 29), with veteran batter Virat Kohli hitting top form on the D-Day. He scored a gritty 76, helping India win the match and winning the Player of the Match for his performance. Besides, India Captain Rohit Sharma was India’s top-scorer in the tournament, while Suryakumar Yadav’s ‘The Catch’ made headlines.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An excellent meeting with our Champions!<br />
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Hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament. <a href="https://t.co/roqhyQRTnn">pic.twitter.com/roqhyQRTnn</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1808788228335391013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-rohit-kohli-and-dravid-cut-special-cake-before-team-india-head-to-pm-modis-residence-737737">WATCH: Rohit, Kohli and Dravid cut special cake before Team India head to PM Modi's residence</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi sat with the Indian Team and spoke to everyone. Per the reports, he asked skipper Rohit how the mud tasted, as the visuals of Rohit eating grass off the pitch after the win (on paying tribute) went viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also chatted with Kohli, asking him of his performance in the grand finale. While Kohli struggled big time in each of the seven matches before the final, the most successful batter of his generation stood tall on the day it mattered the most, scoring a fifty-plus and putting India in a commanding position.</p>

<p>PM Modi also spoke with all-rounder Axar Patel, whose contributions came in handy for the team during the tournament. While he was among the wickets for the Men in Blue, Axar impressed everyone with his hitting ability. Even against the Proteas in the final, Axar scored 47 off 31 balls, hitting four sixes. PM Modi asked about how he felt about promotion in the batting order.</p>

<h2>'SKY’s Catch'- The talking point</h2>

<p>Not just PM Modi, the world continues to talk about the 'Catch' that helped India win the match and the T20 World Cup. During a brief chat with SKY, PM Modi asked him to relive those magical moments.&nbsp;Suryakumar’s acrobatic effort near the boundary line was the moment the Indian cricket fans will cherish forever.</p>

<p>After visiting PM Modi at his residence, the Indian Team flew to Mumbai for the evening function, including a felicitation ceremony, followed by an open bus victory parade on the streets of Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Cricket Team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jul 4) morning at his residence in New Delhi. Upon their arrival in the country, the Men in Blue first went to the ITC Maurya Hotel before departing for the PM residence to have breakfast with him.

The Indian Cricket Team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jul 4) morning at his residence in New Delhi. Upon their arrival in the country, the Men in Blue first went to the ITC Maurya Hotel before departing for the PM residence to have breakfast with him. The T20 World Cup-winning Team met PM Modi and chatted briefly, recalling the magical moments during the final in Barbados. India beat South Africa by seven runs in the summit clash on Saturday (Jun 29), with veteran batter Virat Kohli hitting top form on the D-Day. He scored a gritty 76, helping India win the match and winning the Player of the Match for his performance. Besides, India Captain Rohit Sharma was India’s top-scorer in the tournament, while Suryakumar Yadav’s ‘The Catch’ made headlines. An excellent meeting with our Champions! Hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament. pic.twitter.com/roqhyQRTnn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024 × ALSO READ: WATCH: Rohit, Kohli and Dravid cut special cake before Team India head to PM Modi's residence PM Modi sat with the Indian Team and spoke to everyone. Per the reports, he asked skipper Rohit how the mud tasted, as the visuals of Rohit eating grass off the pitch after the win (on paying tribute) went viral. PM Modi also chatted with Kohli, asking him of his performance in the grand finale. While Kohli struggled big time in each of the seven matches before the final, the most successful batter of his generation stood tall on the day it mattered the most, scoring a fifty-plus and putting India in a commanding position. PM Modi also spoke with all-rounder Axar Patel, whose contributions came in handy for the team during the tournament. While he was among the wickets for the Men in Blue, Axar impressed everyone with his hitting ability. Even against the Proteas in the final, Axar scored 47 off 31 balls, hitting four sixes. PM Modi asked about how he felt about promotion in the batting order. 'SKY’s Catch'- The talking point Not just PM Modi, the world continues to talk about the 'Catch' that helped India win the match and the T20 World Cup. During a brief chat with SKY, PM Modi asked him to relive those magical moments. Suryakumar’s acrobatic effort near the boundary line was the moment the Indian cricket fans will cherish forever. After visiting PM Modi at his residence, the Indian Team flew to Mumbai for the evening function, including a felicitation ceremony, followed by an open bus victory parade on the streets of Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

Rohit, Virat speak on winning moments in chat with PM Modi as SKY relives 'The catch' of T20 World Cup

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday morning (July 4). The Men in Blue landed in the capital city in the wee hours on Thursday to a heroic welcome by the fans at the airport. Rohit Sharma-led Team first went to ITC Maurya before leaving for the PM's residence to meet and have breakfast with him.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Indian Cricket team meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.<br />
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Team India arrived at Delhi airport today morning after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados on 29th June. <a href="https://t.co/840otjWkic">pic.twitter.com/840otjWkic</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1808767618838638739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shortly after PM Modi met the T20 WC-winning squad, the Indian Team departed for the airport to fly to Mumbai for the open bus victory parade scheduled for Monday evening from Marine Drive. The BCCI will felicitate the Indian Team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before the team gets onto the open bus for the parade.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Indian Cricket team en route to Delhi Airport to depart for Mumbai where a victory parade has been scheduled in Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium.<br />
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The team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/7K7fwJEMNY">pic.twitter.com/7K7fwJEMNY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1808764637833539835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-sanju-samson-shares-glimpse-of-special-champions-jersey-as-team-india-return-home-737655">T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson shares glimpse of special 'champions' jersey as Team India return home</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest reports suggest that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), alongside the local police, have made necessary arrangements for the victory parade, with thousands of fans expected to join it and celebrate the win with&nbsp;Team India.</p>

<p>The Indian Team entourage, including the players, their families, the coaching staff and even the media personnel reached the country a few days late as they&nbsp;were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane. With the team due to travel on Sunday evening (June 30), everyone was stuck inside the team hotel for a couple of days before the BCCI arranged a special flight for all involved that landed on Monday morning.</p>

<h2>Rohit, SKY shake a leg upon arrival</h2>

<p>Upon landing in India, Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Suryakumar Yadav were seen dancing to the ‘dhol’, as hundreds gathered at the airport and at the hotel to receive the World Cup-winning team. The videos of two dancing and celebrating India’s second world title broke the internet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a> | Team India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> celebrates after returning to India after winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsSouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsSouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQ7tKtngH6">pic.twitter.com/rQ7tKtngH6</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a> | Team India celebrates after returning to India after winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsSouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsSouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/HAbA5IuOrD">pic.twitter.com/HAbA5IuOrD</a></p>
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<p>Others, including the Player of the Match in the finale, Virat Kohli, met his family at the ITC Hotel, while others were seen enjoying the moment among themselves.</p>

<h3>India’s big win in Barbados</h3>

<p>India had failed to win a title across formats for 11 years, having last won it (2013 Champions Trophy) under MS Dhoni. This time in the Americas, the Rohit Sharma-led Team wrote history, as they remained unbeaten in their winning campaign.</p>

<p>India beat Pakistan, the USA, and Ireland in their Group games before taking down Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the Super 8s to reach the semis. In the final four, India faced the defending champions, England, beating them convincingly, booking their ticket in the final against the Proteas.</p>

<p>In a close tie in Barbados, the Men in Blue were victorious by seven runs, winning their second T20 World Cup.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday morning (July 4). The Men in Blue landed in the capital city in the wee hours on Thursday to a heroic welcome by the fans at the airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday morning (July 4). The Men in Blue landed in the capital city in the wee hours on Thursday to a heroic welcome by the fans at the airport. Rohit Sharma-led Team first went to ITC Maurya before leaving for the PM's residence to meet and have breakfast with him. WATCH VIDEO - #WATCH | Indian Cricket team meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Team India arrived at Delhi airport today morning after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados on 29th June. pic.twitter.com/840otjWkic — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024 × Shortly after PM Modi met the T20 WC-winning squad, the Indian Team departed for the airport to fly to Mumbai for the open bus victory parade scheduled for Monday evening from Marine Drive. The BCCI will felicitate the Indian Team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before the team gets onto the open bus for the parade. #WATCH | Indian Cricket team en route to Delhi Airport to depart for Mumbai where a victory parade has been scheduled in Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium. The team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/7K7fwJEMNY — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024 × ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson shares glimpse of special 'champions' jersey as Team India return home The latest reports suggest that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), alongside the local police, have made necessary arrangements for the victory parade, with thousands of fans expected to join it and celebrate the win with Team India. The Indian Team entourage, including the players, their families, the coaching staff and even the media personnel reached the country a few days late as they were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane. With the team due to travel on Sunday evening (June 30), everyone was stuck inside the team hotel for a couple of days before the BCCI arranged a special flight for all involved that landed on Monday morning. Rohit, SKY shake a leg upon arrival Upon landing in India, Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Suryakumar Yadav were seen dancing to the ‘dhol’, as hundreds gathered at the airport and at the hotel to receive the World Cup-winning team. The videos of two dancing and celebrating India’s second world title broke the internet. #Watch | Team India's #RohitSharma celebrates after returning to India after winning the #T20WorldCup against #SouthAfrica #INDvsSA #IndiaVsSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/rQ7tKtngH6 — WION (@WIONews) July 4, 2024 × #Watch | Team India celebrates after returning to India after winning the #T20WorldCup against #SouthAfrica #INDvsSA #IndiaVsSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/HAbA5IuOrD — WION (@WIONews) July 4, 2024 × Others, including the Player of the Match in the finale, Virat Kohli, met his family at the ITC Hotel, while others were seen enjoying the moment among themselves. India’s big win in Barbados India had failed to win a title across formats for 11 years, having last won it (2013 Champions Trophy) under MS Dhoni. This time in the Americas, the Rohit Sharma-led Team wrote history, as they remained unbeaten in their winning campaign. India beat Pakistan, the USA, and Ireland in their Group games before taking down Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the Super 8s to reach the semis. In the final four, India faced the defending champions, England, beating them convincingly, booking their ticket in the final against the Proteas. In a close tie in Barbados, the Men in Blue were victorious by seven runs, winning their second T20 World Cup.

PM Modi meets T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team in New Delhi - WATCH

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday evening (May 30)&nbsp;after days of intense campaigning for the Lok Sabha Election. PM Modi is&nbsp;meditating&nbsp;at Rock Memorial, which is a monument built in tribute to Swami Vivekananda, in Kanyakumari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi worshipped at the Bhagavathi Amman temple and reached the rock memorial by a ferry service after arriving from nearby Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter. PM Modi started meditation that is scheduled to go on till June 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi prayed at the shrine and circled the 'garbhagriha'. He was dressed in a dhoti and a white shawl. Priests performed a special 'arthi' and he was given temple 'prasad' that included a shawl and a framed photograph of the presiding deity of the temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security has been heightened as around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-case-cm-arvind-kejriwal-moves-court-seeking-regular-bail-727025">Delhi excise policy case: CM Arvind Kejriwal moves court seeking regular bail</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Congress calls it violation</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>However, the Indian National Congress (INC) is not happy about the nearly two-day meditation exercise as they have appealed to the Election Commission to take action against it and have also urged to ensure it is not aired by the media as it violates the model code of conduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party alleged that the meditation plan was an attempt to "circumvent" the silence period restrictions. A delegation of Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Syed Naseer Hussain handed over a memorandum in this regard along with 27 other complaints of alleged model code violations by the BJP in the last few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The said trip would be widely televised and would therefore be shown during the 48-hour silence period in Varanasi, the constituency from which Shri Narendra Modi is contesting", the Congress memorandum to the poll body said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Through the meditation trip, Shri Narendra Modi is attempting to circumvent the 48-hour silence period and unfairly leverage the ethno-cultural significance of the chosen location in an attempt to bolster his campaign and maximise his vote share in violation of the Representation of the People Act, as well as the Model Code of Conduct", the party also said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shashi-tharoors-pa-shiv-kumar-arrested-for-gold-smuggling-at-delhi-airport-726915">Former aide of Shashi Tharoor caught 'smuggling' gold at Delhi airport</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The memorandum further noted that it was also against the orders related to the Dos and Don'ts during the election period that political parties and their candidates are required to follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM will start his meditation on the evening of May 30, and we have complained about that. We all know that the silence period will begin on May 30 and thus his declaration is a violation of the MCC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM can start his meditation after 24-48 hours, which is from the evening of June 1. Otherwise, if he wants to meditate from May 30, then the ECI should ensure that this is not broadcast by the TV or print media", Singhvi told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: Visuals from outside the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari where PM Modi will meditate from 30th May evening to 1st June evening.<br />
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PM Modi will meditate day and night at the same place where Swami Vivekanand did meditation, at the Dhyan Mandapam. <a href="https://t.co/b7J1wZEiPF">pic.twitter.com/b7J1wZEiPF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796047709796700261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Old image of PM Modi&nbsp;surfaces</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Amid meditation talks, PM Modi's 33-year-old photo at the same spot has gone viral on social media forums. The image was taken during the nationwide Ekta Yatra which commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and stretched to Kashmir. BJP veteran Dr Murli Manohar Joshi can also be seen in the image. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thirty-three years ago, the massive nationwide Ekta Yatra commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, stretching all the way to Kashmir. All the Ekta Yatris including Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> circumambulated the statue of Swami Vivekananda… <a href="https://t.co/bMQ6qjjIuQ">pic.twitter.com/bMQ6qjjIuQ</a></p>
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) <a href="https://twitter.com/modiarchive/status/1796066086380617897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, &nbsp;PM Modi chose Kedarnath cave to reflect and meditate following the end of campaign in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nirupam supports PM Modi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam came in support of PM Modi. He said, "What is illegal or the violation of the Model Code of Conduct if he (PM Modi) has decided to go for meditation to a place where Swami Vivekanand had done so."</p>

<p>"It's his choice if someone chooses to get peace through meditation. Some people get peace by consuming 'ganja', it's their choice. But those who consume that won't understand the spiritual importance of meditation. Congress is against meditation, Hindu and Swami Vivekanand," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday evening (May 30) after days of intense campaigning for the Lok Sabha Election.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday evening (May 30) after days of intense campaigning for the Lok Sabha Election. PM Modi is meditating at Rock Memorial, which is a monument built in tribute to Swami Vivekananda, in Kanyakumari. Modi worshipped at the Bhagavathi Amman temple and reached the rock memorial by a ferry service after arriving from nearby Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter. PM Modi started meditation that is scheduled to go on till June 1. Modi prayed at the shrine and circled the 'garbhagriha'. He was dressed in a dhoti and a white shawl. Priests performed a special 'arthi' and he was given temple 'prasad' that included a shawl and a framed photograph of the presiding deity of the temple. Security has been heightened as around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in the area. Also read: Delhi excise policy case: CM Arvind Kejriwal moves court seeking regular bail Congress calls it violation However, the Indian National Congress (INC) is not happy about the nearly two-day meditation exercise as they have appealed to the Election Commission to take action against it and have also urged to ensure it is not aired by the media as it violates the model code of conduct. The Congress party alleged that the meditation plan was an attempt to "circumvent" the silence period restrictions. A delegation of Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Syed Naseer Hussain handed over a memorandum in this regard along with 27 other complaints of alleged model code violations by the BJP in the last few days. "The said trip would be widely televised and would therefore be shown during the 48-hour silence period in Varanasi, the constituency from which Shri Narendra Modi is contesting", the Congress memorandum to the poll body said. "Through the meditation trip, Shri Narendra Modi is attempting to circumvent the 48-hour silence period and unfairly leverage the ethno-cultural significance of the chosen location in an attempt to bolster his campaign and maximise his vote share in violation of the Representation of the People Act, as well as the Model Code of Conduct", the party also said. Also read: Former aide of Shashi Tharoor caught 'smuggling' gold at Delhi airport The memorandum further noted that it was also against the orders related to the Dos and Don'ts during the election period that political parties and their candidates are required to follow. "The PM will start his meditation on the evening of May 30, and we have complained about that. We all know that the silence period will begin on May 30 and thus his declaration is a violation of the MCC. "The PM can start his meditation after 24-48 hours, which is from the evening of June 1. Otherwise, if he wants to meditate from May 30, then the ECI should ensure that this is not broadcast by the TV or print media", Singhvi told reporters. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Visuals from outside the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari where PM Modi will meditate from 30th May evening to 1st June evening. PM Modi will meditate day and night at the same place where Swami Vivekanand did meditation, at the Dhyan Mandapam. pic.twitter.com/b7J1wZEiPF — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024 × Old image of PM Modi surfaces Amid meditation talks, PM Modi's 33-year-old photo at the same spot has gone viral on social media forums. The image was taken during the nationwide Ekta Yatra which commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and stretched to Kashmir. BJP veteran Dr Murli Manohar Joshi can also be seen in the image. Thirty-three years ago, the massive nationwide Ekta Yatra commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, stretching all the way to Kashmir. All the Ekta Yatris including Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and @narendramodi circumambulated the statue of Swami Vivekananda… pic.twitter.com/bMQ6qjjIuQ — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) May 30, 2024 × Notably, PM Modi chose Kedarnath cave to reflect and meditate following the end of campaign in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Nirupam supports PM Modi Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam came in support of PM Modi. He said, "What is illegal or the violation of the Model Code of Conduct if he (PM Modi) has decided to go for meditation to a place where Swami Vivekanand had done so." "It's his choice if someone chooses to get peace through meditation. Some people get peace by consuming 'ganja', it's their choice. But those who consume that won't understand the spiritual importance of meditation. Congress is against meditation, Hindu and Swami Vivekanand," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's old image surfaces as he starts meditation at Vivekananda Rock, Congress calls it violation

<p>Elections in India have given rise to a lot of uncertainty which could negatively impact automakers’ sales in May despite the rising consumer interest in new model launches, a dealer’s body said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Voting in India began on April 19 in a massive general election where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting for a rare third straight term.</p>

<p>"Election uncertainty continues to affect market sentiment, delaying customer conversions and stalling purchasing decisions," the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said in a statement.</p>

<p>The turnout being lower than anticipated ruffled PM Modi’s campaign managers, raising concerns about the odds of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies achieving the landmark victory forecasted by opinion polls last month.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Analysts have expressed concerns about the new government’s financial policies and how they will affect the livelihood of people. The restriction on moving large sums of money during the election would also dissuade consumers from buying vehicles at least during May when the election will be in full swing in most constituencies.</p>

<p>Despite that, sales increased 27% year-on-year in April. According to FADA, which tracks sales of vehicles by dealers to consumers, this sales figure could be attributed to the increasing consumer inclination towards launches of new models in India. It added that the interest would not decline in May. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The auto industry remains cautiously optimistic about its near-term outlook," it said. Since the auto sector contributes approximately 7% to India’s economy, auto sales are keenly being monitored as a key indicator of private consumption in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After dropping more than 6% in March, retail car sales increased nearly 16% in April, FADA said. On the other hand, two-wheelers continued to witness heavy demand, facilitated by festive buying in parts of North India and many new launches.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the sales of two-wheelers grew more than 33% in April, its largest growth recorded so far during this calendar year.</p>

<p>FADA President Manish Raj Singhania attributed this rise to stable fuel prices, a favourable monsoon outlook, festive demand and the ongoing marriage season. "New model launches also helped drive growth, despite some delays in supply," he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Elections in India have given rise to a lot of uncertainty which could negatively impact automakers’ sales in May despite the rising consumer interest in new model launches, a dealer’s body said on Wednesday.

Elections in India have given rise to a lot of uncertainty which could negatively impact automakers’ sales in May despite the rising consumer interest in new model launches, a dealer’s body said on Wednesday. Voting in India began on April 19 in a massive general election where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting for a rare third straight term. "Election uncertainty continues to affect market sentiment, delaying customer conversions and stalling purchasing decisions," the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said in a statement. The turnout being lower than anticipated ruffled PM Modi’s campaign managers, raising concerns about the odds of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies achieving the landmark victory forecasted by opinion polls last month. Analysts have expressed concerns about the new government’s financial policies and how they will affect the livelihood of people. The restriction on moving large sums of money during the election would also dissuade consumers from buying vehicles at least during May when the election will be in full swing in most constituencies. Despite that, sales increased 27% year-on-year in April. According to FADA, which tracks sales of vehicles by dealers to consumers, this sales figure could be attributed to the increasing consumer inclination towards launches of new models in India. It added that the interest would not decline in May. "The auto industry remains cautiously optimistic about its near-term outlook," it said. Since the auto sector contributes approximately 7% to India’s economy, auto sales are keenly being monitored as a key indicator of private consumption in India. After dropping more than 6% in March, retail car sales increased nearly 16% in April, FADA said. On the other hand, two-wheelers continued to witness heavy demand, facilitated by festive buying in parts of North India and many new launches. Interestingly, the sales of two-wheelers grew more than 33% in April, its largest growth recorded so far during this calendar year. FADA President Manish Raj Singhania attributed this rise to stable fuel prices, a favourable monsoon outlook, festive demand and the ongoing marriage season. "New model launches also helped drive growth, despite some delays in supply," he said.

Elections could negatively impact Indian auto sales in May

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<p>Delhi HC on Monday (Apr 29) dismissed a plea seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi for six years for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) while addressing a rally in the state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plea alleged that PM Modi is seeking votes for his party - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - in the name of religious deities and places of worship for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/lok-sabha-election-2024">Lok Sabha elections</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deve-gowdas-grandson-sex-scandal-woman-alleges-used-to-sexually-assault-in-storeroom-remove-saree-pins-716157">Deve Gowda's grandson&nbsp;Prajwal Revanna sex scandal: Details of alleged sexual abuse revealed</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The court said the petition is "thoroughly misconceived" and the court can't direct ECI to take a particular view on any complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justice Sachin Datta rejected the plea. As quoted by Bar and Bench, the high court said, "The present writ petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petitioner presupposes that there has been a violation. It is not permissible for this Court to direct the ECI to take a particular view."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-delhi-poll-office-denies-claim-that-ec-banned-aaps-campaign-song-716168">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Delhi poll office denies claim that EC banned AAP's campaign song</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report on&nbsp;Deve Gowda's grandson:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The plea&nbsp;filed by advocate Anand S Jondhale&nbsp;mentioned PM Modi's speech he gave on April 9 in the city of Pilibhit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawyer alleged that PM Modi in his speech sought votes in the name of "god and place of worship" and "Hindu deities and Hindu place of worship as well as Sikh deities and Sikh place of worship".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jondhale stated in his plea, "That Respondent&nbsp;No.2 [Modi] said that he has constructed the Ram Temple. Respondent No.2 also stated that he developed&nbsp;Kartarpur&nbsp;Sahib Corridor and removed GST from material used in Langars served in Gurudwaras.&nbsp;The Respondent&nbsp;No.2 also said that he had brought back the copies of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jondhale added that PM Modi's speeches "have the potential to create hatred amongst voters on the line of caste and religion".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Delhi HC on Monday (Apr 29) dismissed a plea seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi for six years for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) while addressing a rally in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi HC on Monday (Apr 29) dismissed a plea seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi for six years for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) while addressing a rally in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The plea alleged that PM Modi is seeking votes for his party - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - in the name of religious deities and places of worship for the Lok Sabha elections. Also read: Deve Gowda's grandson Prajwal Revanna sex scandal: Details of alleged sexual abuse revealed The court said the petition is "thoroughly misconceived" and the court can't direct ECI to take a particular view on any complaint. Justice Sachin Datta rejected the plea. As quoted by Bar and Bench, the high court said, "The present writ petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petitioner presupposes that there has been a violation. It is not permissible for this Court to direct the ECI to take a particular view." Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Delhi poll office denies claim that EC banned AAP's campaign song Watch this report on Deve Gowda's grandson: × The plea filed by advocate Anand S Jondhale mentioned PM Modi's speech he gave on April 9 in the city of Pilibhit. The lawyer alleged that PM Modi in his speech sought votes in the name of "god and place of worship" and "Hindu deities and Hindu place of worship as well as Sikh deities and Sikh place of worship". Jondhale stated in his plea, "That Respondent No.2 [Modi] said that he has constructed the Ram Temple. Respondent No.2 also stated that he developed Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and removed GST from material used in Langars served in Gurudwaras. The Respondent No.2 also said that he had brought back the copies of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan." Jondhale added that PM Modi's speeches "have the potential to create hatred amongst voters on the line of caste and religion". (With inputs from agencies)

'Thoroughly misconceived': Delhi HC dismisses plea seeking ban on PM Modi from contesting Lok Sabha elections

<p>Bollywood actress Rakul Preet and actor and producer Jackky Bhagnani got married on February 21 in Goa, India. Rakul and Jaccky tied the knot in the presence of close friends and family in a ceremony that lasted for two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A day after the couple got married, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his best wishes to the newlyweds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the congratulatory letter, PM Modi extended good wishes to Rakul and Jackky as they embarked on the new journey. The letter was shared by producer Jackky on his social media handle as he thanked the PM for his heartfelt wishes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sunny-sanskari-ki-tulsi-kumari-everything-to-know-about-varun-dhawan-janhvi-kapoors-next-692724">Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Everything to know about Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor's next</a></p>

<p>In the letter addressing Jackky's parents Puja and Vashu Bhagnani, PM wrote, “As Jackky and Rakul commence the journey of trust and togetherness for a lifetime, heartiest congratulations and greetings to them on the auspicious occasion of their wedding. The years to come are an opportunity for the couple to discover each other, while also embarking together on the path of self-discovery.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your blessings touch our hearts deeply, Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji. Thank you for your kind wishes as we begin this meaningful new chapter.<a href="https://twitter.com/Rakulpreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rakulpreet</a> <a href="https://t.co/6VOfWhzl68">pic.twitter.com/6VOfWhzl68</a></p>
— Jackky Bhagnani (@jackkybhagnani) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackkybhagnani/status/1760621865909788844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>''Heartfelt gratitude for inviting me to the wedding ceremony. I once again extend my greetings and best wishes for the momentous occasion," the letter further read.</p>

<p>Sharing the letter, Jackky wrote, ''Your blessings touch our hearts deeply, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. Thank you for your kind wishes as we begin this meaningful new chapter.''</p>

<p><strong>Rakul and Jaccky wedding&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani got married at ITC Grand South Goa. After tying the knot on Feb 21, the couple shared dreamy photos from their ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mine now and forever 21-02-2024 #abdonobhagna-ni,” they captioned the post.</p>

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<p>The couple tied the knot in a Sikh ceremony, which was later followed by a Sindhi&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-priyanka-chopra-daughter-malti-marie-take-a-hike-without-nick-jonas-check-adorable-pics-692726">Priyanka Chopra, daughter Malti Marie take a hike without Nick Jonas; check adorable pics</a></p>

<p>For their big day, Rakul wore a custom-made pastel lehenga with Sheer full sleeves adorned with pearls and crystals by the renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani. With her heavy bridal attire, she wore diamond jewellery and pink bangles. While&nbsp;the groom, Jackky Bhagnani wore a cream-gold sherwani.&nbsp;</p>

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Bollywood actress Rakul Preet and actor and producer Jackky Bhagnani got married on February 21 in Goa, India. Rakul and Jaccky tied the knot in the presence of close friends and family in a ceremony that lasted for two days.

Bollywood actress Rakul Preet and actor and producer Jackky Bhagnani got married on February 21 in Goa, India. Rakul and Jaccky tied the knot in the presence of close friends and family in a ceremony that lasted for two days. A day after the couple got married, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his best wishes to the newlyweds. In the congratulatory letter, PM Modi extended good wishes to Rakul and Jackky as they embarked on the new journey. The letter was shared by producer Jackky on his social media handle as he thanked the PM for his heartfelt wishes. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Everything to know about Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor's next In the letter addressing Jackky's parents Puja and Vashu Bhagnani, PM wrote, “As Jackky and Rakul commence the journey of trust and togetherness for a lifetime, heartiest congratulations and greetings to them on the auspicious occasion of their wedding. The years to come are an opportunity for the couple to discover each other, while also embarking together on the path of self-discovery.” Your blessings touch our hearts deeply, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. Thank you for your kind wishes as we begin this meaningful new chapter.@Rakulpreet pic.twitter.com/6VOfWhzl68 — Jackky Bhagnani (@jackkybhagnani) February 22, 2024 × ''Heartfelt gratitude for inviting me to the wedding ceremony. I once again extend my greetings and best wishes for the momentous occasion," the letter further read. Sharing the letter, Jackky wrote, ''Your blessings touch our hearts deeply, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. Thank you for your kind wishes as we begin this meaningful new chapter.'' Rakul and Jaccky wedding Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani got married at ITC Grand South Goa. After tying the knot on Feb 21, the couple shared dreamy photos from their ceremony. "Mine now and forever 21-02-2024 #abdonobhagna-ni,” they captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) × The couple tied the knot in a Sikh ceremony, which was later followed by a Sindhi wedding Priyanka Chopra, daughter Malti Marie take a hike without Nick Jonas; check adorable pics For their big day, Rakul wore a custom-made pastel lehenga with Sheer full sleeves adorned with pearls and crystals by the renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani. With her heavy bridal attire, she wore diamond jewellery and pink bangles. While the groom, Jackky Bhagnani wore a cream-gold sherwani.

PM Narendra Modi extends warm wishes to Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani on their wedding

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) announced a scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes nationwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses," Modi said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana' with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses," he added.</p>

<p>"This will not only reduce the electricity bill of the poor and middle class but will also make India self-reliant in the energy sector," he said and also posted pictures of him discussing the scheme with officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-heres-how-temples-around-the-world-celebrated-the-grand-event-watch-682539">Ram Mandir consecration: Here's how temples around the world celebrated the grand event</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi led the rituals at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, which was unveiled with thousands gathered in Ayodhya to celebrate the historic, auspicious moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A PMO statement noted that the meeting was held at Lok Kalyan Marg and the scheme was announced after he returned from the Indian city of Ayodhya where he attended the consecration ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that devotees across the world always draw energy from the light of "suryavanshi" Lord Ram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana's main objective is to provide electricity to low and middle-income individuals through solar rooftop installations. It also aims to offer additional income for surplus electricity generation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More details about the new scheme will be announced soon, but a parallel can be drawn with the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, which was launched by PM Modi in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-all-temples-pm-modi-visited-before-consecration-have-a-significant-ramayana-connect-682534">Ram Mandir: All temples PM Modi visited before consecration have a significant Ramayana connect</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Here's how the world celebrated Ram's arrival in India's Ayodhya</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What is Grid Connected Rooftop Solar PV System?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A document published on the official website of the National Portal for Rooftop Solar mentioned that in grid-connected rooftop or small solar photovoltaic (SPV) system, the DC power generated from the solar panel is converted to AC power using a power conditioning unit/Inverter and is fed to the grid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A one-kilowatt rooftop system generally requires 10 square metres of shadow-free area. However, actual area requirements may vary depending on the efficiency of solar modules, and their placement etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) announced a scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes nationwide. "Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses," Modi said on X.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) announced a scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes nationwide. "Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses," Modi said on X. "The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana' with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses," he added. "This will not only reduce the electricity bill of the poor and middle class but will also make India self-reliant in the energy sector," he said and also posted pictures of him discussing the scheme with officials. Also read: Ram Mandir consecration: Here's how temples around the world celebrated the grand event Earlier in the day, PM Modi led the rituals at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, which was unveiled with thousands gathered in Ayodhya to celebrate the historic, auspicious moment. A PMO statement noted that the meeting was held at Lok Kalyan Marg and the scheme was announced after he returned from the Indian city of Ayodhya where he attended the consecration ceremony. He said that devotees across the world always draw energy from the light of "suryavanshi" Lord Ram. The Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana's main objective is to provide electricity to low and middle-income individuals through solar rooftop installations. It also aims to offer additional income for surplus electricity generation. More details about the new scheme will be announced soon, but a parallel can be drawn with the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, which was launched by PM Modi in 2022. Also read: Ram Mandir: All temples PM Modi visited before consecration have a significant Ramayana connect Watch: Here's how the world celebrated Ram's arrival in India's Ayodhya × What is Grid Connected Rooftop Solar PV System? A document published on the official website of the National Portal for Rooftop Solar mentioned that in grid-connected rooftop or small solar photovoltaic (SPV) system, the DC power generated from the solar panel is converted to AC power using a power conditioning unit/Inverter and is fed to the grid. A one-kilowatt rooftop system generally requires 10 square metres of shadow-free area. However, actual area requirements may vary depending on the efficiency of solar modules, and their placement etc. (With inputs from agencies)

Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana: PM Modi announces scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 18) condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed more than 500 people. PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice.</p>

<p>"Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundreds died and many sustained serious injuries after a strike was launched on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza. There are claims and counterclaims in the aftermath as Israel says the blast was caused by a Palestinian rocket that fell short.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas denies that, with Palestinian officials claiming that the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike. Not just Hamas and Palestine, the Arab world is also blaming Israel for the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-massacre-gaza-hospital-horror-unveiled-648290">It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Some nations, which even established ties with Israel in the Abraham Accords of 2020, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemned the "Israeli" attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the Israeli attack... resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of people," the UAE's official WAM news agency said early on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.<br />
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Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern.…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1714551508535296439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Palestinian security forces clash with protesters in Ramallah</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Biden in Israel&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Just hours after the horrific hospital strike,&nbsp;United States President Joe Biden landed in Israel on a solidarity visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He backed what Israel had to say about the hospital strike and that the Palestinian militants were responsible for it. He also added that Hamas had brought "only suffering"&nbsp;to the Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden said as he opened a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But there's a lot of people out there not sure, so we have to overcome a lot of things," Biden said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 18) condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed more than 500 people. PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 18) condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed more than 500 people. PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice. "Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Hundreds died and many sustained serious injuries after a strike was launched on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza. There are claims and counterclaims in the aftermath as Israel says the blast was caused by a Palestinian rocket that fell short. Hamas denies that, with Palestinian officials claiming that the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike. Not just Hamas and Palestine, the Arab world is also blaming Israel for the strike. Also read: It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled Some nations, which even established ties with Israel in the Abraham Accords of 2020, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemned the "Israeli" attack. "The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the Israeli attack... resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of people," the UAE's official WAM news agency said early on Wednesday. Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern.… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 18, 2023 × Also read: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital? Watch: Palestinian security forces clash with protesters in Ramallah × Biden in Israel Just hours after the horrific hospital strike, United States President Joe Biden landed in Israel on a solidarity visit. He backed what Israel had to say about the hospital strike and that the Palestinian militants were responsible for it. He also added that Hamas had brought "only suffering" to the Palestinians. "I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden said as he opened a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. "But there's a lot of people out there not sure, so we have to overcome a lot of things," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi 'deeply shocked' by Gaza hospital blast, says perpetrators must be brought to justice

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Oct 14) announced India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, saying the country will leave "no stone unturned" to successfully host the quadrennial event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi made the remarks at the 141st International Olympic Committee session, currently being held in the western Indian city of Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India is eager to organise Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036, this is the dream of the 140 crore Indians," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Mumbai | At the 141st IOC Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "India is eager to organise Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036, this is the dream of the 140 cr… <a href="https://t.co/qLPc9CrNuF">pic.twitter.com/qLPc9CrNuF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1713208759718482372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Although PM Modi did not mention which city or state would&nbsp;host the Olympics in India, media reports have claimed that Ahmedabad, the capital city of the PM's home state Gujarat&nbsp;is likely to bid for the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IOC session has been monumental, especially for India as the country's most popular sport - cricket, has already been included in the Olympics and will be played in the 2028 iteration, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IOC president, Thomas Bach, called the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics a "win-win" for all sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-ioc-approves-cricket-for-2028-los-angeles-olympics-set-to-return-after-128-years-646336"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Official: IOC approves cricket for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, set to return after 128 years</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Move lauded by Indians&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Netizens lauded the move by the Indian government and said it had the capability to complete change the sporting culture of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Good to see India finally bidding for Olympics actively. Delhi CWG in 2010 had great impact on Indian psyche with regards to sports, Olympics at home would do 10x that," said one user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Only he can pitch for #India so correctly and deservingly. As the largest democracy India must be given the opportunity to organise #Olympics," added another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a third said: "Finally...India is serious for hosting 2036 Olympics Game."</p>

<h2>New bidding process</h2>

<p>Notably, IOC after its recent reforms has enshrined a new bidding process away from the traditional method. Under the new process, after the&nbsp;interested countries place their proposal of interest, the IOC's Future Host Commission will identify and propose its preferred candidate to the Executive Board.</p>

<p>The Executive Board can then enter targeted dialogue with a bid and then decide whether to recommend that a proposal be brought to a vote at an IOC Session.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Oct 14) announced India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, saying the country will leave "no stone unturned" to successfully host the quadrennial event.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Oct 14) announced India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, saying the country will leave "no stone unturned" to successfully host the quadrennial event. PM Modi made the remarks at the 141st International Olympic Committee session, currently being held in the western Indian city of Mumbai. "India is eager to organise Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036, this is the dream of the 140 crore Indians," said PM Modi. #WATCH | Mumbai | At the 141st IOC Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "India is eager to organise Olympics in the country. India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organisation of the Olympics in 2036, this is the dream of the 140 cr… pic.twitter.com/qLPc9CrNuF — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 × Although PM Modi did not mention which city or state would host the Olympics in India, media reports have claimed that Ahmedabad, the capital city of the PM's home state Gujarat is likely to bid for the event. The IOC session has been monumental, especially for India as the country's most popular sport - cricket, has already been included in the Olympics and will be played in the 2028 iteration, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles. The IOC president, Thomas Bach, called the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics a "win-win" for all sides. Also read | Official: IOC approves cricket for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, set to return after 128 years Move lauded by Indians Netizens lauded the move by the Indian government and said it had the capability to complete change the sporting culture of the country. "Good to see India finally bidding for Olympics actively. Delhi CWG in 2010 had great impact on Indian psyche with regards to sports, Olympics at home would do 10x that," said one user. "Only he can pitch for #India so correctly and deservingly. As the largest democracy India must be given the opportunity to organise #Olympics," added another. Meanwhile, a third said: "Finally...India is serious for hosting 2036 Olympics Game." New bidding process Notably, IOC after its recent reforms has enshrined a new bidding process away from the traditional method. Under the new process, after the interested countries place their proposal of interest, the IOC's Future Host Commission will identify and propose its preferred candidate to the Executive Board. The Executive Board can then enter targeted dialogue with a bid and then decide whether to recommend that a proposal be brought to a vote at an IOC Session. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian PM Narendra Modi confirms 2036 Olympics bid

<p><em>The Vaccine War</em>&nbsp;director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's latest film&nbsp;has found a fan in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM has lauded the film, commending its portrayal of the relentless efforts of our country's scientists in the battle against COVID-19.<br />
<br />
The film highlights the work of scientists and medical officers who created Covaxin, India's indigenous COVID vaccine. The film received a heartfelt congratulatory message from Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He praised the makers of <em>The Vaccine War</em>&nbsp;for their efforts in emphasizing the vital role of scientists and science in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic. Prime Minister says, "I have heard that a film called <em>The Vaccine War&nbsp;</em>has been released, which depicts the relentless efforts of our country's scientists who worked day and night, dedicating themselves to the cause of fighting COVID in their labs, like sages. In this film, all these aspects have been portrayed... I congratulate the makers of this film for highlighting the importance of scientists and science".<br />
<br />
<em>The Vaccine War</em>&nbsp;depicts the unwavering dedication and sacrifices made by scientists who toiled day and night, much like sages, in their laboratories to combat the crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION's review of The Vaccine War</strong><br />
<br />
WION's Shomini Sen wrote in her review that the film made the media the biggest villain of the plot.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"The story of India's medical officers and scientists working relentlessly to find the country's indigenous Covaxin vaccine is truly inspirational. It needs to be talked about and celebrated. But Agnihotri ever so often slips a jargon or a propaganda or two about the government, its achievements, and its ideology in the narrative. When it isn't showcasing the current government's great achievements, the film is bashing those who dare to question the system," wrote Sen in her <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-the-vaccine-war-review-not-covid-but-media-is-the-biggest-villain-of-vivek-agnihotris-film-640494">review.&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-vaccine-war-review-science-is-the-hero-media-is-the-villain-in-this-film-640834/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>The Vaccine War</em> features Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda, Raima Sen, Anupam Kher and Pallavi Joshi as lead characters. Produced by Pallavi Joshi and I Am Buddha, the film was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 28th September 2023.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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The Vaccine War director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's latest film has found a fan in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM has lauded the film, commending its portrayal of the relentless efforts of our country's scientists in the battle against COVID-19.

The Vaccine War director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's latest film has found a fan in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM has lauded the film, commending its portrayal of the relentless efforts of our country's scientists in the battle against COVID-19. The film highlights the work of scientists and medical officers who created Covaxin, India's indigenous COVID vaccine. The film received a heartfelt congratulatory message from Prime Minister Modi. He praised the makers of The Vaccine War for their efforts in emphasizing the vital role of scientists and science in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic. Prime Minister says, "I have heard that a film called The Vaccine War has been released, which depicts the relentless efforts of our country's scientists who worked day and night, dedicating themselves to the cause of fighting COVID in their labs, like sages. In this film, all these aspects have been portrayed... I congratulate the makers of this film for highlighting the importance of scientists and science". The Vaccine War depicts the unwavering dedication and sacrifices made by scientists who toiled day and night, much like sages, in their laboratories to combat the crisis. WION's review of The Vaccine War WION's Shomini Sen wrote in her review that the film made the media the biggest villain of the plot. "The story of India's medical officers and scientists working relentlessly to find the country's indigenous Covaxin vaccine is truly inspirational. It needs to be talked about and celebrated. But Agnihotri ever so often slips a jargon or a propaganda or two about the government, its achievements, and its ideology in the narrative. When it isn't showcasing the current government's great achievements, the film is bashing those who dare to question the system," wrote Sen in her review. The Vaccine War features Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda, Raima Sen, Anupam Kher and Pallavi Joshi as lead characters. Produced by Pallavi Joshi and I Am Buddha, the film was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 28th September 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi congratulates Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri for The Vaccine War, urges 'everyone to watch it'

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