<p>Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years.</p>

<p>Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted.</p>

<p>Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him.</p>

<p>He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said.</p>

<p>Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name.</p>

<p>&quot;Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters.</p>

<p>&quot;We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting.</p>

<p>&quot;Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world,&quot; he said.</p>


Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years. Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted. Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him. He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said. Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name. "Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans," he said. Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. "The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters. "We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting. "Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world," he said.

When tweeting was done by birds and Amazon was a jungle: PM Modi recalls 1997

<p>Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked him to inform the global forum that why one per cent of India`s population gets 73 per cent of its wealth.</p>

<p>Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Dear PM, welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India`s population gets 73% of its wealth? I`m attaching a report for your ready reference,&quot; Rahul tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear PM,<br />
Welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India&rsquo;s population gets 73% of its wealth? I&rsquo;m attaching a report for your ready reference. <a href="https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE">https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/955764855289536512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>With his tweet, Rahul also attached a new survey by international rights group Oxfam, which mentioned that India&#39;s richest one per cent garnered as much as 73 per cent of the total wealth generated in the country in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report&#39;s findings are in line with those of similar studies including the one published by renowned economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty last July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the reports finding said the rich have disproportionately benefited from liberalisation while others have been left struggling.</p>

<p>PM Modi attended the WEF in Davos and gave the opening plenary speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is the first Prime Minister to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.</p>


Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked him to inform the global forum that why one per cent of India`s population gets 73 per cent of its wealth. Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister. "Dear PM, welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India`s population gets 73% of its wealth? I`m attaching a report for your ready reference," Rahul tweeted. Dear PM, Welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India’s population gets 73% of its wealth? I’m attaching a report for your ready reference. https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 23, 2018 × With his tweet, Rahul also attached a new survey by international rights group Oxfam, which mentioned that India's richest one per cent garnered as much as 73 per cent of the total wealth generated in the country in 2017. The report's findings are in line with those of similar studies including the one published by renowned economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty last July. Both the reports finding said the rich have disproportionately benefited from liberalisation while others have been left struggling. PM Modi attended the WEF in Davos and gave the opening plenary speech. He is the first Prime Minister to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.

Tell Davos why 1% Indians corner 73% wealth: Rahul

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday talked about the menace of terrorism spreading in the world, during the plenary session of the World Economic Forum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing the world leaders, the prime minister said that terrorism is a grave concern and what is more dangerous is the artificial distinction made between &#39;good terrorist&#39; and &#39;bad terrorist&#39;.</p>

<p>He also said India&#39;s position on the terrorism is well known and he would not like to elaborate on that.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Terrorism is dangerous. Worse is when people say there is a difference between &#39;good&#39; and &#39;bad&#39; terror. It is painful to see some youngsters getting radicalised,&rdquo; the Prime Minister said before global business and political leaders.</p>

<p>Last year, PM Modi had called on nations to take responsibility to ensure that the digital space does not become a playground for the dark forces of terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi had stated that for over four decades, India had been raising the issue of terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;Initially the world did not take us seriously, but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism. The world will have to join hands to eliminate terrorism.&quot;</p>

<p>Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister in two decades to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) here today during which he talked about serious challenges and grave concerns facing the world.&nbsp;</p>


The prime minister said that India's position on the menace of terrorism is well known

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday talked about the menace of terrorism spreading in the world, during the plenary session of the World Economic Forum. While addressing the world leaders, the prime minister said that terrorism is a grave concern and what is more dangerous is the artificial distinction made between 'good terrorist' and 'bad terrorist'. He also said India's position on the terrorism is well known and he would not like to elaborate on that. “Terrorism is dangerous. Worse is when people say there is a difference between 'good' and 'bad' terror. It is painful to see some youngsters getting radicalised,” the Prime Minister said before global business and political leaders. Last year, PM Modi had called on nations to take responsibility to ensure that the digital space does not become a playground for the dark forces of terrorism. PM Modi had stated that for over four decades, India had been raising the issue of terrorism. “Initially the world did not take us seriously, but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism. The world will have to join hands to eliminate terrorism." Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister in two decades to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) here today during which he talked about serious challenges and grave concerns facing the world.

Nothing more dangerous than differentiating between terrorism as 'good' and 'bad': PM Modi

<p>Bangladesh&#39;s main opposition party, the BNP, has named the &#39;fugitive&#39; and convicted eldest son of Khaleda Zia as its acting chief, a day after the former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a graft case.</p>

<p>The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka&#39;s Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia</p>

<p>Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned- politician.</p>

<p>The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia&#39;s &quot;fugitive&quot; eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP&#39;s) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia.</p>

<p>Rahman, 53, and four others have also been sentenced to 10 years in prison.</p>

<p>&quot;Tarique Rahman is now the acting chairman of BNP,&quot; senior secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said.</p>

<p>Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan later told PTI that the decision was taken in line with the party&#39;s constitution and Rahman would lead the party from exile as he is now in London.</p>

<p>Rehman fled to London in 2008 after he was detained by an army-backed government for more than 18 months.</p>

<p>In 2016, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of money laundering.</p>

<p>&quot;There is no problem for him to be the party chief,&quot; Khan said when asked as a fugitive convict if he was qualified to run the party from abroad.</p>

<p>The opposition party&#39;s move evoked sharp response from the ruling Awami League.</p>

<p>Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Quader sharply reacted to the decision, saying the BNP preferred to make someone corrupt to head the party.</p>

<p>He said the BNP recently scrapped a section of its constitution that had debarred dishonest people from being the party leader.</p>

<p>&quot;It is now crystal clear why the BNP abolished Section 7 from its constitution. Now there is no bar in the BNP&#39;s constitution for corrupt and convicted persons to be a leader of this party,&quot; he said at a party function.</p>

<p>Rahman is also being tried on several other charges with one being the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League.</p>

<p>Twenty three people were killed and Hasina narrowly escaped the assault while a Dhaka court nearly wrapped up the trial proceedings against Rahman and several stalwarts of the then BNP government and ex-military intelligence officials.</p>


The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka's Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of about USD 250,000 in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Bangladesh's main opposition party, the BNP, has named the 'fugitive' and convicted eldest son of Khaleda Zia as its acting chief, a day after the former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in a graft case. The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced yesterday by the Dhaka's Special Court in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned- politician. The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia's "fugitive" eldest son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP's) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia. Rahman, 53, and four others have also been sentenced to 10 years in prison. "Tarique Rahman is now the acting chairman of BNP," senior secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said. Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan later told PTI that the decision was taken in line with the party's constitution and Rahman would lead the party from exile as he is now in London. Rehman fled to London in 2008 after he was detained by an army-backed government for more than 18 months. In 2016, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of money laundering. "There is no problem for him to be the party chief," Khan said when asked as a fugitive convict if he was qualified to run the party from abroad. The opposition party's move evoked sharp response from the ruling Awami League. Awami League general secretary and road transport minister Obaidul Quader sharply reacted to the decision, saying the BNP preferred to make someone corrupt to head the party. He said the BNP recently scrapped a section of its constitution that had debarred dishonest people from being the party leader. "It is now crystal clear why the BNP abolished Section 7 from its constitution. Now there is no bar in the BNP's constitution for corrupt and convicted persons to be a leader of this party," he said at a party function. Rahman is also being tried on several other charges with one being the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on a rally of the then opposition Awami League. Twenty three people were killed and Hasina narrowly escaped the assault while a Dhaka court nearly wrapped up the trial proceedings against Rahman and several stalwarts of the then BNP government and ex-military intelligence officials.

Khaleda Zia's 'fugitive' son is now BNP's acting chief

<p>Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday blasted the International Olympic Committee&#39;s decision not to invite 15 Russian athletes and staff who had their life bans for doping lifted to the Pyeongchang Games.</p>

<p>&quot;The IOC Commission has taken a shameful decision. This decision is unfair, unlawful, immoral and politically charged,&quot; Medvedev wrote on his Facebook page.</p>

<p>&quot;The court has taken a decision in this case. After that, its decision has been overturned by a group of people who have placed themselves above the court, the IOC, the athletes and fans.&quot;</p>

<p>He added: &quot;This decision has little in common with&nbsp;sports. Its goal is to do political damage to Russia.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;And now politics has defeated the rules of law and decency.&quot;</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, the IOC ruled that 15 Russian athletes and staff who controversially had their life bans for doping lifted last week will not be invited to Pyeongchang.</p>

<p>The decision was taken after a special panel &quot;unanimously recommended that the IOC not extend an invitation to the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang 2018 to the 15 individuals&quot;, a statement said.</p>

<p>&quot;The OAR IG (Olympic Athlete from Russia Implementation Group) confirmed that no additional invitations will be extended to these 15 individuals,&quot; the IOC said.</p>

<p>The 15 were among a group of 28 Russians who had been banned for life from the Olympics for doping, but whose suspensions were overturned at the Court of Arbitration for&nbsp;Sport&nbsp;on Thursday.</p>

<p>They included 13 athletes and two ex-athletes now working as support staff. The other members of the 28 have either retired or are unavailable for undisclosed reasons.</p>

<p>The IOC has barred Russia from the Pyeongchang Olympics, which open on Friday, over a widespread doping conspiracy. But 169 Russians who have passed strict anti-doping protocols will compete under a neutral flag.</p>

<p>The IOC announcement comes after the body&#39;s president, Thomas Bach, slammed the CAS decision as &quot;extremely disappointing and surprising&quot; and called for reforms to the independent&nbsp;sports&nbsp;tribunal.</p>

<p>&quot;We have some concerns about the quality of this decision,&quot; Bach told reporters on Sunday, questioning why the court didn&#39;t take into account the &quot;systemic manipulation of the anti-doping system in Russia&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Dmitry Medvedev on Monday blasted the International Olympic Committee's decision not to invite 15 Russian athletes and staff who had their life bans for doping lifted to the Pyeongchang Games

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday blasted the International Olympic Committee's decision not to invite 15 Russian athletes and staff who had their life bans for doping lifted to the Pyeongchang Games. "The IOC Commission has taken a shameful decision. This decision is unfair, unlawful, immoral and politically charged," Medvedev wrote on his Facebook page. "The court has taken a decision in this case. After that, its decision has been overturned by a group of people who have placed themselves above the court, the IOC, the athletes and fans." He added: "This decision has little in common with sports. Its goal is to do political damage to Russia." "And now politics has defeated the rules of law and decency." Earlier on Monday, the IOC ruled that 15 Russian athletes and staff who controversially had their life bans for doping lifted last week will not be invited to Pyeongchang. The decision was taken after a special panel "unanimously recommended that the IOC not extend an invitation to the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang 2018 to the 15 individuals", a statement said. "The OAR IG (Olympic Athlete from Russia Implementation Group) confirmed that no additional invitations will be extended to these 15 individuals," the IOC said. The 15 were among a group of 28 Russians who had been banned for life from the Olympics for doping, but whose suspensions were overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday. They included 13 athletes and two ex-athletes now working as support staff. The other members of the 28 have either retired or are unavailable for undisclosed reasons. The IOC has barred Russia from the Pyeongchang Olympics, which open on Friday, over a widespread doping conspiracy. But 169 Russians who have passed strict anti-doping protocols will compete under a neutral flag. The IOC announcement comes after the body's president, Thomas Bach, slammed the CAS decision as "extremely disappointing and surprising" and called for reforms to the independent sports tribunal. "We have some concerns about the quality of this decision," Bach told reporters on Sunday, questioning why the court didn't take into account the "systemic manipulation of the anti-doping system in Russia".

Russian PM Medvedev slams IOC verdict

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the&nbsp;inaugural session of the Advantage Assam-Global Investors&#39;&nbsp;Summit in Guwahati.&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> PM Modi addresses the inaugural session of Advantage Assam-Global Investors Summit in Guwahati <a href="https://t.co/mjh3hQZnxT">https://t.co/mjh3hQZnxT</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959692997699883011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister said that India&#39;s growth story would be expedited once the Northeast developed.</p>

<p>&quot;India&#39;s growth story will pick up more speed when people living in Northeast region will see fast development in a balanced manner,&quot; the prime minister said at the summit which aims at positioning the state as India&#39;s expressway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.</p>

<p>&quot;We created the Act East Policy and the Northeast is at the heart of it,&quot; PM Modi said&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister&nbsp;said the tagline of the of the summit, &#39;Advantage Assam: India&rsquo;s Expressway to ASEAN&rsquo;, was very appropriate and gave a big message.</p>

<p>&quot;Advantage Assam: India&rsquo;s Expressway to ASEAN&rsquo; is not just a statement but it is a comprehensive vision,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>PM Modi praised Assam for ranking first among the Northeast states in the Ease of Doing Business report.</p>

<p>&quot;Assam is ranked first among the Northeastern States in the Ease of Doing Business report. With the present leadership of the state government, Assam is going to further improve its current position to emerge as one of the most sought-after states for investment,&quot; the prime minister said.</p>

<p>PM Modi said his government was restructuring the National Bamboo mission with an amount of Rs 1300 crore.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are restructuring the &#39;National Bamboo mission&#39;&nbsp;with the amount of Rs 1300 crore. This will benefit people of Northeast, especially the farmers of this region,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>PM Modi also said the working style of the government had been changed.</p>

<p>&quot;We have changed the working style of govt. We want all programmes to be completed ahead of target,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The prime minister also spoke about the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme announced in the budget, stating that it would benefit 45-50 crore people. He added that the scheme had enhanced possibilities of setting up hospitals in tier 2 and 3 cities.</p>

<p>&quot;Government in the budget announced Ayushman Bharat Yojana, This is one of its kind, the biggest programme in the World. Someone who has lived in poverty, who had endured pains of poverty and moved forward, that person always realises that the biggest concern of poor is the treatment of diseases,&quot; PM Modi said.</p>

<p>He also spoke about how the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was a priority for the government which had given a &quot;big relief&quot; to the MSMEs in this year&#39;s budget.</p>

<p>&quot;Development of the MSME sector is a priority for us. In this year&#39;s budget we are giving big relief to MSMEs by reducing the rate of income tax to 25% on companies reporting a turnover of up to Rs 250 crore.</p>

<p>Also in attendance was the Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi with Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay at Advantage Assam - Global Investors Summit 2018 in Guwahati. <a href="https://t.co/LhWr8v4Bbx">pic.twitter.com/LhWr8v4Bbx</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959705676695171074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-day summit, organised by the Assam Government, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will showcase Assam&#39;s manufacturing opportunities and geostrategic advantages to foreign and domestic investors.</p>

<p>The focus sectors identified by the state include agriculture and food processing, organic farming, bamboo, handloom, textile and handicrafts, inland water transport, riverfront development and logistics.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said that India's growth story would be expedited once the North East developed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of the Advantage Assam-Global Investors' Summit in Guwahati. #WATCH PM Modi addresses the inaugural session of Advantage Assam-Global Investors Summit in Guwahati https://t.co/mjh3hQZnxT — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2018 × The prime minister said that India's growth story would be expedited once the Northeast developed. "India's growth story will pick up more speed when people living in Northeast region will see fast development in a balanced manner," the prime minister said at the summit which aims at positioning the state as India's expressway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. "We created the Act East Policy and the Northeast is at the heart of it," PM Modi said The prime minister said the tagline of the of the summit, 'Advantage Assam: India’s Expressway to ASEAN’, was very appropriate and gave a big message. "Advantage Assam: India’s Expressway to ASEAN’ is not just a statement but it is a comprehensive vision," PM Modi said. PM Modi praised Assam for ranking first among the Northeast states in the Ease of Doing Business report. "Assam is ranked first among the Northeastern States in the Ease of Doing Business report. With the present leadership of the state government, Assam is going to further improve its current position to emerge as one of the most sought-after states for investment," the prime minister said. PM Modi said his government was restructuring the National Bamboo mission with an amount of Rs 1300 crore. "We are restructuring the 'National Bamboo mission' with the amount of Rs 1300 crore. This will benefit people of Northeast, especially the farmers of this region," he said. PM Modi also said the working style of the government had been changed. "We have changed the working style of govt. We want all programmes to be completed ahead of target," he said. The prime minister also spoke about the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme announced in the budget, stating that it would benefit 45-50 crore people. He added that the scheme had enhanced possibilities of setting up hospitals in tier 2 and 3 cities. "Government in the budget announced Ayushman Bharat Yojana, This is one of its kind, the biggest programme in the World. Someone who has lived in poverty, who had endured pains of poverty and moved forward, that person always realises that the biggest concern of poor is the treatment of diseases," PM Modi said. He also spoke about how the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was a priority for the government which had given a "big relief" to the MSMEs in this year's budget. "Development of the MSME sector is a priority for us. In this year's budget we are giving big relief to MSMEs by reducing the rate of income tax to 25% on companies reporting a turnover of up to Rs 250 crore. Also in attendance was the Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay. PM Narendra Modi with Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay at Advantage Assam - Global Investors Summit 2018 in Guwahati. pic.twitter.com/LhWr8v4Bbx — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2018 × The two-day summit, organised by the Assam Government, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will showcase Assam's manufacturing opportunities and geostrategic advantages to foreign and domestic investors. The focus sectors identified by the state include agriculture and food processing, organic farming, bamboo, handloom, textile and handicrafts, inland water transport, riverfront development and logistics. (With inputs from agencies)

Northeast at heart of Act East policy: PM Modi in Assam

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-takeaways-from-union-budget-2018-31457" target="_blank">Budget 2018 presented by Arun Jaitley</a> in Rajya Sabha, saying it will accelerate the economic growth as it is focused on all the sectors.</p>

<p>The prime minister said the Budget will strengthen the &#39;New India&#39; vision because it is farmer friendly, common citizen friendly, business environment friendly and development friendly.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From food processing to fiber optics, roads to shipping, youth to senior citizen, rural India to Ayushmaan Bharat, Digital India to Start Up India, this budget strengthens hopes and aspirations of crores of Indians: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionBudget2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnionBudget2018</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958974398970650624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further congratulated the finance minister for the decision regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP), adding it will help the farmers tremendously.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate the Finance Minister for the decision regarding Minimum Support Price. I am sure it will help the farmers tremendously: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionBudget2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnionBudget2018</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958974716642983936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi was further hopeful that farmers, Dalits and tribal communities will gain from the budget and will create new opportunities for rural India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Humne ease of living ki bhaavna ka vistaar ujjwala yojna mein bhi dekha hai. Ye yojna desh ke ghareeb mahilaon ko na sirf dhuyen se mukti dila rahi hai balki unke sashakrikaran ka bhi bada maadhyam bani hai: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionBudget2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnionBudget2018</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/958977272588984320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Budget 2018 is a testimony to Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s commitment towards agricultural growth and farmers&rsquo; welfare.</p>

<p>Jaitley announced a series of amendments to the schemes implemented to uplift the agriculture sector&nbsp;and rural populace.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


He further congratulated the finance minister for the decision regarding the MSP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the Budget 2018 presented by Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha, saying it will accelerate the economic growth as it is focused on all the sectors. The prime minister said the Budget will strengthen the 'New India' vision because it is farmer friendly, common citizen friendly, business environment friendly and development friendly. From food processing to fiber optics, roads to shipping, youth to senior citizen, rural India to Ayushmaan Bharat, Digital India to Start Up India, this budget strengthens hopes and aspirations of crores of Indians: PM Modi #UnionBudget2018 — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × He further congratulated the finance minister for the decision regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP), adding it will help the farmers tremendously. I congratulate the Finance Minister for the decision regarding Minimum Support Price. I am sure it will help the farmers tremendously: PM Modi #UnionBudget2018 — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × PM Modi was further hopeful that farmers, Dalits and tribal communities will gain from the budget and will create new opportunities for rural India. Humne ease of living ki bhaavna ka vistaar ujjwala yojna mein bhi dekha hai. Ye yojna desh ke ghareeb mahilaon ko na sirf dhuyen se mukti dila rahi hai balki unke sashakrikaran ka bhi bada maadhyam bani hai: PM Modi #UnionBudget2018 — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × The Budget 2018 is a testimony to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment towards agricultural growth and farmers’ welfare. Jaitley announced a series of amendments to the schemes implemented to uplift the agriculture sector and rural populace.

Budget 2018 focused on all sectors, will accelerate economic growth: PM Modi

<p>A 28-year-old man, who the BJP claimed was a party worker, was hacked to death by a gang here following which two people were arrested in the case, police said on Thursday.</p>

<p>Santhosh was attacked by a four-member gang when he was returning home from a party last night, they said.</p>

<p>They said he was murdered over the previous enmity and added that two people were arrested in the case while a hunt was on for two others.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Karnataka unit of the BJP claimed that Santhosh was a party worker and the incident took place when he was putting up party flags and buntings in Chennappa Garden area in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s visit to the city on February 4.</p>

<p>In a tweet late last night, the Karnataka BJP said, &quot;Santhosh was found dead in a pool of blood after he was hacked near Channappa Garden, JC Nagar, Bengaluru.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;When will this cycle of violence stop in Karnataka Santosh was stabbed in the thigh and died during treatment,&quot; it alleged.</p>

<p>On January 3, Deepak Rao (28), who was associated with the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was killed, triggering tension in Dakshina Kannada district and leading to a retaliatory attack that claimed the life of Basheer (47).</p>

<p>A series of killings of Hindu activists in the state triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and the BJP in recent months.</p>

<p>The BJP had alleged that the Congress government allowed &quot;jihadi forces&quot; to have a field day and to indulge in &quot;wanton killings&quot; of Hindu workers in pursuance of &quot;vote-bank politics&quot; and minority appeasement.</p>

<p>The Congress had charged the BJP with polarising the sensitive situation in the region with an eye on the upcoming Assembly polls due this year.&nbsp;</p>


A series of killings of Hindu activists in the state triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and the BJP in recent months

A 28-year-old man, who the BJP claimed was a party worker, was hacked to death by a gang here following which two people were arrested in the case, police said on Thursday. Santhosh was attacked by a four-member gang when he was returning home from a party last night, they said. They said he was murdered over the previous enmity and added that two people were arrested in the case while a hunt was on for two others. Meanwhile, the Karnataka unit of the BJP claimed that Santhosh was a party worker and the incident took place when he was putting up party flags and buntings in Chennappa Garden area in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city on February 4. In a tweet late last night, the Karnataka BJP said, "Santhosh was found dead in a pool of blood after he was hacked near Channappa Garden, JC Nagar, Bengaluru." "When will this cycle of violence stop in Karnataka Santosh was stabbed in the thigh and died during treatment," it alleged. On January 3, Deepak Rao (28), who was associated with the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was killed, triggering tension in Dakshina Kannada district and leading to a retaliatory attack that claimed the life of Basheer (47). A series of killings of Hindu activists in the state triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and the BJP in recent months. The BJP had alleged that the Congress government allowed "jihadi forces" to have a field day and to indulge in "wanton killings" of Hindu workers in pursuance of "vote-bank politics" and minority appeasement. The Congress had charged the BJP with polarising the sensitive situation in the region with an eye on the upcoming Assembly polls due this year.

Man murdered in Karnataka by gang, BJP claims he was party worker

<p>The Czech government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis agreed to resign on Wednesday after the minority cabinet lost a confidence vote a day earlier.</p>

<p>The government will remain in office in a caretaker capacity after the compulsory step, pending negotiations on forming an alternative administration that could take weeks or months as parties shun Babis while he battles allegations he abused an EU subsidy programme a decade ago as a businessman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The government approved its resignation and I will ask for an appointment with the president so that I can deliver the resignation personally,&quot; Babis said.</p>

<p>President Milos Zeman has said he will give Babis another go at forming a government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president`s spokesman said Zeman would accept the resignation by the end of the working week.</p>

<p>Police allege Babis, the country`s second-richest person, hid ownership of one of his companies a decade ago to win a 2 million euro subsidy, mostly from European Union funds, meant for small businesses. He denies wrongdoing.</p>

<p>He was charged in the case but regained immunity from prosecution when he won a lower house seat in an October general election in which his ANO party was the winner by a wide margin but failed to reach a majority</p>

<p>.Parliament will decide whether to lift Babis` immunity on Friday.</p>

<p>The other eight parties in parliament have so far rejected any form of cooperation with ANO, though its decisive victory means it is almost certain to be in any viable government, with or without Babis at the helm.</p>

<p>Several parties have signalled they might discuss governing with ANO, especially if Babis was not prime minister, a condition he has so far refused to meet.</p>

<p>Government talks could also drag on because of the possible departure of Zeman as president, whose reelection bid is facing a formidable challenger in academic Jiri Drahos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Czechs votes in the second, decisive round of the presidential election on Jan. 26-27.</p>


Prime Minister Andrej Babis agreed to resign after the minority cabinet lost a confidence vote a day earlier

The Czech government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis agreed to resign on Wednesday after the minority cabinet lost a confidence vote a day earlier. The government will remain in office in a caretaker capacity after the compulsory step, pending negotiations on forming an alternative administration that could take weeks or months as parties shun Babis while he battles allegations he abused an EU subsidy programme a decade ago as a businessman. "The government approved its resignation and I will ask for an appointment with the president so that I can deliver the resignation personally," Babis said. President Milos Zeman has said he will give Babis another go at forming a government. The president`s spokesman said Zeman would accept the resignation by the end of the working week. Police allege Babis, the country`s second-richest person, hid ownership of one of his companies a decade ago to win a 2 million euro subsidy, mostly from European Union funds, meant for small businesses. He denies wrongdoing. He was charged in the case but regained immunity from prosecution when he won a lower house seat in an October general election in which his ANO party was the winner by a wide margin but failed to reach a majority .Parliament will decide whether to lift Babis` immunity on Friday. The other eight parties in parliament have so far rejected any form of cooperation with ANO, though its decisive victory means it is almost certain to be in any viable government, with or without Babis at the helm. Several parties have signalled they might discuss governing with ANO, especially if Babis was not prime minister, a condition he has so far refused to meet. Government talks could also drag on because of the possible departure of Zeman as president, whose reelection bid is facing a formidable challenger in academic Jiri Drahos. Czechs votes in the second, decisive round of the presidential election on Jan. 26-27.

Czech government agrees to resign after losing confidence vote

<p>Romania&rsquo;s Prime Minister Mihai Tudose announced his resignation on Monday after his Social Democrat Party (PSD) withdrew its support amid a struggle with the group&#39;s chairman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party decided after a meeting, which lasted more than five hours, not to back him in an overwhelming vote, making him the second PM to be ousted in seven months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tudose, who was appointed in June, and leader Liviu Dragnea had clashes when the PM asked his interior minister Carmen Dan to quit after accusing her of lying to him. However, she refused to leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tudose said he was quitting &quot;with my head high&quot; just over six months after he took office.</p>

<p>Tudose told reporters after the party vote: &ldquo;They named me, they removed me. I take responsibility for my deeds and I do not regret anything in my actions (as premier).&rdquo;</p>

<p>He said he would confirm his resignation in writing to President Klaus Iohannis on Monday night.</p>

<p>Deputy Prime Minister Paul Stanescu will be nominated to serve in Tudose&rsquo;s place for an interim period of up to 45 days, officials said. Iohannis can endorse Stanescu or propose an alternative.</p>

<p>Dragnea said 60 members of the committee had voted to sack Tudose and four to retain him, with the rest abstaining.</p>

<p>The PSD, which has a comfortable parliamentary majority, will have to nominate a permanent replacement during that period and its nominee needs backing from Iohannis and will face a vote of confidence in parliament.</p>

<p>Dragnea said the committee would meet on Tuesday to discuss proposals for a replacement.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We want to avoid facing the same situation (replacement of a prime minister) for the third time,&rdquo; he told reporters.</p>

<p>Dragnea, whose party swept to an emphatic national election win in December 2016, is barred from becoming prime minister by a conviction in a vote-rigging case.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Reuters)</p>


The party decided after a meeting, which lasted more than five hours, not to back him in an overwhelming vote, making him the second PM to be ousted in seven months.

Romania’s Prime Minister Mihai Tudose announced his resignation on Monday after his Social Democrat Party (PSD) withdrew its support amid a struggle with the group's chairman. The party decided after a meeting, which lasted more than five hours, not to back him in an overwhelming vote, making him the second PM to be ousted in seven months. Tudose, who was appointed in June, and leader Liviu Dragnea had clashes when the PM asked his interior minister Carmen Dan to quit after accusing her of lying to him. However, she refused to leave. Tudose said he was quitting "with my head high" just over six months after he took office. Tudose told reporters after the party vote: “They named me, they removed me. I take responsibility for my deeds and I do not regret anything in my actions (as premier).” He said he would confirm his resignation in writing to President Klaus Iohannis on Monday night. Deputy Prime Minister Paul Stanescu will be nominated to serve in Tudose’s place for an interim period of up to 45 days, officials said. Iohannis can endorse Stanescu or propose an alternative. Dragnea said 60 members of the committee had voted to sack Tudose and four to retain him, with the rest abstaining. The PSD, which has a comfortable parliamentary majority, will have to nominate a permanent replacement during that period and its nominee needs backing from Iohannis and will face a vote of confidence in parliament. Dragnea said the committee would meet on Tuesday to discuss proposals for a replacement. “We want to avoid facing the same situation (replacement of a prime minister) for the third time,” he told reporters. Dragnea, whose party swept to an emphatic national election win in December 2016, is barred from becoming prime minister by a conviction in a vote-rigging case. (With inputs from Reuters)

Romania PM Mihai Tudose resigns after losing support from party

<p>Seventeen Maoist ministers in Nepal resigned on Friday, saying it was time for the government to clear the way for a new one, reports said.</p>

<p>All Maoist ministers - 17 (10 cabinet and seven ministers of state) - were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections. Nepali Congress and its allies would be the ones retaining control.</p>

<p>Almost three months after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stripped Maoist Centre ministers of their responsibilities protesting the party&#39;s electoral alliance with the Communist Party of&nbsp;Nepal-Unified Marxist&nbsp;Leninist&nbsp;(CPN-UML), the third largest party has decided to quit the government.</p>

<p>The resignation also came following the election of some ministers to provincial assemblies which led the Maoist party to quit the government in order to make preparations for joining a provincial government, media reports said.</p>

<p>According to reports, after the decision announced on Thursday, the party notified PM Deuba about recalling of the ministers without a portfolio on Friday.</p>

<p>&quot;Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister without Portfolio (the then Health Minister) submitted the resignation letter from the Maoist Center during the cabinet meeting on Friday,&quot; Press advisor of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Govinda Pariyar said.</p>

<p>Maoist leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Janardan Sharma, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pradbhu Sah, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Shiva Kumar Mandal, Asha Khanal and Santa Kumar Tharu were amongst the 17 ministers.</p>


All Maoist ministers were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections

Seventeen Maoist ministers in Nepal resigned on Friday, saying it was time for the government to clear the way for a new one, reports said. All Maoist ministers - 17 (10 cabinet and seven ministers of state) - were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections. Nepali Congress and its allies would be the ones retaining control. Almost three months after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stripped Maoist Centre ministers of their responsibilities protesting the party's electoral alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the third largest party has decided to quit the government. The resignation also came following the election of some ministers to provincial assemblies which led the Maoist party to quit the government in order to make preparations for joining a provincial government, media reports said. According to reports, after the decision announced on Thursday, the party notified PM Deuba about recalling of the ministers without a portfolio on Friday. "Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister without Portfolio (the then Health Minister) submitted the resignation letter from the Maoist Center during the cabinet meeting on Friday," Press advisor of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Govinda Pariyar said. Maoist leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Janardan Sharma, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pradbhu Sah, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Shiva Kumar Mandal, Asha Khanal and Santa Kumar Tharu were amongst the 17 ministers.

Nepal: 17 Maoist ministers decide to quit government

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India was not eyeing on anyone`s territory as the country`s focus has always been on capacity building and resource development.&quot;We do not intend to exploit anyone`s resources, nor we are eyeing anyone`s territory.</p>

<p>Our focus has always been on capacity building and resource development.</p>

<p>Thousands of Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the two World Wars, and never did India eye an inch of foreign territory,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said while inaugurating Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference in Delhi.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister lauded Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj for taking care of not only Indian citizens but also the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).&quot;Sushma Swaraj not only takes care of Indian citizens but also the NRIs.</p>

<p>Under her, our ministry of external affairs keeps an eye on problems of NRIs 24 by 7 with a real-time monitoring system,&quot; he said.He also stated that country`s ethos even in grave situations have always been a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (whole world is a family).&quot;During the earthquake in Nepal, flood in Sri Lanka, water problems in the Maldives; India was the first to respond.</p>

<p>When crisis struck Yemen, we saved our 4,500 people as well as 2000 others. India`s humanity even in grave situations like these is a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,&quot; he added.Prime Minister Modi said, &quot;We have strengthened our relationship with ASEAN countries. India is the top contributor to UN peacekeeping corps.</p>

<p>The 21st century is being considered the Asian century and India will be a major player in this with the growing stature of our country and you shall feel proud about our growth.&quot;External Affairs Minister Swaraj delivered the opening remarks at the conference by saying India has become a country which decides global policy.&quot;If India is dominating the world today, credit goes to Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<p>India has become a country which decides global policy. When Prime Minister goes to G-20, he brings black money to centre stage and takes brave decisions like demonetisation and the GST back home,&quot; she said.As many as 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries participated in this conference.</p>

<p>Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien, Lok Sabha deputy chairman Thambidurai, Union Ministers VK Singh and MJ Akbar, and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar were also present at the event.</p>

<p>Every year, January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD), an annual celebratory day that marks the contribution of overseas persons of Indian origin (PIO) towards their homeland.This is the first PIO-Parliamentary Conference and is a way of reaching out to the Indian community overseas by the government.</p>


Our focus has always been on capacity building and resource development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India was not eyeing on anyone`s territory as the country`s focus has always been on capacity building and resource development."We do not intend to exploit anyone`s resources, nor we are eyeing anyone`s territory. Our focus has always been on capacity building and resource development. Thousands of Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the two World Wars, and never did India eye an inch of foreign territory," Prime Minister Modi said while inaugurating Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference in Delhi. The Prime Minister lauded Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj for taking care of not only Indian citizens but also the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)."Sushma Swaraj not only takes care of Indian citizens but also the NRIs. Under her, our ministry of external affairs keeps an eye on problems of NRIs 24 by 7 with a real-time monitoring system," he said.He also stated that country`s ethos even in grave situations have always been a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (whole world is a family)."During the earthquake in Nepal, flood in Sri Lanka, water problems in the Maldives; India was the first to respond. When crisis struck Yemen, we saved our 4,500 people as well as 2000 others. India`s humanity even in grave situations like these is a part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," he added.Prime Minister Modi said, "We have strengthened our relationship with ASEAN countries. India is the top contributor to UN peacekeeping corps. The 21st century is being considered the Asian century and India will be a major player in this with the growing stature of our country and you shall feel proud about our growth."External Affairs Minister Swaraj delivered the opening remarks at the conference by saying India has become a country which decides global policy."If India is dominating the world today, credit goes to Prime Minister Modi. India has become a country which decides global policy. When Prime Minister goes to G-20, he brings black money to centre stage and takes brave decisions like demonetisation and the GST back home," she said.As many as 124 Members of Parliament and 17 mayors from 23 countries participated in this conference. Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien, Lok Sabha deputy chairman Thambidurai, Union Ministers VK Singh and MJ Akbar, and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar were also present at the event. Every year, January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD), an annual celebratory day that marks the contribution of overseas persons of Indian origin (PIO) towards their homeland.This is the first PIO-Parliamentary Conference and is a way of reaching out to the Indian community overseas by the government.

India not eying anyone's territory, says PM Modi

<p>Minister of Petroleum&nbsp;and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the opening of the first-ever seven refineries and petrochemical complexes on 16 January in Barmer oil refinery.</p>

<p>He said &quot; For the first time, 7 refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India &amp; will go on floor from 16th January, with all clearances and tenders.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For the first time, 7 refineries &amp; petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India &amp; will go on floor from 16th Jan, with all clearances &amp; tenders: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi&#39;s proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/9UmoZouJre">pic.twitter.com/9UmoZouJre</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950674278726254592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He invalidated&nbsp;the statements made by Congress party that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and the prime minister was repeating their action.</p>

<p>He said &quot;Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are all false claims.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery &amp; why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are false claims: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi&#39;s proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/ngCnum6gsO">pic.twitter.com/ngCnum6gsO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950675960285704192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On January 16, seven refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functioning in India for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi is proposed to visit the foundation site in Barmer Oil refinery in Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on January 6, Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has opposed the upcoming foundation laying ceremony of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=oil%20refinery">oil refinery</a>&nbsp;in Barmer by the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>He said that the foundation stone for the refinery was already laid September 22, 2013, by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On January 16, seven refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India for the first time. Congress said that the foundation stone for the refinery was already laid on September 22, 2013, by former party president Sonia Gandhi.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the opening of the first-ever seven refineries and petrochemical complexes on 16 January in Barmer oil refinery. He said " For the first time, 7 refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India & will go on floor from 16th January, with all clearances and tenders." For the first time, 7 refineries & petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India & will go on floor from 16th Jan, with all clearances & tenders: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi's proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/9UmoZouJre — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 × He invalidated the statements made by Congress party that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and the prime minister was repeating their action. He said "Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are all false claims." Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery & why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are false claims: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi's proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/ngCnum6gsO — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 × On January 16, seven refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functioning in India for the first time. PM Modi is proposed to visit the foundation site in Barmer Oil refinery in Rajasthan. Earlier on January 6, Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has opposed the upcoming foundation laying ceremony of an oil refinery in Barmer by the Prime Minister. He said that the foundation stone for the refinery was already laid September 22, 2013, by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

PM Modi laying foundation of refineries, petrochemical sites in Barmer Oil refinery, Congress takes credit

<p>Britain`s government is to undergo a reshuffle on Monday as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to reassert her authority following a string of high-profile departures, according to MPs.</p>

<p>Deputy prime minister Damian Green is set to be replaced after stepping down last month over a pornography scandal, following on from the departures of ministers Michael Fallon and Priti Patel embroiled in separate controversies.</p>

<p>&quot;Damian Green`s departure before Christmas means that some changes do have to be made, and I will be making some changes,&quot; May told BBC`s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday.</p>

<p>A Labour MP who wished to remain anonymous told AFP that the reshuffle would take place on Monday, having received confirmation from Conservative colleagues.</p>

<p>May`s Downing Street office also said that widespread reports that cabinet ministers would discover their fate on Monday were not inaccurate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Green`s resignation came as part of a broader scandal over sexual harassment at Westminster, which prompted defence minister Fallon`s departure in November.</p>

<p>His resignation was followed a week later by that of Patel, Britain`s overseas aid minister, who stepped down over unauthorised meetings in Israel.</p>

<p>Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is believed to be in line to take over Green`s role, while the Sunday Telegraph reported that education minister Justine Greening was facing the sack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leading figures such as foreign minister Boris Johnson, finance minister Philip Hammond and Brexit Secretary David Davis are expected to stay in their roles.</p>

<p>Justice minister Dominic Raab, an ardent Brexit supporter, is reported to be in line for a top job, while May is also predicted to promote more women and racially diverse members.</p>


Deputy PM Damian Green will be replaced after stepping down last month over a pornography scandal

Britain`s government is to undergo a reshuffle on Monday as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to reassert her authority following a string of high-profile departures, according to MPs. Deputy prime minister Damian Green is set to be replaced after stepping down last month over a pornography scandal, following on from the departures of ministers Michael Fallon and Priti Patel embroiled in separate controversies. "Damian Green`s departure before Christmas means that some changes do have to be made, and I will be making some changes," May told BBC`s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday. A Labour MP who wished to remain anonymous told AFP that the reshuffle would take place on Monday, having received confirmation from Conservative colleagues. May`s Downing Street office also said that widespread reports that cabinet ministers would discover their fate on Monday were not inaccurate. Green`s resignation came as part of a broader scandal over sexual harassment at Westminster, which prompted defence minister Fallon`s departure in November. His resignation was followed a week later by that of Patel, Britain`s overseas aid minister, who stepped down over unauthorised meetings in Israel. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is believed to be in line to take over Green`s role, while the Sunday Telegraph reported that education minister Justine Greening was facing the sack. Leading figures such as foreign minister Boris Johnson, finance minister Philip Hammond and Brexit Secretary David Davis are expected to stay in their roles. Justice minister Dominic Raab, an ardent Brexit supporter, is reported to be in line for a top job, while May is also predicted to promote more women and racially diverse members.

British government set for Monday reshuffle

<p>Addressing the nation through the last &quot;Maan ki Baat&quot;&nbsp;episode of 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that this year&#39;s Republic Day will be celebrated with leaders of all ten ASEAN countries coming to India as chief guests.</p>

<p>The prime minister said that January 26, 2018, will be remembered through the ages as this is the first time in India&#39;s history when so many leaders will grace the celebrations. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Republic Day 2018 will be celebrated with leaders of all 10 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASEAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASEAN</a> countries coming to India as Chief Guests.: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947347210512904192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ASEAN countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.</p>

<p>The year 2017 has been special for both India and ASEAN which completed 50 years since its formation in 1967. India completed 25 years of its partnership with ASEAN this year.</p>

<p>PM Modi, who was addressing the 39th edition of his monthly radio programme, also shared his vision for New India and stated that it is where everyone gets opportunities to flourish and where the aspirations of all are fulfilled.</p>

<p>The prime minister also extended his greetings for New Year.&nbsp;</p>


The prime minister said this is the first time in India's history when so many leaders will grace the celebrations ?

Addressing the nation through the last "Maan ki Baat" episode of 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that this year's Republic Day will be celebrated with leaders of all ten ASEAN countries coming to India as chief guests. The prime minister said that January 26, 2018, will be remembered through the ages as this is the first time in India's history when so many leaders will grace the celebrations. Republic Day 2018 will be celebrated with leaders of all 10 #ASEAN countries coming to India as Chief Guests.: PM Modi #MannKiBaat — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × The ASEAN countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The year 2017 has been special for both India and ASEAN which completed 50 years since its formation in 1967. India completed 25 years of its partnership with ASEAN this year. PM Modi, who was addressing the 39th edition of his monthly radio programme, also shared his vision for New India and stated that it is where everyone gets opportunities to flourish and where the aspirations of all are fulfilled. The prime minister also extended his greetings for New Year.

ASEAN countries' leaders to be chief guests on Republic Day 2018: PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'

<p>In 2017&#39;s last edition of monthly radio programme &quot;Mann Ki Baat&quot;, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed those born in the 21st century to the democratic system, stating that they will become eligible voters from January 1, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People born in 21st century will gradually begin to become eligible voters from 1st of January, 2018. Indian Democracy welcomes these new voters: PM Modi</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947341320917434369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi said the &#39;New India youth&#39; voters will have the power to transform the nation and make it free from dirt and poverty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;New India will be free from poison of casteism, communalism, terrorism and corruption; free from dirt &amp; poverty,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>The prime minister also suggested having mock Parliaments in every district, where discussion can held on how to make development a mass movement to transform the country. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just now, while talking to you I got an idea whether we could organize a mock parliament in every district of India? I propose it should be around August 15: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947342029175975936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further asked the New India Youth to take the lead.</p>

<p>&quot;New voters are filled with energy and enthusiasm. With their skills and strength, they will take India to new heights of glory.&quot;</p>

<p>PM Modi also remembered the teachings of Jesus Christ and said Christ always laid much emphasis on the spirit of service, &quot;sewa bhaav&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said that New India voters have the power to transform the nation

In 2017's last edition of monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed those born in the 21st century to the democratic system, stating that they will become eligible voters from January 1, 2018. People born in 21st century will gradually begin to become eligible voters from 1st of January, 2018. Indian Democracy welcomes these new voters: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × PM Modi said the 'New India youth' voters will have the power to transform the nation and make it free from dirt and poverty. "New India will be free from poison of casteism, communalism, terrorism and corruption; free from dirt & poverty," Modi said. The prime minister also suggested having mock Parliaments in every district, where discussion can held on how to make development a mass movement to transform the country. Just now, while talking to you I got an idea whether we could organize a mock parliament in every district of India? I propose it should be around August 15: PM Modi #MannKiBaat — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2017 × He further asked the New India Youth to take the lead. "New voters are filled with energy and enthusiasm. With their skills and strength, they will take India to new heights of glory." PM Modi also remembered the teachings of Jesus Christ and said Christ always laid much emphasis on the spirit of service, "sewa bhaav".

'Mann Ki Baat': PM Modi extends New Year wishes, welcomes 21st Century voters

<p>Five-time legislator Jairam Thakur on Wednesday was sworn-in as the 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to a comfortable win in the recently concluded assembly election.</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> Oath taking ceremony of Himachal CM elect Jairam Thakur and others in Shimla in the presence of PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/UmlrABGVsI">https://t.co/UmlrABGVsI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945895901695950848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiRamThakur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiRamThakur</a> takes oath as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/Xv1kDII2H3">pic.twitter.com/Xv1kDII2H3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945896811352354817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah were also present at the oath-taking ceremony in Shimla.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister &nbsp;Yogi Adityanath and other senior party leader were also in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thakur, a leader from Mandi, was chosen over Jagat Prakash Nadda to lead the BJP&#39;s lawmakers in the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 52-year-old leader edged past party stalwarts in the race to the top office and became the first leader from the politically-significant Mandi region to helm the hill state.</p>

<p>BJP&#39;s first declared chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal lots to his erstwhile aide in the recent elections.</p>

<p>The BJP ousted the Congress from the Himalayan state after clinching 44 of the 68 seats. &nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah were also present at the oath-taking ceremony in Shimla

Five-time legislator Jairam Thakur on Wednesday was sworn-in as the 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to a comfortable win in the recently concluded assembly election. #WATCH Oath taking ceremony of Himachal CM elect Jairam Thakur and others in Shimla in the presence of PM Modi https://t.co/UmlrABGVsI — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × #JaiRamThakur takes oath as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/Xv1kDII2H3 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah were also present at the oath-taking ceremony in Shimla. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior party leader were also in attendance. Thakur, a leader from Mandi, was chosen over Jagat Prakash Nadda to lead the BJP's lawmakers in the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Sunday. The 52-year-old leader edged past party stalwarts in the race to the top office and became the first leader from the politically-significant Mandi region to helm the hill state. BJP's first declared chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal lots to his erstwhile aide in the recent elections. The BJP ousted the Congress from the Himalayan state after clinching 44 of the 68 seats.

Jairam Thakur sworn in as 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh

<p>Defying the 29-year-old &#39;Noida jinx&#39;, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday evening, to take stock of the security and other preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s proposed visit to inaugurate Delhi Metro&#39;s Magenta line. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath will be in Noida tomorrow also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Noida-Kalkaji Metro line&nbsp;will be inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and CM Yogi on December 25.</p>

<p>After reviewing the preparations, Yogi met homebuyers and the builders to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed possession of flats.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM&#39;s chair after visiting Noida, in 1997.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If reports are to be believed, no chief minister had stepped into the city in last decade.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position

Defying the 29-year-old 'Noida jinx', Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday evening, to take stock of the security and other preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to inaugurate Delhi Metro's Magenta line. Yogi Adityanath will be in Noida tomorrow also. The Noida-Kalkaji Metro line will be inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and CM Yogi on December 25. After reviewing the preparations, Yogi met homebuyers and the builders to resolve the ongoing issue of delayed possession of flats. There is a superstition that any chief minister who visits Noida, ends up losing his position. It took root in June 1988, when then chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh was asked to relinquish office by the Centre. Interestingly, the decision was made within days of his return from Noida. Likewise, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also lost her CM's chair after visiting Noida, in 1997. Then in 1989, ND Tiwari had to vacate the office and 10 years later in 1999, Kalyan Singh suffered due to the jinx. If reports are to be believed, no chief minister had stepped into the city in last decade.

Yogi Adityanath defies 'Noida jinx', visits city to check preparations ahead of PM Modi's visit

<p>With Christmas around the corner, the DMRC has announced a gift for the daily commuters this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People commuting between Noida to south Delhi will reach home early as Delhi Metro has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate its newly constructed Magenta line on December 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 12.64-km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be open for public from the same day.</p>

<p>The section will provide an additional and more direct connectivity as commuters travelling from Noida to South Delhi can get off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk.</p>

<p>The opening of this corridor is expected to bring down the travel time by approximately 40 minutes.</p>

<p>Botanical Garden which currently sees a footfall of 30,000 commuters, as the Blue Line makes a pit-stop there is expected to rise to 97,780 commuters as it turns into the first interchange station in Noida.</p>

<p>The to be inaugurated Magenta line offers its commuters to travel in the first &#39;driverless&#39; trains of Delhi Metro. It has platforms that are equipped with screen doors which function as protective barriers.</p>

<p>The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is underground and the others are elevated.</p>

<p>Nine stations which fall under this portion are - Botanical Garden, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Kalindi Kunj, Jasola Vihar-Shaheen Bagh, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla NSIC and Kalkaji Mandir.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed line on December 25

With Christmas around the corner, the DMRC has announced a gift for the daily commuters this year. People commuting between Noida to south Delhi will reach home early as Delhi Metro has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate its newly constructed Magenta line on December 25. The 12.64-km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden section will be open for public from the same day. The section will provide an additional and more direct connectivity as commuters travelling from Noida to South Delhi can get off at Kalkaji Mandir station instead of changing trains at Rajiv Chowk. The opening of this corridor is expected to bring down the travel time by approximately 40 minutes. Botanical Garden which currently sees a footfall of 30,000 commuters, as the Blue Line makes a pit-stop there is expected to rise to 97,780 commuters as it turns into the first interchange station in Noida. The to be inaugurated Magenta line offers its commuters to travel in the first 'driverless' trains of Delhi Metro. It has platforms that are equipped with screen doors which function as protective barriers. The section has nine stations in which Kalkaji Mandir is underground and the others are elevated. Nine stations which fall under this portion are - Botanical Garden, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Kalindi Kunj, Jasola Vihar-Shaheen Bagh, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla NSIC and Kalkaji Mandir.

Delhi Metro's Christmas gift: 'Magenta line' to cut time between Noida to South Delhi

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the Congress Party for their unparliamentary language, saying the outcomes of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state polls are a lesson for those who forget political courtesy.</p>

<p>Yogi stated that BJP&#39;s performance in both the states is a victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s policies and economic reforms.</p>

<p>&quot;Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh results are a lesson to those who forget political courtesy and indulge in unparliamentary language. Those raising question mark on the Prime Minister will now have to accept his leadership,&quot; Yogi said.</p>

<p>&quot;We, on behalf of the people of UP congratulate Modiji and Amit Shahji. It&#39;s victory of economic reforms. Modi&#39;s leadership has established country economically. Those who raised questions on Gujarat model should now look at the results. It&#39;s victory of policies of Modiji,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yogi reiterated that Congress President Rahul Gandhi showed casteist, divisive and despicable thinking during his campaigning for the state elections, ending up losing Himachal Pradesh, one of the strongholds of the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chief Minister stressed that change in Congress leadership is a positive sign for the BJP and will help them win other Congress strongholds also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the elections campaigning, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the prime minister for ignoring the poor people and farmers and implementing policies to benefit only the rich people of this country.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BJP's performance is a victory of PM Modi's policies and economic reforms.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the Congress Party for their unparliamentary language, saying the outcomes of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state polls are a lesson for those who forget political courtesy. Yogi stated that BJP's performance in both the states is a victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and economic reforms. "Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh results are a lesson to those who forget political courtesy and indulge in unparliamentary language. Those raising question mark on the Prime Minister will now have to accept his leadership," Yogi said. "We, on behalf of the people of UP congratulate Modiji and Amit Shahji. It's victory of economic reforms. Modi's leadership has established country economically. Those who raised questions on Gujarat model should now look at the results. It's victory of policies of Modiji," he added. Yogi reiterated that Congress President Rahul Gandhi showed casteist, divisive and despicable thinking during his campaigning for the state elections, ending up losing Himachal Pradesh, one of the strongholds of the Congress party. The Chief Minister stressed that change in Congress leadership is a positive sign for the BJP and will help them win other Congress strongholds also. During the elections campaigning, Rahul Gandhi had criticised the prime minister for ignoring the poor people and farmers and implementing policies to benefit only the rich people of this country.

People questioning PM Modi's policies will now have to accept his leadership: UP CM Yogi on election results

<p>Indian shares reversed earlier losses to end higher on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s party appeared to win elections in his home state of Gujarat for a sixth term as counting of votes progressed.</p>

<p>The BSE Sensex rose 0.41 percent to 33,601.68, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.54 percent higher at 10,388.75. Both indexes were led by gains in financial stocks.</p>

<p>The rupee recovered from early losses, but was still trading marginally lower against the US dollar, while bond yield hit a fresh 16-month high</p>

<p>The indexes dropped as much as 2.5 percent each in early trading as initial counting showed a close fight between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main opposition Congress party.</p>


The BSE Sensex rose 0.41 percent to 33,601.68, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.54 percent higher at 10,388.75.

Indian shares reversed earlier losses to end higher on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s party appeared to win elections in his home state of Gujarat for a sixth term as counting of votes progressed. The BSE Sensex rose 0.41 percent to 33,601.68, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.54 percent higher at 10,388.75. Both indexes were led by gains in financial stocks. The rupee recovered from early losses, but was still trading marginally lower against the US dollar, while bond yield hit a fresh 16-month high The indexes dropped as much as 2.5 percent each in early trading as initial counting showed a close fight between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main opposition Congress party.

Sensex ends higher as Modi's party leads in state polls

<p>Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Pakistan of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">conspiring with the Congress</a> to influence the Gujarat election results, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri rejected Modi&#39;s allegations, saying there was &quot;no basis&quot; to the story.</p>

<p>Kasuri -- for whom the dinner was hosted by former Congress leader Mani Aiyer -- said it was an &quot;open&quot; dinner at which the conversation focused on India-Pakistan relations.</p>

<p>He added that there was no mention of the Gujarat elections.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I am astonished&hellip; I had gone for dinner and I hear Pakistan is hatching a conspiracy &hellip; in that dinner former PM Manmohan Singh, former vice-president Hamid Ansari, former Army chief Deepak Kapoor, four foreign secretaries and former Indian diplomats to Pakistan, military analysts were present&hellip; are they also part of Pakistan&rsquo;s conspiracy? It is a strange story with no basis,&rdquo; Kasuri told a Pakistani channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi had also attacked Congress on the basis of a Facebook post by a former &quot;director general&quot; (the post does not exist) of the Pakistani army, Sardar Arshad Rafiq, saying Congress leader Ahmed Patel should be the next chief minister of Gujarat.</p>

<p>&quot;Pakistan Army&#39;s former DG is interfering in Gujarat&#39;s election, on the other hand, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don&#39;t you think such events raise doubts?&quot; Modi said while campaigning for the Gujarat elections. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Kasuri added that Modi&#39;s accusations were unfortunate, saying he might have made the remarks with the hope of getting votes in return.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Kasuri stressed, to a Pakistani TV news channel, that it was an open dinner at which the conversation focused on Indo-Pak ties

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Pakistan of conspiring with the Congress to influence the Gujarat election results, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri rejected Modi's allegations, saying there was "no basis" to the story. Kasuri -- for whom the dinner was hosted by former Congress leader Mani Aiyer -- said it was an "open" dinner at which the conversation focused on India-Pakistan relations. He added that there was no mention of the Gujarat elections. “I am astonished… I had gone for dinner and I hear Pakistan is hatching a conspiracy … in that dinner former PM Manmohan Singh, former vice-president Hamid Ansari, former Army chief Deepak Kapoor, four foreign secretaries and former Indian diplomats to Pakistan, military analysts were present… are they also part of Pakistan’s conspiracy? It is a strange story with no basis,” Kasuri told a Pakistani channel. Prime Minister Modi had also attacked Congress on the basis of a Facebook post by a former "director general" (the post does not exist) of the Pakistani army, Sardar Arshad Rafiq, saying Congress leader Ahmed Patel should be the next chief minister of Gujarat. "Pakistan Army's former DG is interfering in Gujarat's election, on the other hand, Pakistani people are holding a meeting at Mani Shankar Aiyar's house. After that meeting, people of Gujarat, backward communities, poor people and Modi were insulted. Don't you think such events raise doubts?" Modi said while campaigning for the Gujarat elections. Kasuri added that Modi's accusations were unfortunate, saying he might have made the remarks with the hope of getting votes in return.

Kasuri rejects PM Modi's claim of Pakistan meddling in Gujarat elections

<p style="text-align: justify;">Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he would decide very soon whether to run for re-election next year, something he is widely expected to do and comfortably win.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">If, as expected, he contests and wins what would be a fourth presidential term in March, he would be eligible to serve another six years until 2024.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In a glitzy event in Moscow attended by young people, a host asked Putin if he would be running for re-election in March.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Russian leader, who polls regularly show enjoys a popularity rating of around 80 percent, asked the audience if they supported him running in the elections. &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; the audience shouted back, applauding him loudly.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&ldquo;I understand that this decision must be taken in the near future and it will be taken in the near future,&rdquo; Putin told the audience.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&ldquo;And when taking it I will, of course, take into account our conversation today and your reaction.&rdquo;</p>


Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he would decide very soon whether to run for re-election next year, something he is widely expected to do and comfortably win. Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000. If, as expected, he contests and wins what would be a fourth presidential term in March, he would be eligible to serve another six years until 2024. In a glitzy event in Moscow attended by young people, a host asked Putin if he would be running for re-election in March. The Russian leader, who polls regularly show enjoys a popularity rating of around 80 percent, asked the audience if they supported him running in the elections. “Yes,” the audience shouted back, applauding him loudly. “I understand that this decision must be taken in the near future and it will be taken in the near future,” Putin told the audience. “And when taking it I will, of course, take into account our conversation today and your reaction.”

Will take decision to run for re-election in near future: Putin

<p>Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signed three trade agreements on Monday as Ottawa tries to diversify commercial ties amid tough NAFTA negotiations with Washington.</p>

<p>At a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, the two leaders signed an action plan on energy cooperation as well as two memoranda of understanding on food products and a &quot;Canada learning initiative.&quot;</p>

<p>The details of the agreements are unclear.</p>

<p>&quot;The opportunities for deepening our economic and people-to-people ties are tremendous,&quot; Trudeau said in opening remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Canada is deeply interested in further engagement and trade across the Pacific and I know we&#39;re going to continue to have wonderful and fruitful discussions,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Li told Trudeau it was rare for China to have such a &quot;close, intimate relationship&quot; with another nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;China-Canada relations are indeed headed toward a golden stage,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Li visited Ottawa in September last year, when the two sides agreed to double bilateral commerce by 2025.</p>

<p>During the December 3-7 official visit, Trudeau &quot;will promote a progressive trade agenda and tourism initiatives&quot;, according to his office.</p>

<p>He will meet government and business leaders as part of Canada&#39;s concerted push to diversify its trade, the bulk of which is currently with the United States.</p>

<p>Trudeau said he also plans full and frank discussions on &quot;issues like good governance, human rights, and the rule of law&quot;.</p>

<p>The visit to China is Trudeau&#39;s second since he came to power two years ago, and comes as trilateral talks with the United States and Mexico to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement appear to be headed toward a deadlock.</p>

<p>Canada and Mexico staunchly oppose US proposals for a NAFTA sunset clause, minimum US content in car parts and nixing of the pact&#39;s trade dispute mechanism.</p>

<p>The US has adopted a more protectionist tone under President Donald Trump and his &quot;America First&quot; policy.</p>

<p>Beijing, meanwhile, has openly courted increased trade with Canada, including calling for a free trade deal.</p>

<p>China is currently Canada&#39;s second-largest trading partner, far behind the United States, with annual bilateral trade worth more than Can$85 billion (US$67 billion).</p>

<p>During the visit to Beijing and Guangzhou, Trudeau will also meet President Xi Jinping and Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People&#39;s Congress or legislature.</p>

<p>The prime minister is popular in China, where citizens have affectionately nicknamed him &quot;Little potato,&quot; as his surname sounds similar to the word &quot;potato&quot; in Mandarin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His father, who established diplomatic ties with China in 1970, was named &quot;senior potato&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Internet users on domestic social media platforms focused on Trudeau&#39;s appearance, with one commentator hailing him as &quot;the most handsome foreign leader&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signed an action plan on energy cooperation as well as two memoranda of understanding on food products and a 'Canada learning initiative'

Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signed three trade agreements on Monday as Ottawa tries to diversify commercial ties amid tough NAFTA negotiations with Washington. At a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, the two leaders signed an action plan on energy cooperation as well as two memoranda of understanding on food products and a "Canada learning initiative." The details of the agreements are unclear. "The opportunities for deepening our economic and people-to-people ties are tremendous," Trudeau said in opening remarks. "Canada is deeply interested in further engagement and trade across the Pacific and I know we're going to continue to have wonderful and fruitful discussions," he added. Li told Trudeau it was rare for China to have such a "close, intimate relationship" with another nation. "China-Canada relations are indeed headed toward a golden stage," he said. Li visited Ottawa in September last year, when the two sides agreed to double bilateral commerce by 2025. During the December 3-7 official visit, Trudeau "will promote a progressive trade agenda and tourism initiatives", according to his office. He will meet government and business leaders as part of Canada's concerted push to diversify its trade, the bulk of which is currently with the United States. Trudeau said he also plans full and frank discussions on "issues like good governance, human rights, and the rule of law". The visit to China is Trudeau's second since he came to power two years ago, and comes as trilateral talks with the United States and Mexico to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement appear to be headed toward a deadlock. Canada and Mexico staunchly oppose US proposals for a NAFTA sunset clause, minimum US content in car parts and nixing of the pact's trade dispute mechanism. The US has adopted a more protectionist tone under President Donald Trump and his "America First" policy. Beijing, meanwhile, has openly courted increased trade with Canada, including calling for a free trade deal. China is currently Canada's second-largest trading partner, far behind the United States, with annual bilateral trade worth more than Can$85 billion (US$67 billion). During the visit to Beijing and Guangzhou, Trudeau will also meet President Xi Jinping and Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress or legislature. The prime minister is popular in China, where citizens have affectionately nicknamed him "Little potato," as his surname sounds similar to the word "potato" in Mandarin. His father, who established diplomatic ties with China in 1970, was named "senior potato". Internet users on domestic social media platforms focused on Trudeau's appearance, with one commentator hailing him as "the most handsome foreign leader".

China, Canada sign trade agreements during Trudeau's visit

<p>India has been raising the issue of terror. Initially, the world didn&#39;t take India&nbsp;seriously but now they are realizing destruction caused by terrorism, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paying his tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, PM said &ldquo;We salute all those brave women and men who were killed in 26/11 attacks in Mumbai&#39;&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For over 4 decades, India has been raising the issue of terror. Initially the world did not take us seriously but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/mPGGAfzrex">pic.twitter.com/mPGGAfzrex</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/934657761534623750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Emphasising the contributions of Dr BR Ambedkar in drafting Indian Constitution, Modi said Indian Constitution safeguards the rights of the poor and weaker sections of society and added &#39;&#39;makers of Constitution worked hard to give us a Constitution we would be proud of. Our Constitution safeguards the rights of the poor and weaker sections of society&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PM also reminded the nation that 26th November is Constitution Day on the occasion.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The makers of our Constitution worked hard to give us a Constitution we would be proud of. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/IDYtT30WsP">https://t.co/IDYtT30WsP</a> <a href="https://t.co/WMPz2RPtHQ">pic.twitter.com/WMPz2RPtHQ</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/934656837160378368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking about caring for the soil and prudent use of fertilizers, he said &#39;&#39;I am very glad to see that my farmer brothers have come forward to implement suggestions made in soil health card. Farmers realized that proper soil care is needed to increase production and that if we take care of our soil, it will also care for us,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Soil is integral to our existence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/S7YZor0LNI">pic.twitter.com/S7YZor0LNI</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/934659844241367040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Excess use of urea type fertilizers harms the soil, he further said.</p>

<p>Recalling the Navy&#39;s roles in times of war and peace, Modi said Indian Navy has served our nation with great diligence. Most of the world&#39;s naval forces allow women on warships, but very few people know that 800-900 years ago in Chola Navy, women in large numbers played a significant role in the war. They in fact used to participate in the war, Mod said during the Mann Ki Baat address.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India&#39;s glorious naval tradition dates back to times of the Chola Empire and the empire of Shivaji Maharaj. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/bap7lIm4tJ">pic.twitter.com/bap7lIm4tJ</a></p>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/934659074251091968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the coming days &#39;Eid e Milad un Nabi &#39; will be celebrated, Prophet Mohammad Sahab was born on this day, I extend my wishes to all countrymen, Modi said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Paying his tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, PM said ?We salute all those brave women and men who were killed in 26/11 attacks in Mumbai''

India has been raising the issue of terror. Initially, the world didn't take India seriously but now they are realizing destruction caused by terrorism, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme. Paying his tributes to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, PM said “We salute all those brave women and men who were killed in 26/11 attacks in Mumbai''. For over 4 decades, India has been raising the issue of terror. Initially the world did not take us seriously but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism: PM @narendramodi #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/mPGGAfzrex — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 26, 2017 × Emphasising the contributions of Dr BR Ambedkar in drafting Indian Constitution, Modi said Indian Constitution safeguards the rights of the poor and weaker sections of society and added ''makers of Constitution worked hard to give us a Constitution we would be proud of. Our Constitution safeguards the rights of the poor and weaker sections of society''. The PM also reminded the nation that 26th November is Constitution Day on the occasion. The makers of our Constitution worked hard to give us a Constitution we would be proud of. #MannKiBaat https://t.co/IDYtT30WsP pic.twitter.com/WMPz2RPtHQ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 26, 2017 × Speaking about caring for the soil and prudent use of fertilizers, he said ''I am very glad to see that my farmer brothers have come forward to implement suggestions made in soil health card. Farmers realized that proper soil care is needed to increase production and that if we take care of our soil, it will also care for us,'' he said. Soil is integral to our existence. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/S7YZor0LNI — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 26, 2017 × Excess use of urea type fertilizers harms the soil, he further said. Recalling the Navy's roles in times of war and peace, Modi said Indian Navy has served our nation with great diligence. Most of the world's naval forces allow women on warships, but very few people know that 800-900 years ago in Chola Navy, women in large numbers played a significant role in the war. They in fact used to participate in the war, Mod said during the Mann Ki Baat address. India's glorious naval tradition dates back to times of the Chola Empire and the empire of Shivaji Maharaj. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/bap7lIm4tJ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 26, 2017 × In the coming days 'Eid e Milad un Nabi ' will be celebrated, Prophet Mohammad Sahab was born on this day, I extend my wishes to all countrymen, Modi said.

Salute brave men and women who died on 26/11: Modi on Mann Ki Baat

<p>Saad al-Hariri attended independence day celebrations in Beirut on Wednesday after returning to Lebanon for the first time since resigning as prime minister in a broadcast from Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Hariri, whose sudden resignation on November 4 pitched Lebanon into crisis, flew into Beirut late on Tuesday. He stood alongside President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at a military parade in central Beirut.</p>

<p>Lebanese state officials and senior politicians close to Hariri say Riyadh forced him to quit and held him in the kingdom, which Saudi Arabia and Hariri have denied.</p>

<p>The resignation took even Hariri`s aides by surprise.</p>

<p>A long-time Saudi ally, Hariri cited fear of assassination in his resignation speech, and attacked Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shi`ite ally Hezbollah for sowing strife in the Arab world.</p>

<p>The resignation thrust Lebanon to the forefront of a regional tussle between the Sunni monarchy of Saudi Arabia and Shi`ite Islamist Iran, which backs Hezbollah.</p>

<p>Hariri`s return to Lebanon followed an intervention by France. It is not yet clear if he will stick by his resignation or rescind it.</p>

<p>Ahead of his arrival on Tuesday, Hariri said he would declare his &quot;political position&quot; in Beirut.</p>

<p>Aoun has said he will not consider Hariri`s resignation until he returned to Beirut and delivered it in person. Hariri is expected to meet Aoun at the presidential palace later on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Hariri left Riyadh for Paris at the weekend. He journeyed back to Beirut on Tuesday, stopping in Egypt and Cyprus.</p>

<p>The resignation shook the power-sharing deal that brought him to office last year and resulted in Aoun, a Hezbollah political ally, becoming head of state.</p>

<p>Hezbollah, a heavily armed military and political movement, is part of the Lebanese government.&nbsp;</p>


Hariri, who flew into Beirut late on Tuesday, stood alongside President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at a military parade in central Beirut

Saad al-Hariri attended independence day celebrations in Beirut on Wednesday after returning to Lebanon for the first time since resigning as prime minister in a broadcast from Saudi Arabia. Hariri, whose sudden resignation on November 4 pitched Lebanon into crisis, flew into Beirut late on Tuesday. He stood alongside President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at a military parade in central Beirut. Lebanese state officials and senior politicians close to Hariri say Riyadh forced him to quit and held him in the kingdom, which Saudi Arabia and Hariri have denied. The resignation took even Hariri`s aides by surprise. A long-time Saudi ally, Hariri cited fear of assassination in his resignation speech, and attacked Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shi`ite ally Hezbollah for sowing strife in the Arab world. The resignation thrust Lebanon to the forefront of a regional tussle between the Sunni monarchy of Saudi Arabia and Shi`ite Islamist Iran, which backs Hezbollah. Hariri`s return to Lebanon followed an intervention by France. It is not yet clear if he will stick by his resignation or rescind it. Ahead of his arrival on Tuesday, Hariri said he would declare his "political position" in Beirut. Aoun has said he will not consider Hariri`s resignation until he returned to Beirut and delivered it in person. Hariri is expected to meet Aoun at the presidential palace later on Wednesday. Hariri left Riyadh for Paris at the weekend. He journeyed back to Beirut on Tuesday, stopping in Egypt and Cyprus. The resignation shook the power-sharing deal that brought him to office last year and resulted in Aoun, a Hezbollah political ally, becoming head of state. Hezbollah, a heavily armed military and political movement, is part of the Lebanese government.

Hariri, back in Beirut, attends national day parade

<p>Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, back in Beirut after a mysterious odyssey that saw him announce his resignation in Saudi Arabia, told cheering supporters on Wednesday that he was staying.</p>

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<h5>&quot;I`m staying with you... we`re continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability,&quot; said Hariri</h5>
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<p>&quot;I&#39;m staying with you... we&#39;re continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability,&quot; he told a large crowd gathered in front of his home.</p>

<p>Saad Hariri said he had agreed to suspend his surprise decision to resign, at the request of President Michel Aoun, pending talks on the political situation.</p>

<p>The new decision came hours after the premier landed back in Lebanon for the first time since announcing his resignation in a statement from Saudi Arabia on November 4.</p>

<p>&quot;I discussed my resignation with the president of the republic who asked me to wait before submitting it... and allow for more consultations,&quot; Hariri told reporters after meeting Aoun.&nbsp;&quot;I agreed to this request.&quot;</p>

<p>Lebanon has been gripped by the political crisis precipitated by Hariri&#39;s resignation, including the question of whether the premier was being detained in Saudi Arabia, where he remained for two weeks after stepping down.</p>

<p>Aoun had refused to accept Hariri&#39;s resignation while the premier was still abroad, and even accused Riyadh of having &quot;detained&quot; the prime minister.</p>

<p>Hariri holds dual Saudi-Lebanese citizenship, and denied he was being held against his will by Riyadh, a close political ally, but accepted a French invitation to visit Paris, leaving the kingdom on November 18.</p>

<p>After stops in Egypt and Cyprus on Tuesday, he landed in Beirut close to midnight, and on Wednesday appeared at the country&#39;s Independence Day celebrations marking 74 years since the end of France&#39;s mandate in Lebanon.</p>

<p>He appeared relaxed, at times smiling and appearing to joke with those alongside him during the military parade to mark the national holiday.</p>

<p>In announcing his resignation, Hariri had said he feared for his life, invoking the 2005 assassination in Beirut of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri.</p>

<p>He also harshly criticised Saudi Arabia&#39;s arch-rival Iran, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, saying they had taken over Lebanon and destabilised the region.</p>

<p>The resignation of the Sunni leader was seen as raising the temperature in a long-running rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran that has played out across the region.</p>

<p>In Lebanon, the political scene is deeply divided between Hariri&#39;s Saudi-backed bloc, and that led by the powerful Shiite Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran.</p>

<p>Hariri&#39;s decision to suspend his resignation now opens the way for discussions on a possible resolution to the crisis.</p>

<p>He had already signalled that he could consider rescinding his resignation altogether if Hezbollah pledged to respect Lebanon&#39;s policy of &quot;disassociation&quot; from regional conflicts.</p>

<p>Hariri and his allies say the group, with Iranian support, has violated this policy by fighting in neighbouring Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s government, as well as providing assistance to Huthi rebels battling Saudi Arabia in Yemen.</p>

<p>Hezbollah&#39;s chief Hassan Nasrallah has said the group still considers Hariri the country&#39;s prime minister and suggested it was open to talks, though whether any real compromise could be reached remained unclear.</p>

<p>&quot;When he comes, we will see. We&#39;re open to all dialogue and discussion,&quot; Nasrallah said on Monday.</p>

<p>If no deal is reached and Hariri&#39;s resignation stands, Aoun has two options - rename him premier or choose another prominent Sunni figure to lead a new cabinet. Under Lebanon`s power-sharing arrangement, the country&#39;s top political posts are reserved for different sects, with the presidency set aside for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister&#39;s office for a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker for a Shiite Muslim.</p>

<p>Hariri&#39;s resignation comes less than a year after he took office, as part of a deal with Aoun, whose party belongs to the bloc led by Hezbollah.</p>

<p>The agreement ended a two-and-a-half year stalemate that left the post of president empty and put Hariri back in the office of prime minister for the second time.</p>

<p>His first term as prime minister ended abruptly.</p>

<p>In January 2011, as he was meeting then-US president Barack Obama in Washington, Hezbollah and its allies withdrew their ministers and brought down Hariri`s government.</p>

<p>Hariri&#39;s resignation has been seen as part of a broader pattern of escalating tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia. On the day he resigned, the kingdom said it intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh airport by Shiite rebels in Yemen.</p>

<p>The announcement also coincided with a purge of more than 200 Saudi princes, ministers, and businessmen.</p>


Saad Hariri said he had agreed to suspend his surprise decision to resign, at the request of President Michel Aoun, pending talks on the political situation

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, back in Beirut after a mysterious odyssey that saw him announce his resignation in Saudi Arabia, told cheering supporters on Wednesday that he was staying. "I`m staying with you... we`re continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability," said Hariri × "I'm staying with you... we're continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability," he told a large crowd gathered in front of his home. Saad Hariri said he had agreed to suspend his surprise decision to resign, at the request of President Michel Aoun, pending talks on the political situation. The new decision came hours after the premier landed back in Lebanon for the first time since announcing his resignation in a statement from Saudi Arabia on November 4. "I discussed my resignation with the president of the republic who asked me to wait before submitting it... and allow for more consultations," Hariri told reporters after meeting Aoun. "I agreed to this request." Lebanon has been gripped by the political crisis precipitated by Hariri's resignation, including the question of whether the premier was being detained in Saudi Arabia, where he remained for two weeks after stepping down. Aoun had refused to accept Hariri's resignation while the premier was still abroad, and even accused Riyadh of having "detained" the prime minister. Hariri holds dual Saudi-Lebanese citizenship, and denied he was being held against his will by Riyadh, a close political ally, but accepted a French invitation to visit Paris, leaving the kingdom on November 18. After stops in Egypt and Cyprus on Tuesday, he landed in Beirut close to midnight, and on Wednesday appeared at the country's Independence Day celebrations marking 74 years since the end of France's mandate in Lebanon. He appeared relaxed, at times smiling and appearing to joke with those alongside him during the military parade to mark the national holiday. In announcing his resignation, Hariri had said he feared for his life, invoking the 2005 assassination in Beirut of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri. He also harshly criticised Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, saying they had taken over Lebanon and destabilised the region. The resignation of the Sunni leader was seen as raising the temperature in a long-running rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran that has played out across the region. In Lebanon, the political scene is deeply divided between Hariri's Saudi-backed bloc, and that led by the powerful Shiite Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran. Hariri's decision to suspend his resignation now opens the way for discussions on a possible resolution to the crisis. He had already signalled that he could consider rescinding his resignation altogether if Hezbollah pledged to respect Lebanon's policy of "disassociation" from regional conflicts. Hariri and his allies say the group, with Iranian support, has violated this policy by fighting in neighbouring Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad's government, as well as providing assistance to Huthi rebels battling Saudi Arabia in Yemen. Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah has said the group still considers Hariri the country's prime minister and suggested it was open to talks, though whether any real compromise could be reached remained unclear. "When he comes, we will see. We're open to all dialogue and discussion," Nasrallah said on Monday. If no deal is reached and Hariri's resignation stands, Aoun has two options - rename him premier or choose another prominent Sunni figure to lead a new cabinet. Under Lebanon`s power-sharing arrangement, the country's top political posts are reserved for different sects, with the presidency set aside for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister's office for a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker for a Shiite Muslim. Hariri's resignation comes less than a year after he took office, as part of a deal with Aoun, whose party belongs to the bloc led by Hezbollah. The agreement ended a two-and-a-half year stalemate that left the post of president empty and put Hariri back in the office of prime minister for the second time. His first term as prime minister ended abruptly. In January 2011, as he was meeting then-US president Barack Obama in Washington, Hezbollah and its allies withdrew their ministers and brought down Hariri`s government. Hariri's resignation has been seen as part of a broader pattern of escalating tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia. On the day he resigned, the kingdom said it intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh airport by Shiite rebels in Yemen. The announcement also coincided with a purge of more than 200 Saudi princes, ministers, and businessmen.

Lebanon's PM Hariri says resignation on hold pending talks

<p>Iraq&#39;s supreme court on Monday declared that September&#39;s referendum on independence in the autonomous Kurdish areas in the north of the country was unconstitutional.</p>

<p>A statement said the court &quot;rendered a decision declaring unconstitutional the referendum held on September 25, 2017, in Iraqi Kurdistan... and canceling all the consequences and results that resulted&quot;.</p>

<p>Monday&#39;s legal move was the latest stage in a crisis sparked by the referendum, which resulted in a resounding &quot;yes&quot; vote for independence in the Kurdish area.</p>

<p>Last month, the UN Security Council urged the Iraqi government and regional leaders in Kurdistan to set a timetable for talks to end the crisis.</p>

<p>The world body&#39;s appeal came after Baghdad dismissed an offer from Iraqi Kurdish leaders to freeze the outcome of the referendum and hold talks.</p>

<p>Rejecting the freeze offer, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi instead demanded the annulment of the independence vote.</p>

<p>Last week, as the deadline announced by the Supreme Court for its decision on the constitutionality of the referendum approached, the Kurdistan government said it &quot;respected&quot; the decisions taken by Iraq&#39;s highest court.</p>

<p>It also said it respected a previous decision insisting on Iraqi unity, which could be a basis for dialogue.</p>

<p>Parliament in Baghdad is currently reviewing the federal budget for the coming year, including the allocation for the autonomous Kurdish region.</p>

<p>September&#39;s referendum was initiated by then Kurdish leader Massud Barzani, for whom the repercussions were severe.</p>

<p>Barzani at the beginning of November announced he was stepping aside, having lost almost all of the territory disputed between Kurdish capital Arbil and Baghdad.</p>

<p>The Kurds also lost all of the oil resources in Kirkuk province that could have ensured the viability of a hypothetical Kurdish state.</p>


Monday's legal move was the latest stage in a crisis sparked by the referendum, which resulted in a resounding "yes" vote for independence in the Kurdish area

Iraq's supreme court on Monday declared that September's referendum on independence in the autonomous Kurdish areas in the north of the country was unconstitutional. A statement said the court "rendered a decision declaring unconstitutional the referendum held on September 25, 2017, in Iraqi Kurdistan... and canceling all the consequences and results that resulted". Monday's legal move was the latest stage in a crisis sparked by the referendum, which resulted in a resounding "yes" vote for independence in the Kurdish area. Last month, the UN Security Council urged the Iraqi government and regional leaders in Kurdistan to set a timetable for talks to end the crisis. The world body's appeal came after Baghdad dismissed an offer from Iraqi Kurdish leaders to freeze the outcome of the referendum and hold talks. Rejecting the freeze offer, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi instead demanded the annulment of the independence vote. Last week, as the deadline announced by the Supreme Court for its decision on the constitutionality of the referendum approached, the Kurdistan government said it "respected" the decisions taken by Iraq's highest court. It also said it respected a previous decision insisting on Iraqi unity, which could be a basis for dialogue. Parliament in Baghdad is currently reviewing the federal budget for the coming year, including the allocation for the autonomous Kurdish region. September's referendum was initiated by then Kurdish leader Massud Barzani, for whom the repercussions were severe. Barzani at the beginning of November announced he was stepping aside, having lost almost all of the territory disputed between Kurdish capital Arbil and Baghdad. The Kurds also lost all of the oil resources in Kirkuk province that could have ensured the viability of a hypothetical Kurdish state.

Iraq top court declares Kurd referendum unconstitutional

<p>Several leaders including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi,&nbsp;former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to India&#39;s first and only female Prime Minister&nbsp;Indira Gandhi on her 100th birth anniversary on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tributes to former PM Mrs. Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/932059203132411905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indira Gandhi, who was born on&nbsp;November 19, 1917, was assassinated by her own bodyguard&nbsp;in October 1984.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I remember you Dadi with so much love and happiness. You are my mentor and guide. You give me strength. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indira100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indira100</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/932101627510534145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Known as the &#39;Iron Lady&#39;, Gandhi was&nbsp;India&rsquo;s most powerful prime minister.</p>

<p>Over 200 archived images from&nbsp;Indira Gandhi&#39;s life will be available for public viewing at the&nbsp;Indira Gandhi&nbsp;Memorial Trust from November 21.&nbsp;Titled &#39;Indira: A Life of Courage&#39;, the exclusive photographic exhibition will be inaugurated on November 19 to commemorate the birth centenary of former the former prime minister.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress VP Rahul Gandhi pay tribute to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiraGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiraGandhi</a> on her birth anniversary <a href="https://t.co/Gncpb2CJoa">pic.twitter.com/Gncpb2CJoa</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/932084170951606272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;I don&#39;t mind if my life goes in the service of the nation - If I die..every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indira100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indira100</a> <a href="https://t.co/hYqEI22aUU">pic.twitter.com/hYqEI22aUU</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@0ffice0ffRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/0ffice0ffRG/status/932085858454212608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Indira Gandhi, who was born on?November 19, 1917, was assassinated by her own bodyguard?in October 1984

Several leaders including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to India's first and only female Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 100th birth anniversary on Sunday. Tributes to former PM Mrs. Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2017 × Indira Gandhi, who was born on November 19, 1917, was assassinated by her own bodyguard in October 1984. I remember you Dadi with so much love and happiness. You are my mentor and guide. You give me strength. #Indira100 — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 19, 2017 × Known as the 'Iron Lady', Gandhi was India’s most powerful prime minister. Over 200 archived images from Indira Gandhi's life will be available for public viewing at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust from November 21. Titled 'Indira: A Life of Courage', the exclusive photographic exhibition will be inaugurated on November 19 to commemorate the birth centenary of former the former prime minister. Delhi: Former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress VP Rahul Gandhi pay tribute to #IndiraGandhi on her birth anniversary pic.twitter.com/Gncpb2CJoa — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2017 × "I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation - If I die..every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation" #Indira100 pic.twitter.com/hYqEI22aUU — Office of RG (@0ffice0ffRG) November 19, 2017 ×

Indira Gandhi remembered on her 100th birth anniversary

<p style="text-align: justify;">Former prime minister Manmohan Singh will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development this year for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India&#39;s stature globally.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">According to a statement from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Singh was unanimously chosen for the award by an international jury chaired by ex-president Pranab Mukherjee.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India&#39;s stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language,&quot; a statement from the Trust&#39;s secretary Suman Dubey said yesterday.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Trust said Singh is only the third Indian prime minister to complete two full terms as the PM. His tenure witnessed the path-breaking nuclear agreement with the US and the Copenhagen Climate Change agreement, the statement said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Singh, who as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance minister in the government headed by PV Narasimha Rao, played a pivotal role in ushering economic reforms, it said, adding that as prime minister he led India in achieving the highest sustained rate of economic growth since Independence.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Trust said Singh has been responsible for making India&#39;s voice heard more effectively at international forums.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;The 10 years of his premiership were not only a period of rapid economic and social changes, they witnessed the lowest terrorist violence, a prolonged period of communal harmony, peace on the country&#39;s borders and a globally acknowledged rise in India&#39;s standing in the global community of nations,&quot; the statement said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The international award named after former prime minister Indira Gandhi was instituted in 1986. The last two recipients have been the Indian Space Research Organisation and the UN High Commission for Refugees.</p>


Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said Manmohan Singh has been responsible for making India's voice heard more effectively at international forums

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development this year for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India's stature globally. According to a statement from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Singh was unanimously chosen for the award by an international jury chaired by ex-president Pranab Mukherjee. "The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India's stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language," a statement from the Trust's secretary Suman Dubey said yesterday. The Trust said Singh is only the third Indian prime minister to complete two full terms as the PM. His tenure witnessed the path-breaking nuclear agreement with the US and the Copenhagen Climate Change agreement, the statement said. Singh, who as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance minister in the government headed by PV Narasimha Rao, played a pivotal role in ushering economic reforms, it said, adding that as prime minister he led India in achieving the highest sustained rate of economic growth since Independence. The Trust said Singh has been responsible for making India's voice heard more effectively at international forums. "The 10 years of his premiership were not only a period of rapid economic and social changes, they witnessed the lowest terrorist violence, a prolonged period of communal harmony, peace on the country's borders and a globally acknowledged rise in India's standing in the global community of nations," the statement said. The international award named after former prime minister Indira Gandhi was instituted in 1986. The last two recipients have been the Indian Space Research Organisation and the UN High Commission for Refugees.

Former PM Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi peace prize

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/hariri-visits-france-to-meet-macron-6794">Saad al-Hariri</a>, who sparked a crisis by resigning as&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;prime minister on November&nbsp;4 during a visit to Saudi Arabia, reached France on Saturday, reports news agency AFP.</p>

<p>&quot;Today to Paris, this afternoon, and tomorrow a family meeting with (French President Emmanuel) Macron,&quot; Okab Saqr, a member of parliament for Future Movement&nbsp;told Reuters on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To say that I am held up in Saudi Arabia and not allowed to leave the country is a lie. I am on the way to the airport Mr. Sigmar Gabriel.</p>
&mdash; Saad Hariri (@saadhariri) <a href="https://twitter.com/saadhariri/status/931645678492766208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Saqr said that after Hariri&#39;s visit to France, he would have &quot;a small Arab tour&quot; before travelling to Beirut.</p>

<p>Macron, speaking in Sweden, said Hariri &quot;intends to return to his country in the coming days, weeks&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri lands in Paris: source close to PM</p>
&mdash; AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/931775234092417024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hariri&#39;s abrupt resignation while he was in Saudi Arabia and his continued stay there caused fears over Lebanon&#39;s stability and thrust it into the bitter rivalry between Riyadh and Iran.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia and its allies are fighting for sway across the region against a bloc led by Iran, which includes the heavily armed&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;Shi&#39;ite Hezbollah group.</p>

<p>In Lebanon, Hariri has long been an ally of Riyadh. His coalition government, formed in a political deal last year to end years of paralysis, includes Hezbollah.</p>

<p>President Michel Aoun, a political ally of Hezbollah, has called Hariri a Saudi hostage and refused to accept his resignation unless he returns to Lebanon.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia and Hariri say his movements are not restricted. On Wednesday, Macron invited Hariri to visit France along with his family, providing what French diplomats said might be a way to reduce tensions surrounding the crisis by demonstrating that Hariri could leave Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Lebanese&nbsp;politicians from across the political spectrum have called for Hariri to return to the country, saying it is necessary to resolve the crisis.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, who heads President Aoun&#39;s political party, said on Thursday Beirut could escalate the crisis if Hariri did not return home.</p>

<p>&quot;We have adopted self-restraint so far to arrive at this result so that we don&#39;t head towards diplomatic escalation and the other measures available to us,&quot; he said during a European tour aimed at building pressure for a solution to the crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Regional crisis</strong></p>

<p>Saudi Arabia regards Hezbollah as a conduit for Iranian interference across the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain. It says it has no problem with Hezbollah remaining a purely political party but has demanded it surrender its arms, which the group says are needed to defend Lebanon.</p>

<p>Although Riyadh has said it accepted Hariri&#39;s decision to join a coalition with Hezbollah last year after Hariri announced his resignation Saudi Arabia accused Lebanon of declaring war on it because of Hezbollah&#39;s regional role.</p>

<p>Lebanon, where Sunni, Shi&#39;ite, Christian and Druze groups fought a 1975-1990 civil war, maintains a governing system intended to balance sectarian groups. The prime minister is traditionally from the Sunni community, of which Hariri is the most influential leader.</p>

<p>On Friday, Hariri said in a tweet that his presence in Saudi Arabia was for &quot;consultations on the future of the situation in Lebanon and its relations with the surrounding Arab region&quot;.</p>

<p>His scheduled meeting with Macron in Paris on Saturday, and a lunch that his family will also attend, comes the day before Arab foreign ministers meet in Cairo to discuss Iran.</p>

<p>Maha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Centre in Beirut, says it appears Saudi Arabia hopes the ministers will adopt a &quot;strongly worded statement&quot; against Iran.</p>

<p>But she said not all the countries share Riyadh&#39;s view that one way to confront Iran is to apply pressure on Lebanon.</p>

<p>&quot;There is quite a widespread understanding that there is only so much Lebanon can do and it doesn&#39;t serve anybody to turn Lebanon into your next arena for a fight between Iran and Saudi Arabia,&quot; said.</p>


Saad al-Hariri, who sparked a crisis by resigning as?Lebanese?prime minister on Nov. 4 during a visit to Saudi Arabia, will leave Riyadh for France on Friday, a member of his party said, but will not return directly to Beirut after the visit

Saad al-Hariri, who sparked a crisis by resigning as Lebanese prime minister on November 4 during a visit to Saudi Arabia, reached France on Saturday, reports news agency AFP. "Today to Paris, this afternoon, and tomorrow a family meeting with (French President Emmanuel) Macron," Okab Saqr, a member of parliament for Future Movement told Reuters on Friday. To say that I am held up in Saudi Arabia and not allowed to leave the country is a lie. I am on the way to the airport Mr. Sigmar Gabriel. — Saad Hariri (@saadhariri) November 17, 2017 × Saqr said that after Hariri's visit to France, he would have "a small Arab tour" before travelling to Beirut. Macron, speaking in Sweden, said Hariri "intends to return to his country in the coming days, weeks". #BREAKING Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri lands in Paris: source close to PM — AFP news agency (@AFP) November 18, 2017 × Hariri's abrupt resignation while he was in Saudi Arabia and his continued stay there caused fears over Lebanon's stability and thrust it into the bitter rivalry between Riyadh and Iran. Saudi Arabia and its allies are fighting for sway across the region against a bloc led by Iran, which includes the heavily armed Lebanese Shi'ite Hezbollah group. In Lebanon, Hariri has long been an ally of Riyadh. His coalition government, formed in a political deal last year to end years of paralysis, includes Hezbollah. President Michel Aoun, a political ally of Hezbollah, has called Hariri a Saudi hostage and refused to accept his resignation unless he returns to Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and Hariri say his movements are not restricted. On Wednesday, Macron invited Hariri to visit France along with his family, providing what French diplomats said might be a way to reduce tensions surrounding the crisis by demonstrating that Hariri could leave Saudi Arabia. Lebanese politicians from across the political spectrum have called for Hariri to return to the country, saying it is necessary to resolve the crisis. Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, who heads President Aoun's political party, said on Thursday Beirut could escalate the crisis if Hariri did not return home. "We have adopted self-restraint so far to arrive at this result so that we don't head towards diplomatic escalation and the other measures available to us," he said during a European tour aimed at building pressure for a solution to the crisis. Regional crisis Saudi Arabia regards Hezbollah as a conduit for Iranian interference across the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain. It says it has no problem with Hezbollah remaining a purely political party but has demanded it surrender its arms, which the group says are needed to defend Lebanon. Although Riyadh has said it accepted Hariri's decision to join a coalition with Hezbollah last year after Hariri announced his resignation Saudi Arabia accused Lebanon of declaring war on it because of Hezbollah's regional role. Lebanon, where Sunni, Shi'ite, Christian and Druze groups fought a 1975-1990 civil war, maintains a governing system intended to balance sectarian groups. The prime minister is traditionally from the Sunni community, of which Hariri is the most influential leader. On Friday, Hariri said in a tweet that his presence in Saudi Arabia was for "consultations on the future of the situation in Lebanon and its relations with the surrounding Arab region". His scheduled meeting with Macron in Paris on Saturday, and a lunch that his family will also attend, comes the day before Arab foreign ministers meet in Cairo to discuss Iran. Maha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Centre in Beirut, says it appears Saudi Arabia hopes the ministers will adopt a "strongly worded statement" against Iran. But she said not all the countries share Riyadh's view that one way to confront Iran is to apply pressure on Lebanon. "There is quite a widespread understanding that there is only so much Lebanon can do and it doesn't serve anybody to turn Lebanon into your next arena for a fight between Iran and Saudi Arabia," said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri reaches Paris, says he was not allowed to leave Saudi is a lie

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