<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14)&nbsp;where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit.</p>

<p>On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.</p>

<p>United States NSA Jake Sullivan said that their government is likely to discuss the foiled murder-for-hire plot against Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that this will be “a continuing topic of dialogue between the US and India, including at very senior levels”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After arriving in Italy, PM Modi wrote on X, "Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future."</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> | Apulia, Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives are Brindisi Airport, Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14th June.<br />
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit. <a href="https://t.co/wwv0wpKNYC">pic.twitter.com/wwv0wpKNYC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1801374910142435415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. The agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit &amp; substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!"</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g7-summit-glad-my-first-visit-in-3rd-term-is-to-italy-says-pm-modi-731476">G7 Summit: 'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi</a></p>

<p>During his visit to Italy, PM Modi is set to participate in a summit session titled <em>Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa-Mediterranean </em>which will be hosted by Italian Prime Minister&nbsp;Meloni and joined by Pope Francis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pope Francis is also likely to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving lives of people."</p>

<p>He added that he was "glad" to make his first foreign visit to Italy for the G7 Summit at the start of his third consecutive term as the prime minister.</p>

<p>"I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," read his statement.</p>

<p>"During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit," Modi added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Italy hosts G7 Summit: PM Modi &amp; Italian PM Meloni to hold bilateral meeting&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-hosts-g7-summit-pm-modi-italian-pm-meloni-to-hold-bilateral-meeting-731455/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G7 to strengthen dialogue with Global South: Meloni</strong></h2>

<p>Italian PM Meloni, in her opening address, said that southern Italy is the venue of the summit to deliver a strong message to the Global South.</p>

<p>"It is no coincidence that we are hosting the summit in Apulia. We did this because Apulia is a region of southern Italy and the message we want to launch is that the G7, under the Italian presidency, wishes to strengthen its dialogue with the nations of the Global South," said PM Meloni.</p>

<p>Apart from India, Italy sent&nbsp;invitations to the G7 Summit to 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14) where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14) where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. United States NSA Jake Sullivan said that their government is likely to discuss the foiled murder-for-hire plot against Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with India. He said that this will be “a continuing topic of dialogue between the US and India, including at very senior levels”. After arriving in Italy, PM Modi wrote on X, "Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future." #WATCH | Apulia, Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives are Brindisi Airport, Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14th June. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit. pic.twitter.com/wwv0wpKNYC — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024 × Meanwhile, taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. The agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit & substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!" Also Read: G7 Summit: 'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi During his visit to Italy, PM Modi is set to participate in a summit session titled Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa-Mediterranean which will be hosted by Italian Prime Minister Meloni and joined by Pope Francis. Pope Francis is also likely to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving lives of people." He added that he was "glad" to make his first foreign visit to Italy for the G7 Summit at the start of his third consecutive term as the prime minister. "I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," read his statement. "During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit," Modi added. Watch: Italy hosts G7 Summit: PM Modi & Italian PM Meloni to hold bilateral meeting G7 to strengthen dialogue with Global South: Meloni Italian PM Meloni, in her opening address, said that southern Italy is the venue of the summit to deliver a strong message to the Global South. "It is no coincidence that we are hosting the summit in Apulia. We did this because Apulia is a region of southern Italy and the message we want to launch is that the G7, under the Italian presidency, wishes to strengthen its dialogue with the nations of the Global South," said PM Meloni. Apart from India, Italy sent invitations to the G7 Summit to 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi lands in Italy for G7 Summit, to meet several heads of states

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores.</p>

<p>After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”</p>

<p>He took&nbsp;oath as the prime minister along with 72&nbsp;Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The first file signed by PM Modi pertains to PM Kisan Nidhi release<br />
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After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi’s signs his first file authorising release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute… <a href="https://t.co/Fp4Q5nOAYT">pic.twitter.com/Fp4Q5nOAYT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1800047645626380671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The newly sworn-in prime minister's immediate agenda is to hold a Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, a formal request will be submitted by the Cabinet to President Droupadi Murmu for summoning a session of Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-modi-30-oath-taking-ceremony-made-headlines-in-western-media-730382">&nbsp;Here's how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in western media</a></p>

<p>In the Parliament session, the president will address the two houses which will be followed by laying out the vision of the government and deciding their priorities in the third term.</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 Narendra Modi today took charge as the Prime Minister, in New Delhi.<br />
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After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi signed his first file authorising the release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and… <a href="https://t.co/G4ownB0NFh">pic.twitter.com/G4ownB0NFh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1800048887434264753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government is also likely to announce the allocation of two&nbsp;crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi takes oath as prime minister in grand ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9), President Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His Cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;and S Jaishankar, also took&nbsp;oath.</p>

<p>The Council of Ministers includes&nbsp;30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge&nbsp;and 36 Ministers of State.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Modi 3.0: New Cabinet to discuss 100-day plan for the new govt; portfolio allocation on cards</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-30-new-cabinet-to-discuss-100-day-plan-for-the-new-govt-portfolio-allocation-on-cards-730376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new Cabinet's first meeting is expected to be held at the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening (June 10). It is most likely that the allocation of ministerial portfolios will happen thereafter.</p>

<p>In this Cabinet, there is significant representation of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as Bihar got four Cabinet berths while Uttar Pradesh has nine ministerial positions, including one in the Cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10). After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10). After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores. After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.” He took oath as the prime minister along with 72 Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9). The first file signed by PM Modi pertains to PM Kisan Nidhi release After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi’s signs his first file authorising release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute… pic.twitter.com/Fp4Q5nOAYT — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2024 × The newly sworn-in prime minister's immediate agenda is to hold a Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, a formal request will be submitted by the Cabinet to President Droupadi Murmu for summoning a session of Parliament. Also Read: Here's how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in western media In the Parliament session, the president will address the two houses which will be followed by laying out the vision of the government and deciding their priorities in the third term. #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi today took charge as the Prime Minister, in New Delhi. After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi signed his first file authorising the release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and… pic.twitter.com/G4ownB0NFh — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2024 × The government is also likely to announce the allocation of two crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme. Modi takes oath as prime minister in grand ceremony During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9), President Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi. His Cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, also took oath. The Council of Ministers includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge and 36 Ministers of State. Watch: Modi 3.0: New Cabinet to discuss 100-day plan for the new govt; portfolio allocation on cards Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. "This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony. The new Cabinet's first meeting is expected to be held at the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening (June 10). It is most likely that the allocation of ministerial portfolios will happen thereafter. In this Cabinet, there is significant representation of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as Bihar got four Cabinet berths while Uttar Pradesh has nine ministerial positions, including one in the Cabinet. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi assumes office for third term after a grand oath ceremony

<p>In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

<p>Along with Modi, 71 cabinet ministers were also sworn in during the grand oath-taking ceremony. As Modi took the oath,&nbsp;the crowds chanted "Modi Modi".</p>

<p>After taking the oath, PM Modi became the second person in the history of India to hold the office of the prime minister for three successive terms. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first prime minister of the country, had clinched victory in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-is-yours-rise-and-rise-of-undefeated-leader-of-indias-14bn-people-728501">Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow</a></p>

<p>The BJP-led NDA government, after clinching a clear majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, made decisions regarding the distribution of portfolios in the new cabinet in a marathon 11-hour meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on June 8 (Saturday).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was attended by BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda and the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh.</p>

<h2><strong>World leaders gather to witness India's history in making</strong></h2>

<p>The grand oath-taking ceremony, which was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also saw the presence of several foreign leaders and dignitaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was attended by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi Oath ceremony: From Nehru To Narendra Modi, A look at India's longest-serving PMs</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-oath-ceremony-from-nehru-to-narendra-modi-a-look-at-indias-longest-serving-pms-730230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Across the national capital, the security was strengthened and prohibitory orders were imposed. Delhi was declared a no-fly zone and three-layered security was implemented both inside and outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president's house remained blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. Traffic restrictions were also applicable on various roads, especially those which ran around the Rashtrapati Bhavan.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 293 of 543 seats, easily passing the majority mark of 272. The INDIA alliance gave&nbsp;a strong fight and managed to win 232 constituencies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).

In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9). Along with Modi, 71 cabinet ministers were also sworn in during the grand oath-taking ceremony. As Modi took the oath, the crowds chanted "Modi Modi". After taking the oath, PM Modi became the second person in the history of India to hold the office of the prime minister for three successive terms. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first prime minister of the country, had clinched victory in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections. Also Read: Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow The BJP-led NDA government, after clinching a clear majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, made decisions regarding the distribution of portfolios in the new cabinet in a marathon 11-hour meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on June 8 (Saturday). The meeting was attended by BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda and the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh. World leaders gather to witness India's history in making The grand oath-taking ceremony, which was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also saw the presence of several foreign leaders and dignitaries. The event was attended by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif. Watch: PM Modi Oath ceremony: From Nehru To Narendra Modi, A look at India's longest-serving PMs Across the national capital, the security was strengthened and prohibitory orders were imposed. Delhi was declared a no-fly zone and three-layered security was implemented both inside and outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The president's house remained blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. Traffic restrictions were also applicable on various roads, especially those which ran around the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 293 of 543 seats, easily passing the majority mark of 272. The INDIA alliance gave a strong fight and managed to win 232 constituencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi takes oath as India's 16th prime minister, enters third term in a row

<p>India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term.</p>

<p>On Friday (June 7), the Delhi Police said that the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms - like paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, and quadcopters along with other unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft systems (UAVs and UAS) - remained banned in the national capital from Sunday (June 2) to Monday (June 3). The police also banned para-jumping from aircraft.</p>

<p>As per the order, police decided to declare a no-fly zone after receiving information that “criminals and terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and vital installations by the use of such platforms”.</p>

<h2><strong>Multi-layered security, high alert in the city</strong></h2>

<p>A multi-layered security cordon has been formed by the Special Protection Group (SPG), the National Security Guard (NSG), armed paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police near the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony will take place.</p>

<p>Three-layered security will be implemented both inside and outside the premises as the president's house will remain blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers.</p>

<p>A high alert has already been declared in the city and security has also been enhanced near hotels where the world leaders will stay and along the routes that the foreign dignitaries will be using.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-govt-formation-live-modi-to-take-oath-as-prime-minister-at-715-pm-on-june-9-729827">India govt formation: Modi to take oath as prime minister at 7.15 pm on June 9</a></p>

<p>“The traffic police will impose restrictions and diversions on certain roads in central Delhi during the swearing-in ceremony. Multiple meetings of senior police officers have taken place in the police headquarters and in the New Delhi district to discuss the security and traffic arrangement plans. Nearly 3,000 security and traffic personnel will remain deployed in and around the venue,” said an officer, while speaking to Indian media outlets.</p>

<p>“Around 2,500 police personnel, including five companies of paramilitary and Delhi Armed Police (DAP) jawans, have been planned to be deployed around the venue,” added the officer.</p>

<p>Along the routes of the dignitaries, snipers and armed police personnel will be deployed and drones will be flown at the strategic locations.</p>

<p>Delhi Police’s SWAT and NSG commandos will also be stationed around the President’s house as well as at different strategic locations.</p>

<h2><strong>Leaders from India's neighbourhood to join the ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be attended by the top leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius and Seychelles as reports suggest the government has prepared the guest list based on New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy”.</p>

<p>The leaders are likely to stay in five-star hotels Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridges and Oberoi in the capital city.</p>

<p>Among the likely attendees are Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives.</p>

<h2><strong>Rashtrapati Bhavan cancels Change of Guard ceremony&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The weekly Change of Guard ceremony has been cancelled by Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 15, and 22 in view of the ongoing preparations for the oath-taking ceremony at its forecourt and President Droupadi Murmu's planned address to both the houses of the parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security enhanced across Delhi</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-security-enhanced-across-delhi-729810/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15 and 22, 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President," it said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi to take oath on June 9</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, India's Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 09.</p>

<p>Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu on June 7 and staked claim to form the government. While speaking to the media, Modi said, “The President has appointed me as PM-designate. I assure you that the speed with which the country progressed in the previous terms, will continue to do so."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, BJP-led NDA collision got a majority with 292 seats which paved the way for their comeback to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term.

India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term. On Friday (June 7), the Delhi Police said that the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms - like paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, and quadcopters along with other unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft systems (UAVs and UAS) - remained banned in the national capital from Sunday (June 2) to Monday (June 3). The police also banned para-jumping from aircraft. As per the order, police decided to declare a no-fly zone after receiving information that “criminals and terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and vital installations by the use of such platforms”. Multi-layered security, high alert in the city A multi-layered security cordon has been formed by the Special Protection Group (SPG), the National Security Guard (NSG), armed paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police near the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony will take place. Three-layered security will be implemented both inside and outside the premises as the president's house will remain blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. A high alert has already been declared in the city and security has also been enhanced near hotels where the world leaders will stay and along the routes that the foreign dignitaries will be using. Also Read: India govt formation: Modi to take oath as prime minister at 7.15 pm on June 9 “The traffic police will impose restrictions and diversions on certain roads in central Delhi during the swearing-in ceremony. Multiple meetings of senior police officers have taken place in the police headquarters and in the New Delhi district to discuss the security and traffic arrangement plans. Nearly 3,000 security and traffic personnel will remain deployed in and around the venue,” said an officer, while speaking to Indian media outlets. “Around 2,500 police personnel, including five companies of paramilitary and Delhi Armed Police (DAP) jawans, have been planned to be deployed around the venue,” added the officer. Along the routes of the dignitaries, snipers and armed police personnel will be deployed and drones will be flown at the strategic locations. Delhi Police’s SWAT and NSG commandos will also be stationed around the President’s house as well as at different strategic locations. Leaders from India's neighbourhood to join the ceremony The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be attended by the top leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius and Seychelles as reports suggest the government has prepared the guest list based on New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy”. The leaders are likely to stay in five-star hotels Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridges and Oberoi in the capital city. Among the likely attendees are Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives. Rashtrapati Bhavan cancels Change of Guard ceremony The weekly Change of Guard ceremony has been cancelled by Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 15, and 22 in view of the ongoing preparations for the oath-taking ceremony at its forecourt and President Droupadi Murmu's planned address to both the houses of the parliament. Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security enhanced across Delhi "The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15 and 22, 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President," it said in a statement. PM Modi to take oath on June 9 In a statement, India's Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 09. Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu on June 7 and staked claim to form the government. While speaking to the media, Modi said, “The President has appointed me as PM-designate. I assure you that the speed with which the country progressed in the previous terms, will continue to do so." In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, BJP-led NDA collision got a majority with 292 seats which paved the way for their comeback to power. (With inputs from agencies)

Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1. After concluding the meditation, the prime minister wrote an open letter in which he reflected upon his spiritual journey, the future of India and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-completes-his-two-day-meditation-at-kanniyakumari-as-poll-comes-to-an-end-727803">PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end</a></p>

<p>He further wrote about the development trajectory of Bharat and emphasised the need to align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's the complete text of PM Modi's open letter:</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari</strong></h3>

<p>My fellow Indians,</p>

<p>The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting.</p>

<p>My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti.</p>

<p>It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti...the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election...they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world.</p>

<p>Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here.</p>

<p>I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.</p>

<p>Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.</p>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well.</p>

<p>From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat.</p>

<p>Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence-the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity.</p>

<p>The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Exit Poll 2024: Narendra Modi predicted to return for third term</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exit-poll-2024-narendra-modi-predicted-to-return-for-third-term-727885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>Swami Vivekananda once said, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.'<br />
For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.</p>

<p>Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.</p>

<p>Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society.</p>

<p>Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.</p>

<p>Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries.</p>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.</p>

<p>We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back.</p>

<p>The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.</p>

<p>We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.</p>

<p>We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'.</p>

<p>Friends,</p>

<p>We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context.</p>

<p>As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity.</p>

<p>My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone.</p>

<p>Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.</p>

<p><em><strong>This letter was written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1. After concluding the meditation, the prime minister wrote an open letter in which he reflected upon his spiritual journey, the future of India and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Also Read: PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end He further wrote about the development trajectory of Bharat and emphasised the need to align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. Here's the complete text of PM Modi's open letter: New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari My fellow Indians, The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti...the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election...they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived. Friends, Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well. From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat. Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence-the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity. The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure. Watch: Exit Poll 2024: Narendra Modi predicted to return for third term Friends, Swami Vivekananda once said, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.' For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat. Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations. Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model. Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries. Friends, The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams. We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back. The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place. We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'. Friends, We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context. As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity. My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone. Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat. This letter was written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi hails India's progress in spiritual letter following 45-hour meditation in Kanniyakumari

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet.

Meet 'smiling killer' ex-spy chief Dick Schoof turned Dutch Prime Minister

<p>Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico escaped a life-threatening situation after surviving an assassination attempt, as per media reports.</p>

<p>Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba reportedly said,&nbsp;"I was very shocked ... fortunately as far as I know the operation went well - and I guess in the end he will survive ... he's not in a life-threatening situation at this moment."</p>

<p>This comes as the Slovak PM, while exiting a government meeting, was shot five times. He was initially said to have been critically wounded and&nbsp;undergoing surgery in the aftermath of the gun wounds on his chest.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-juraj-cintula-the-71-year-old-poet-who-opened-fire-on-slovak-pm-robert-fico-721884">Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?</a></p>

<p>The attack believed to be "politically motivated" shocked Slovakia and drew international condemnation, with US President Joe Biden informing that US embassy is "in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist.”</p>

<p>“I am alarmed to hear reports of an attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Jill and I are praying for a swift recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia. We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist,” Biden reportedly said in a statement.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep shock at the news of the shooting. "I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic," he wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pms-bodyguards-jump-into-action-after-he-is-shot-in-the-stomach-video-721831">Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach</a></p>

<p>Interior Minister Sutaj Estok said, "This assassination (attempt) was politically motivated and the perpetrator's decision was born closely after the presidential election."</p>

<h2><strong>71-year-old suspect nabbed</strong></h2>

<p>A 71-year-old shooter was detained. Hailing from the Slovakian town of Levice, the nabbed suspect was a founder of the DUHA (Rainbow) Literary Club, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The individual made several political remarks on his social media, including one eight years ago where he could be seen saying that "The world is full of violence and weapons. People seem to be going crazy."&nbsp;</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/slovak-pm-shooting-fico-sustained-multiple-bullet-injuries-721874">Slovak PM shooting: Fico sustained multiple bullet injuries</a></strong></p>

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<p>Moreover, in the same video, he also expressed apprehensions regarding immigration as well as "hatred and extremism."&nbsp;He also asserted that European governments "have no alternative to this chaos".</p>
</section>

<p>Fico's tenure has been marked by his pro-Russian stance amid the Ukraine conflict, something that has stirred debate. Notably, Slovakia is a member of both NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the European Union (EU).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico escaped a life-threatening situation after surviving an assassination attempt, as per media reports. Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba reportedly said, "I was very shocked .

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico escaped a life-threatening situation after surviving an assassination attempt, as per media reports. Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba reportedly said, "I was very shocked ... fortunately as far as I know the operation went well - and I guess in the end he will survive ... he's not in a life-threatening situation at this moment." This comes as the Slovak PM, while exiting a government meeting, was shot five times. He was initially said to have been critically wounded and undergoing surgery in the aftermath of the gun wounds on his chest. Also Read | Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico? The attack believed to be "politically motivated" shocked Slovakia and drew international condemnation, with US President Joe Biden informing that US embassy is "in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist.” “I am alarmed to hear reports of an attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Jill and I are praying for a swift recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and the people of Slovakia. We condemn this horrific act of violence. Our embassy is in close touch with the government of Slovakia and ready to assist,” Biden reportedly said in a statement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep shock at the news of the shooting. "I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic," he wrote on X. Also Read | Slovak PM’s bodyguards jump into action after he is shot in the stomach Interior Minister Sutaj Estok said, "This assassination (attempt) was politically motivated and the perpetrator's decision was born closely after the presidential election." 71-year-old suspect nabbed A 71-year-old shooter was detained. Hailing from the Slovakian town of Levice, the nabbed suspect was a founder of the DUHA (Rainbow) Literary Club, as per media reports. The individual made several political remarks on his social media, including one eight years ago where he could be seen saying that "The world is full of violence and weapons. People seem to be going crazy." Watch | Slovak PM shooting: Fico sustained multiple bullet injuries × Moreover, in the same video, he also expressed apprehensions regarding immigration as well as "hatred and extremism." He also asserted that European governments "have no alternative to this chaos". Fico's tenure has been marked by his pro-Russian stance amid the Ukraine conflict, something that has stirred debate. Notably, Slovakia is a member of both NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the European Union (EU). (With inputs from agencies)

Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update

Chadians go to the polls on Monday three years after their military leader seized power, in the first presidential election in Africa’s Sahel region since a wave of coups. Watch in for more details!

Chad: Mahamat Deby beats Prime Minister Succes Masra in elections

<p>Spain's Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Apr 29) said he would stay on as prime minister of the nation "even with more strength". This comes days after Sanchez abruptly announced that he was considering his future following the launch of a corruption investigation against his wife. The Spanish PM also denounced the campaign as political harassment by the right.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanchez is in office since 2018. In a national broadcast, he said, "I have decided to go on, if possible even stronger as prime minister. This is not business as usual, things are going to be different."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotlands-humza-yousaf-planning-to-quit-as-first-minister-report-716215">Scotland's Humza Yousaf&nbsp;planning to quit as first minister: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The 52-year-old Socialist leader had written a letter to the public on Wednesday telling that he was taking time to comtemplate&nbsp;resigning. It was after a Madrid court confirmed a preliminary probe into his wife Begona Gomez for suspected influence peddling and corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanchez met King Felipe VI on Monday, which was seen as a step that would have been necessary should he have decided to resign. However, Sanchez announced that he had informed the monarch of his decision to stay on.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-albanese-calls-domestic-violence-a-crisis-amid-protests-716182">Australian PM Albanese calls domestic violence a national 'crisis' amid protests</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">He decidido seguir, con más fuerza si cabe, al frente de la Presidencia del Gobierno de España.<br />
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Asumo mi compromiso de trabajar sin descanso, con firmeza y serenidad, por la regeneración de nuestra democracia y por el avance en derechos y libertades.<br />
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Esta decisión no supone un… <a href="https://t.co/RIhA7xS7QY">pic.twitter.com/RIhA7xS7QY</a></p>
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1784890942069055877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sanchez said he needed "to stop and reflect" on the growing polarisation within politics which he said was increasingly being driven by "deliberate disinformation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For too long we've let this filth corrupt our political and public life with toxic methods that were unimaginable just a few years ago... Do we really want this for Spain?," he asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have acted out of a clear conviction: either we say 'enough is enough' or this degradation of public life will define our future and condemn us as a country."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spanish PM also said that he had been encouraged to stay by massive support over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks to that social mobilisation, which has influenced my decision, I can tell you what I've already told our head of state: I've decided to stay and fight even harder as prime minister," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Spain's Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Apr 29) said he would stay on as prime minister of the nation "even with more strength". This comes days after Sanchez abruptly announced that he was considering his future following the launch of a corruption investigation against his wife.

Spain's Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Apr 29) said he would stay on as prime minister of the nation "even with more strength". This comes days after Sanchez abruptly announced that he was considering his future following the launch of a corruption investigation against his wife. The Spanish PM also denounced the campaign as political harassment by the right. Sanchez is in office since 2018. In a national broadcast, he said, "I have decided to go on, if possible even stronger as prime minister. This is not business as usual, things are going to be different." Also read: Scotland's Humza Yousaf planning to quit as first minister: Report The 52-year-old Socialist leader had written a letter to the public on Wednesday telling that he was taking time to comtemplate resigning. It was after a Madrid court confirmed a preliminary probe into his wife Begona Gomez for suspected influence peddling and corruption. Sanchez met King Felipe VI on Monday, which was seen as a step that would have been necessary should he have decided to resign. However, Sanchez announced that he had informed the monarch of his decision to stay on. Also read: Australian PM Albanese calls domestic violence a national 'crisis' amid protests He decidido seguir, con más fuerza si cabe, al frente de la Presidencia del Gobierno de España. Asumo mi compromiso de trabajar sin descanso, con firmeza y serenidad, por la regeneración de nuestra democracia y por el avance en derechos y libertades. Esta decisión no supone un… pic.twitter.com/RIhA7xS7QY — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 29, 2024 × Sanchez said he needed "to stop and reflect" on the growing polarisation within politics which he said was increasingly being driven by "deliberate disinformation". "For too long we've let this filth corrupt our political and public life with toxic methods that were unimaginable just a few years ago... Do we really want this for Spain?," he asked. "I have acted out of a clear conviction: either we say 'enough is enough' or this degradation of public life will define our future and condemn us as a country." The Spanish PM also said that he had been encouraged to stay by massive support over the weekend. "Thanks to that social mobilisation, which has influenced my decision, I can tell you what I've already told our head of state: I've decided to stay and fight even harder as prime minister," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain’s Pedro Sanchez says he will continue as prime minister after mulling exit

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<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called domestic violence a&nbsp;"national crisis"&nbsp;as thousands of citizens took to the streets across the country to protest over violence against women.</p>

<p>"A&nbsp;national crisis demands a national response,"&nbsp;said Albanese on Monday (April 29),&nbsp;in a statement shared on social media platform X.</p>

<p>"That's&nbsp;why&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;bringing together National Cabinet on Wednesday morning to take action on violence against women,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-defence-minister-announces-100-million-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-715763">Australian Defence Minister announces $100 million military aid package for Ukraine</a></p>

<p>As per the reports, 27 women have lost their lives so far in Australia this year&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;because of acts of&nbsp;gender-based violence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Women in Australia deserve better, governments have to do better and as a society we have to do better.<br />
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That's why we'll be convening the National Cabinet with one issue on the agenda: immediate, meaningful and practical action to address family violence.</p>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1784464952419553740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A national crisis demands a national response.<br />
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That's why I'm bringing together National Cabinet on Wednesday morning to take action on violence against women. <a href="https://t.co/y8jlLHNUSL">pic.twitter.com/y8jlLHNUSL</a></p>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1784738422781067269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The fact that ... a woman dies every four days on average at the hand of a partner is just a national crisis,"&nbsp;said the prime&nbsp;minister, while speaking to Nine Network television.</p>

<h2><strong>People call for&nbsp;tougher&nbsp;laws on violence against&nbsp;women</strong></h2>

<p>Thousands of people participated in rallies organised in various Australian cities on Sunday (April 28) and appealed for&nbsp;tougher&nbsp;laws on violence against women.</p>

<p>In the capital city of Canberra, Albanese, his&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;Minister Katy Gallagher and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth also tried to attend the protest when they received a hostile response.</p>

<p>The protesters also yelled at the government leaders,&nbsp;"We want action"&nbsp;and&nbsp;"Do your job."</p>

<p>Albanese added that there was a need to increase focus on perpetrators and&nbsp;prevention of violence.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Australia keeps China in sight, unveils new defence strategy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-keeps-china-in-sight-unveils-new-defence-strategy-712308/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Society and Australia must do better, We&nbsp;need to change the culture, we need to change attitudes, we need to change the legal system,"&nbsp;said Australian PM&nbsp;Albanese,&nbsp;at the No More rally&nbsp;which&nbsp;was&nbsp;organised&nbsp;by advocacy group What Were You Wearing.</p>

<p>“It’s&nbsp;not enough to support victims. We need to focus on the perpetrators, focus on prevention,"&nbsp;he added.</p>

<p>“We’re&nbsp;here today to demand that governments of all levels must do better, including my own, including every state and territory government.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;up to men to change&nbsp;men’s&nbsp;behaviour as well,"&nbsp;Albanese said to the rally.</p>

<p>The prime minister on&nbsp;Monday (April 29) said that the rallies were a call&nbsp;for all levels of the Australian government to take more steps to prevent the&nbsp;violence.</p>

<p>"Women in Australia deserve better, governments have to do better&nbsp;and&nbsp;as a society we have to do better,"&nbsp;said Albanese on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called domestic violence a "national crisis" as thousands of citizens took to the streets across the country to protest over violence against women.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called domestic violence a "national crisis" as thousands of citizens took to the streets across the country to protest over violence against women. "A national crisis demands a national response," said Albanese on Monday (April 29), in a statement shared on social media platform X. "That's why I'm bringing together National Cabinet on Wednesday morning to take action on violence against women," he said. Also Read: Australian Defence Minister announces $100 million military aid package for Ukraine As per the reports, 27 women have lost their lives so far in Australia this year allegedly because of acts of gender-based violence. Women in Australia deserve better, governments have to do better and as a society we have to do better. That's why we'll be convening the National Cabinet with one issue on the agenda: immediate, meaningful and practical action to address family violence. — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 28, 2024 × A national crisis demands a national response. That's why I'm bringing together National Cabinet on Wednesday morning to take action on violence against women. pic.twitter.com/y8jlLHNUSL — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 29, 2024 × "The fact that ... a woman dies every four days on average at the hand of a partner is just a national crisis," said the prime minister, while speaking to Nine Network television. People call for tougher laws on violence against women Thousands of people participated in rallies organised in various Australian cities on Sunday (April 28) and appealed for tougher laws on violence against women. In the capital city of Canberra, Albanese, his Women's Minister Katy Gallagher and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth also tried to attend the protest when they received a hostile response. The protesters also yelled at the government leaders, "We want action" and "Do your job." Albanese added that there was a need to increase focus on perpetrators and prevention of violence. Watch: Australia keeps China in sight, unveils new defence strategy "Society and Australia must do better, We need to change the culture, we need to change attitudes, we need to change the legal system," said Australian PM Albanese, at the No More rally which was organised by advocacy group What Were You Wearing. “It’s not enough to support victims. We need to focus on the perpetrators, focus on prevention," he added. “We’re here today to demand that governments of all levels must do better, including my own, including every state and territory government. It’s up to men to change men’s behaviour as well," Albanese said to the rally. The prime minister on Monday (April 29) said that the rallies were a call for all levels of the Australian government to take more steps to prevent the violence. "Women in Australia deserve better, governments have to do better and as a society we have to do better," said Albanese on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM Albanese calls domestic violence a national 'crisis' amid protests

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<p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a preliminary inquiry, involving his wife Begona Gomez, was started by the court.</p>

<p>The prime minister, in a statement, said that he immediately needed to decide "whether I should continue to lead the government or renounce this honour".</p>

<p>The court stated that the investigation has been opened in response to the corruption claims made against Begoña Gomez.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-votes-in-favour-of-migration-rules-overhaul-after-nearly-a-decade-of-deadlock-709919">European Union votes in favour of migration rules overhaul after nearly a decade of deadlock</a></p>

<p>PM Sanchez said that his wife&nbsp;will&nbsp;co-operate&nbsp;with the judiciary and defend herself. “As is only logical, Begoña will defend her honour and will cooperate with the justice system as much as is necessary to clear up facts that are as scandalous in appearance as they are nonexistent," he said.</p>

<p>Taking to X, Sanchez&nbsp;said that a probe&nbsp;was opened against his wife Begoña Gomez, “at the request of a far-right organisation called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) to investigate the alleged crimes of influence peddling and corruption in her business dealings.”</p>

<h2><strong>Spanish PM says complaint based on “right and far-right” digital media&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Spanish prime minister added that the complaint by Clean Hands was based on “alleged information” which was published by what he called “right and far-right” digital media.</p>

<p>In his post, PM Sanchez said, “I need to stop and reflect” about “if&nbsp;I should continue leading the government&nbsp;or step down."</p>

<p>Anti-corruption campaigner&nbsp;Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) has&nbsp;participated in high-profile court cases in recent years.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Spain reopens Pegasus probe, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez's phone infected by spyware</strong></p>

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<p>The Spanish prime minister stated that he will&nbsp;take a decision&nbsp;on his&nbsp;future&nbsp;plans before the media personnel on Monday (April 29) after he reflects upon whether he should remain in office "despite the mud" that the right and far-right have been trying to turn politics into.</p>

<p>"Now that we’ve reached this point, the question I quite legitimately ask myself is, ‘is&nbsp;it all worth it?’ I sincerely don’t know. I need to stop and think about it … All of which leads me to tell you that I will keep working, but cancel all my public duties for a few days while I decide which path to take. Next Monday, 29 April, I’ll appear before the media to let you know my decision," PM Sanchez said.</p>

<p>In his statement, Sanchez further complained about a "strategy of harassment" over months which is aimed at politically&nbsp;weakening him and also targeting his wife personally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a preliminary inquiry, involving his wife Begona Gomez, was started by the court.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a preliminary inquiry, involving his wife Begona Gomez, was started by the court. The prime minister, in a statement, said that he immediately needed to decide "whether I should continue to lead the government or renounce this honour". The court stated that the investigation has been opened in response to the corruption claims made against Begoña Gomez. Also Read: European Union votes in favour of migration rules overhaul after nearly a decade of deadlock PM Sanchez said that his wife will co-operate with the judiciary and defend herself. “As is only logical, Begoña will defend her honour and will cooperate with the justice system as much as is necessary to clear up facts that are as scandalous in appearance as they are nonexistent," he said. Taking to X, Sanchez said that a probe was opened against his wife Begoña Gomez, “at the request of a far-right organisation called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) to investigate the alleged crimes of influence peddling and corruption in her business dealings.” Spanish PM says complaint based on “right and far-right” digital media The Spanish prime minister added that the complaint by Clean Hands was based on “alleged information” which was published by what he called “right and far-right” digital media. In his post, PM Sanchez said, “I need to stop and reflect” about “if I should continue leading the government or step down." Anti-corruption campaigner Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) has participated in high-profile court cases in recent years. Watch: Spain reopens Pegasus probe, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez's phone infected by spyware The Spanish prime minister stated that he will take a decision on his future plans before the media personnel on Monday (April 29) after he reflects upon whether he should remain in office "despite the mud" that the right and far-right have been trying to turn politics into. "Now that we’ve reached this point, the question I quite legitimately ask myself is, ‘is it all worth it?’ I sincerely don’t know. I need to stop and think about it … All of which leads me to tell you that I will keep working, but cancel all my public duties for a few days while I decide which path to take. Next Monday, 29 April, I’ll appear before the media to let you know my decision," PM Sanchez said. In his statement, Sanchez further complained about a "strategy of harassment" over months which is aimed at politically weakening him and also targeting his wife personally. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez considers resignation, halts public duties as wife faces corruption probe

<p>Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down form his position on&nbsp;May 15, after a two-decade long leadership. The planned succession will introduce Lawrence Wong as his successor.</p>

<p>Wong, serving as the finance minister and deputy prime minister,&nbsp;enjoys unanimous backing from the ruling party's lawmakers, as articulated in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.</p>

<p>Lee, in a social media post, implored Singaporeans to rally behind Wong and his team as they navigate the nation's future trajectory.</p>

<p>Under Lee's stewardship, Singapore underwent a remarkable economic transformation, with its gross domestic product per capita soaring to nearly $92,000, ranking among the highest globally. Simultaneously, Singapore also strengthened itself as a hub for foreign investment amid escalating regional competition.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ceos-6-year-old-daughter-rates-etihad-on-no-pyjamas-chocolates-heres-how-airline-reacts-710310">Also read |&nbsp;CEO's 6-year-old daughter rates Etihad on no pyjamas, chocolates. Here's how airline reacted</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lawrence Wong to be the new PM</strong></h2>

<p>Wong, in an Instagram video, pledged unwavering commitment to serving the country and its population.&nbsp;Lee, first elected in 1984, assumed office as prime minister in 2004, becoming one of the world's most enduring political figures.</p>

<p>His father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, helmed Singapore as its inaugural prime minister from 1959 to 1990. Post-resignation, both Lee and his predecessor Goh Chok Tong were appointed as senior ministers.</p>

<p>Despite the ruling People's Action Party's resounding victory in the 2020 election, securing 89 per cent&nbsp;of parliamentary seats, it faced mounting pressure from the opposition, advocating for measures to alleviate the plight of low-income citizens and prioritise employment over foreign labour.</p>

<p>Lee's intention to synchronise the leadership transition with the upcoming 2025 elections underscores his commitment to facilitating a seamless handover, offering support to the incoming premier as needed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Singapore PM to step down on May 15</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-set-to-host-iraqi-pm-singapore-pm-to-step-down-on-may-15-711485/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, Wong confronts a myriad of challenges, including persistent concerns regarding the cost of living and the competitiveness of the workforce.</p>

<p>Furthermore, recent scandals have tarnished the ruling party's reputation for clean governance, including a minister's corruption charges and subsequent resignation, necessitate a resolute approach to restore public trust.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down form his position on May 15, after a two-decade long leadership. The planned succession will introduce Lawrence Wong as his successor.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down form his position on May 15, after a two-decade long leadership. The planned succession will introduce Lawrence Wong as his successor. Wong, serving as the finance minister and deputy prime minister, enjoys unanimous backing from the ruling party's lawmakers, as articulated in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. Lee, in a social media post, implored Singaporeans to rally behind Wong and his team as they navigate the nation's future trajectory. Under Lee's stewardship, Singapore underwent a remarkable economic transformation, with its gross domestic product per capita soaring to nearly $92,000, ranking among the highest globally. Simultaneously, Singapore also strengthened itself as a hub for foreign investment amid escalating regional competition. Also read | CEO's 6-year-old daughter rates Etihad on no pyjamas, chocolates. Here's how airline reacted Lawrence Wong to be the new PM Wong, in an Instagram video, pledged unwavering commitment to serving the country and its population. Lee, first elected in 1984, assumed office as prime minister in 2004, becoming one of the world's most enduring political figures. His father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, helmed Singapore as its inaugural prime minister from 1959 to 1990. Post-resignation, both Lee and his predecessor Goh Chok Tong were appointed as senior ministers. Despite the ruling People's Action Party's resounding victory in the 2020 election, securing 89 per cent of parliamentary seats, it faced mounting pressure from the opposition, advocating for measures to alleviate the plight of low-income citizens and prioritise employment over foreign labour. Lee's intention to synchronise the leadership transition with the upcoming 2025 elections underscores his commitment to facilitating a seamless handover, offering support to the incoming premier as needed. Also watch | Singapore PM to step down on May 15 However, Wong confronts a myriad of challenges, including persistent concerns regarding the cost of living and the competitiveness of the workforce. Furthermore, recent scandals have tarnished the ruling party's reputation for clean governance, including a minister's corruption charges and subsequent resignation, necessitate a resolute approach to restore public trust. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong to step down on May 15; Lawrence Wong to take charge

<p>Irish politician and higher education minister, Simon Harris, who had been a prominent figure in the Fine Gael party, is poised to take on the role of Ireland's prime minister and will be the youngest in the office as the leadership contest concluded with him emerging as the sole candidate. He has been a Teachta Dala (TD), which is a member of the lower house of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament).</p>

<p>Harris has held various ministerial positions within the Irish government, including the Minister for Health and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science.</p>

<p>Notably, the vacancy in leadership arose following the unexpected resignation of Taoiseach (Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland) Leo Varadkar.</p>

<p>Citing "personal and political reasons" just last week, Varadkar, who is partly Indian, had said,&nbsp;“I believe a new taoiseach will be better placed than me to achieve that – to renew and strengthen the top team, to refocus our message and policies, and to drive implementation. After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-donald-trump-call-barack-obama-founder-of-isis-after-moscow-terror-attack-heres-the-truth-703813">Did Donald Trump call Barack Obama ‘founder of ISIS’ after Moscow terror attack? Here’s the truth</a></p>

<p>The 37-year-old&nbsp;Harris&nbsp;stood unopposed as nominations closed on Sunday (Mar 24).</p>

<p>However, his official appointment as Irish PM will not be before April 9 once the Irish parliament resumes post-Easter break.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-strikes-on-crimea-hits-two-russian-warships-703789">Ukraine launches strikes on Crimea, claims it hit two Russian warships</a></p>

<p>Recognised for his adept communication skills, particularly evident on social media platforms, Harris has previously held various ministerial roles, notably as a health minister during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-gaza-drone-stuns-international-market-703819">Iran's 'Gaza' drone stuns international market</a></strong></p>

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<p>Despite commendation for his crisis management, Harris faced criticism for misinformation regarding the virus during an interview where he said, “Remember this is coronavirus Covid-19 - that means there have been 18 other coronaviruses and I don’t think they have actually successfully found a vaccine for any."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, in another video he told his 1.4 million followers that he made&nbsp;“an awful boo-boo.”</p>

<p>“Don’t ask me how or why; I can only presume it’s a degree of cabin fever after being in this department on a very, very regular basis for the very last while - maybe a bit of sleep deprivation - I stupidly talked about there being 18 other coronaviruses, which of course there isn’t,” he said while apologising for the interview comments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Irish politician and higher education minister, Simon Harris, who had been a prominent figure in the Fine Gael party, is poised to take on the role of Ireland's prime minister and will be the youngest in the office as the leadership contest concluded with him emerging as the sole candidate.

Irish politician and higher education minister, Simon Harris, who had been a prominent figure in the Fine Gael party, is poised to take on the role of Ireland's prime minister and will be the youngest in the office as the leadership contest concluded with him emerging as the sole candidate. He has been a Teachta Dala (TD), which is a member of the lower house of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament). Harris has held various ministerial positions within the Irish government, including the Minister for Health and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science. Notably, the vacancy in leadership arose following the unexpected resignation of Taoiseach (Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland) Leo Varadkar. Citing "personal and political reasons" just last week, Varadkar, who is partly Indian, had said, “I believe a new taoiseach will be better placed than me to achieve that – to renew and strengthen the top team, to refocus our message and policies, and to drive implementation. After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job.” Also Read | Did Donald Trump call Barack Obama ‘founder of ISIS’ after Moscow terror attack? Here’s the truth The 37-year-old Harris stood unopposed as nominations closed on Sunday (Mar 24). However, his official appointment as Irish PM will not be before April 9 once the Irish parliament resumes post-Easter break. Also Read | Ukraine launches strikes on Crimea, claims it hit two Russian warships Recognised for his adept communication skills, particularly evident on social media platforms, Harris has previously held various ministerial roles, notably as a health minister during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. Watch | Iran's 'Gaza' drone stuns international market × Despite commendation for his crisis management, Harris faced criticism for misinformation regarding the virus during an interview where he said, “Remember this is coronavirus Covid-19 - that means there have been 18 other coronaviruses and I don’t think they have actually successfully found a vaccine for any." Later, in another video he told his 1.4 million followers that he made “an awful boo-boo.” “Don’t ask me how or why; I can only presume it’s a degree of cabin fever after being in this department on a very, very regular basis for the very last while - maybe a bit of sleep deprivation - I stupidly talked about there being 18 other coronaviruses, which of course there isn’t,” he said while apologising for the interview comments. (With inputs from agencies)

Simon Harris set to become Ireland’s youngest PM

Big news came in from Ireland just hours back Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has decided to step down with the national election slated in a year from now. The move has caught the people off guard.

Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to step down

<p>Ahead of the announcement of&nbsp;the Lok Sabha elections schedule by the&nbsp;Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for suggestions, ideas and support from the citizens of the country&nbsp;in fulfilling the goal of creating a developed nation.</p>

<p>In his open letter to the country's citizens, Prime Minister Modi addressed them as “my dear family member”, and said, “Our partnership is at the threshold of completing a decade. The trust and support of 140 crore Indians inspires and motivates me.”</p>

<p>“The beauty of democracy lies in Janbhagidari or public participation. It is your support that gives me the immense strength to take bold decisions for the nation’s welfare, draw up aspirational plans and implement them smoothly,” the prime minister wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-jammu-and-kashmir-to-have-over-34-lakh-first-time-voters-700052">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters</a></p>

<p>“I need and indeed, look forward to your ideas, suggestions and support as we work to fulfil the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. I am confident that we will continue to take our nation to great heights together,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi throws light on government's initiatives in past 10 years&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the open letter, the prime minister spoke about the initiatives of the government in the past 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is a measure of your trust and support that we could take several historic and major decisions like implementation of GST, abrogation of Article 370, new law on Triple Talaq, Nari Shakti Vandan Act to enhance women’s participation in Parliament, the inauguration of new Parliament building and strong steps against terrorism and Left-Wing Extremism,” the prime minister wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India elections 2024: In 2 Lok Sabha lists, BJP has dropped 21% sitting MPs already</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-in-2-lok-sabha-lists-bjp-has-dropped-21-sitting-mps-already-700004/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The success of efforts such as pucca houses through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, access to electricity, water and LPG for all, free medical treatments through Ayushman Bharat, financial help to farmers, assistance to women through Matru Vandana Yojana and many more has been possible only due to the trust you have placed in me," he said.</p>

<p>“The transformation that has taken place in the lives of the people is the biggest achievement of our government over the last 10 years. These transformative outcomes are the result of the sincere efforts made by a determined government to improve the quality of life for the poor, farmers, youth and women,” the PM added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule by the Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for suggestions, ideas and support from the citizens of the country in fulfilling the goal of creating a developed nation.

Ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule by the Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for suggestions, ideas and support from the citizens of the country in fulfilling the goal of creating a developed nation. In his open letter to the country's citizens, Prime Minister Modi addressed them as “my dear family member”, and said, “Our partnership is at the threshold of completing a decade. The trust and support of 140 crore Indians inspires and motivates me.” “The beauty of democracy lies in Janbhagidari or public participation. It is your support that gives me the immense strength to take bold decisions for the nation’s welfare, draw up aspirational plans and implement them smoothly,” the prime minister wrote. Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters “I need and indeed, look forward to your ideas, suggestions and support as we work to fulfil the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. I am confident that we will continue to take our nation to great heights together,” he added. PM Modi throws light on government's initiatives in past 10 years In the open letter, the prime minister spoke about the initiatives of the government in the past 10 years. “It is a measure of your trust and support that we could take several historic and major decisions like implementation of GST, abrogation of Article 370, new law on Triple Talaq, Nari Shakti Vandan Act to enhance women’s participation in Parliament, the inauguration of new Parliament building and strong steps against terrorism and Left-Wing Extremism,” the prime minister wrote. Watch: India elections 2024: In 2 Lok Sabha lists, BJP has dropped 21% sitting MPs already “The success of efforts such as pucca houses through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, access to electricity, water and LPG for all, free medical treatments through Ayushman Bharat, financial help to farmers, assistance to women through Matru Vandana Yojana and many more has been possible only due to the trust you have placed in me," he said. “The transformation that has taken place in the lives of the people is the biggest achievement of our government over the last 10 years. These transformative outcomes are the result of the sincere efforts made by a determined government to improve the quality of life for the poor, farmers, youth and women,” the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024: In letter to nation, PM Modi says our partnership at threshold of completing decade

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat on Tuesday (Mar 12).</p>

<p>Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and state BJP chief CR Paatil were also present at the launching ceremony.</p>

<p>PM Modi also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains from Ahmedabad on Tuesday (Mar 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "India is a young country, a large young population resides here. I would like to tell the youth that the today inaugurations that happened today are for your present. The foundation stone layings that happened today have come with the guarantee of your bright future."</p>

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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, CM Bhupendra Patel and state BJP chief CR Paatil also present. <a href="https://t.co/CBdJ84vI6S">pic.twitter.com/CBdJ84vI6S</a></p>
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<p>"The governments that came after independence gave priority to political selfishness. Indian Railway is a major victim of that...The first that I did was to include Railway into the Budget of the Government, due to that funds of the Government are now used for the development of Railway," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modi-praises-agni-5-missile-test-699029">&nbsp;India: PM Modi praises first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile</a></p>

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<p>"Our government showed the willpower needed to pull out Indian Railways from a hell-like situation. Now, the development of the Railway is one of the highest priorities for the government," the prime minister stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here are the routes of new Vande Bharat trains&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Vande Bharat trains will now be running between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central; Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam; Mysuru-Dr MGR Central (Chennai); Patna-- Lucknow; New Jalpaiguri-Patna; Puri-Visakhapatnam; Lucknow-Dehradun; Kalaburagi–Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru; Ranchi-Varanasi and Khajuraho-Delhi (Nizamuddin).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: India's PM Modi helps avert a nuclear catastrophe</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-pm-modi-helps-avert-a-nuclear-catastrophe-699119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>PM Modi also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat was extended till Dwarka and Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat will now run till Chandigarh.</p>

<p>Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat will get extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat will run till Mangaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat on Tuesday (Mar 12).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat on Tuesday (Mar 12). Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and state BJP chief CR Paatil were also present at the launching ceremony. PM Modi also flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat trains from Ahmedabad on Tuesday (Mar 12). Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "India is a young country, a large young population resides here. I would like to tell the youth that the today inaugurations that happened today are for your present. The foundation stone layings that happened today have come with the guarantee of your bright future." #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of several railway projects from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, CM Bhupendra Patel and state BJP chief CR Paatil also present. pic.twitter.com/CBdJ84vI6S — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024 × "The governments that came after independence gave priority to political selfishness. Indian Railway is a major victim of that...The first that I did was to include Railway into the Budget of the Government, due to that funds of the Government are now used for the development of Railway," he added. Also Read: India: PM Modi praises first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile #WATCH | Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains and other train services, from Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/3Z0uaFrb4l — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024 × "Our government showed the willpower needed to pull out Indian Railways from a hell-like situation. Now, the development of the Railway is one of the highest priorities for the government," the prime minister stated. Here are the routes of new Vande Bharat trains The Vande Bharat trains will now be running between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central; Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam; Mysuru-Dr MGR Central (Chennai); Patna-- Lucknow; New Jalpaiguri-Patna; Puri-Visakhapatnam; Lucknow-Dehradun; Kalaburagi–Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru; Ranchi-Varanasi and Khajuraho-Delhi (Nizamuddin). Watch: Gravitas: India's PM Modi helps avert a nuclear catastrophe PM Modi also flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat was extended till Dwarka and Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat will now run till Chandigarh. Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat will get extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat will run till Mangaluru. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi flags off 10 new Vande Bharat trains, lays foundation stone of railway projects

<p>India's Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4), strongly reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yadav had said that PM Modi "has no family and is neither a Hindu". Attacking Yadav and the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc over the comment, Irani said that India's 1.4 billion people are Prime Minister Modi's family and no one can dare to touch even a hair of such a man, whom she referred to as the “Pradhan Sevak”.</p>

<p>The minister was speaking at the 'Namo Yuva Maha Sammelan', which was organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Nagpur city of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Irani said that not only 1.4 billion Indians, but the country's youth and party workers are “Modi's parivaar" (family).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-launches-modi-ka-parivar-campaign-after-lalu-yadavs-he-has-no-family-jibe-696418">BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe</a></p>

<p>"...By being 'pradhan sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDIA alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to tell him that, we are 'Modi's parivaar', these youths are 'Modi's parivaar'...nobody will be able to touch even a hair of that person whose family are 140 crore people of India," Union Minister Irani was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.</p>

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<h2><strong>Smriti Irani openly challenges Rahul Gandhi for&nbsp;debate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Smriti Irani openly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai, for a debate on the "difference" between 10 years of Narendra Modi-headed union government and the UPA regime.</p>

<p>"If my voice is reaching Rahul Gandhi, then he should listen with open ears. Let there be a discussion on what is the difference between your (UPA) 10 years and Modi's 10 years," Irani said.</p>

<p>Irani further took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying that if she asked him directly for the debate, he would never come.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister said that Gandhi would not even survive in front of BJP's ordinary workers in such a debate.</p>

<p>"I guarantee that even if an ordinary worker of Yuva Morcha starts speaking in front of Rahul Gandhi, he will lose the strength to speak," she said.</p>

<p>Irani's comments came days after Lalu Yadav's comments questioning the Hindu credentials of PM Modi and mocking him for not having a family stirred a controversy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: PM Modi chairs BJP meet to finalise first list of Lok Sabha candidates</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pm-modi-chairs-bjp-meet-to-finalise-first-list-of-lok-sabha-candidates-695557/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“These days he (PM) is talking about dynastic politics. You (PM Modi) don’t have a family... You are not even a Hindu. When one’s mother dies, every Hindu, as per tradition, shaves his beard and head. Why did you not shave? You only spread hatred in society,” said Yadav, at the party’s “Jan Vishwas Maha Rally” in Patna on Sunday (Mar 3).</p>

<p>On Monday (Mar 4), PM Modi attacked the INDIA alliance and said that every poor person in the country is his family member and that he is a family member of those who have no family.</p>

<p>After this, BJP leaders like Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur, in support of PM Modi, added “Modi ka parivar” (Modi’s family) to their names on social media platforms.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4), strongly reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family.

India's Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4), strongly reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav's dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's family. Yadav had said that PM Modi "has no family and is neither a Hindu". Attacking Yadav and the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc over the comment, Irani said that India's 1.4 billion people are Prime Minister Modi's family and no one can dare to touch even a hair of such a man, whom she referred to as the “Pradhan Sevak”. The minister was speaking at the 'Namo Yuva Maha Sammelan', which was organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Nagpur city of Maharashtra. Irani said that not only 1.4 billion Indians, but the country's youth and party workers are “Modi's parivaar" (family). Also Read: BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe "...By being 'pradhan sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDIA alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to tell him that, we are 'Modi's parivaar', these youths are 'Modi's parivaar'...nobody will be able to touch even a hair of that person whose family are 140 crore people of India," Union Minister Irani was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: On former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav's "Parivaarvad" jibe, Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "...By being 'Pradhan Sevak', he (PM Modi) worked for the family 'India'...The fodder thief of INDI alliance said that he (PM Modi) has no family, I want to… pic.twitter.com/gSx2hNPFgS — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024 × Smriti Irani openly challenges Rahul Gandhi for debate Smriti Irani openly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai, for a debate on the "difference" between 10 years of Narendra Modi-headed union government and the UPA regime. "If my voice is reaching Rahul Gandhi, then he should listen with open ears. Let there be a discussion on what is the difference between your (UPA) 10 years and Modi's 10 years," Irani said. Irani further took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying that if she asked him directly for the debate, he would never come. The minister said that Gandhi would not even survive in front of BJP's ordinary workers in such a debate. "I guarantee that even if an ordinary worker of Yuva Morcha starts speaking in front of Rahul Gandhi, he will lose the strength to speak," she said. Irani's comments came days after Lalu Yadav's comments questioning the Hindu credentials of PM Modi and mocking him for not having a family stirred a controversy. Watch: India: PM Modi chairs BJP meet to finalise first list of Lok Sabha candidates “These days he (PM) is talking about dynastic politics. You (PM Modi) don’t have a family... You are not even a Hindu. When one’s mother dies, every Hindu, as per tradition, shaves his beard and head. Why did you not shave? You only spread hatred in society,” said Yadav, at the party’s “Jan Vishwas Maha Rally” in Patna on Sunday (Mar 3). On Monday (Mar 4), PM Modi attacked the INDIA alliance and said that every poor person in the country is his family member and that he is a family member of those who have no family. After this, BJP leaders like Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur, in support of PM Modi, added “Modi ka parivar” (Modi’s family) to their names on social media platforms. (With inputs from agencies)

'Nobody will be able to touch even a hair of PM': Smriti Irani on Lalu Yadav's 'parivaar' jibe

After weeks of twists and turns PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif has been elected by the country's Parliament to be Pakistan's next prime minister. Sharif will lead a coalition government in Alliance with Pakistan People's Party and this will be his second term as the country's Prime Minister. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections: PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif elected as Pak's new PM, to take oath on Monday

<p>Gun battles broke out across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince Thursday, as a prominent gang leader said a coordinated attack by multiple armed groups was underway to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>Shots were heard across the city as authorities battled assailants who had targeted police stations, a police academy and the Toussaint-Louverture International Airport.</p>

<p>"Today, we announce that all armed groups are going to act to get Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down," gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known by the nickname Barbecue, said in a video posted on social media before the attacks began.</p>

<p>"We will use all strategies to achieve this goal," he said. "We claim responsibility for everything that's happening in the streets right now."</p>

<p>Armed gangs have taken over entire swaths of the country in recent years, unleashing brutal violence that has left the Haitian economy and public health system in tatters.</p>

<p>At the same time, the Caribbean nation has also been engulfed in widespread civil and political unrest, with thousands taking to the streets in recent weeks to demand Henry step down after he refused to do so as scheduled.</p>

<p>Under a political deal concluded following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti was supposed to hold elections and Henry cede power to newly elected officials by February 7 of this year, but that hasn't happened.</p>

<p>The attacks came as Henry is currently in Kenya, which is moving to head up a multinational mission greenlit by the UN Security Council to help the Haitian police wrest back control of the country.</p>

<p>At least one police officer was wounded in Thursday's fighting, an official from the police union told AFP.</p>

<p>Schools, universities and businesses halted their activities.</p>

<p>At one point, students at the State University of Haiti were briefly taken hostage before being released, a dean told AFP. At least one student was shot and wounded in the fighting, he added.</p>

<p>Multiple airlines cancelled domestic and international flights after aircraft and an airport terminal came under fire.</p>


Gun battles broke out across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince Thursday, as a prominent gang leader said a coordinated attack by multiple armed groups was underway to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Gun battles broke out across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince Thursday, as a prominent gang leader said a coordinated attack by multiple armed groups was underway to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Shots were heard across the city as authorities battled assailants who had targeted police stations, a police academy and the Toussaint-Louverture International Airport. "Today, we announce that all armed groups are going to act to get Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down," gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known by the nickname Barbecue, said in a video posted on social media before the attacks began. "We will use all strategies to achieve this goal," he said. "We claim responsibility for everything that's happening in the streets right now." Armed gangs have taken over entire swaths of the country in recent years, unleashing brutal violence that has left the Haitian economy and public health system in tatters. At the same time, the Caribbean nation has also been engulfed in widespread civil and political unrest, with thousands taking to the streets in recent weeks to demand Henry step down after he refused to do so as scheduled. Under a political deal concluded following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti was supposed to hold elections and Henry cede power to newly elected officials by February 7 of this year, but that hasn't happened. The attacks came as Henry is currently in Kenya, which is moving to head up a multinational mission greenlit by the UN Security Council to help the Haitian police wrest back control of the country. At least one police officer was wounded in Thursday's fighting, an official from the police union told AFP. Schools, universities and businesses halted their activities. At one point, students at the State University of Haiti were briefly taken hostage before being released, a dean told AFP. At least one student was shot and wounded in the fighting, he added. Multiple airlines cancelled domestic and international flights after aircraft and an airport terminal came under fire.

Gun battles rage in Haiti as gang leader pushes for PM's ouster

<p>A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021&nbsp;assassination of President Jovenel Moïse&nbsp;indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, in a report released on Monday.</p>

<p>The indictments are expected to further destabilize Haiti as it struggles with a surge in gang violence and recovers from a spate of violent protests demanding the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>Dozens of suspects were indicted in the 122-page report issued by Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is the fifth judge to lead the investigation after previous ones stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed.</p>

<p>Charles, who was police chief when&nbsp;Moïse was killed<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/haiti-presidential-assassination-mystery-deepens-explained-in-pictures-1827562-2021-07-13" target="_self">&nbsp;</a>and now serves as Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, faces the most serious charges: murder; attempted murder; possession and illegal carrying of weapons; conspiracy against the internal security of the state; and criminal association.</p>

<p><a id="more-section-display-name" name="more-section-display-name"></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Joseph and Martine Moïse, who were injured in the attack, are accused of complicity and criminal association.</p>

<p><iframe allow="attribution-reporting" aria-label="Advertisement" data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/IT_Teads_1x1_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/IT_Teads_1x1_0" scrolling="no" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Charles could not be immediately reached for comment, and Martine Moïse’s attorney did not return a message for comment.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Joseph, the former prime minister, shared a statement with The Associated Press accusing Henry of “undermining” the investigation and benefitting from the president’s death.</p>

<p>“Henry... is weaponizing the Haitian justice system, prosecuting political opponents like me. It’s a classic coup d’état,” Joseph said. “They failed to kill me and Martine Moïse on July 7th 2021, now they are using the Haitian justice system to advance their Machiavellian agenda.”</p>

<p>Joseph again called on Henry to resign and noted that while he was still prime minister, he invited the FBI to help local authorities investigate the killing and wrote the UN and OAS for help.</p>

<p>“I won’t stop my fight. Justice must be served,” he said.</p>

<p>In his report, the judge noted that the former secretary general of the National Palace, Lyonel Valbrun, told authorities that he received “strong pressure” from Martine Moïse to put the president’s office at the disposal of Joseph because he needed it to “organize a council of ministers.”</p>

<p>Valbrun also said that two days before her husband was killed, Martine Moïse visited the National Palace and spent nearly five hours, from 10 pm to 3 am, removing “a bunch of things.”</p>

<p>He said that two days after Jovenel Moïse was slain, Martine Moïse called to tell him that, “Jovenel didn’t do anything for us. You have to open the office. The president told Ti Klod to create a council of ministers; he will hold elections in three months, so I can become president, now we will have power.”</p>

<p>While the document did not identify Ti Klod, the former prime minister, Claude Joseph, is known by that name.</p>

<p>The judge also stated in his report that Martine Moïse “suggested” she took refuge under the marital bed to protect herself from the attackers, but he noted that authorities at the scene found that not “even a giant ratâ€æwhose size measures between 35 and 45 centimeters” could fit under the bed.</p>

<p>The judge said the former first lady’s statements were “so tainted with contradictions that they leave something to be desired and discredit her.”</p>

<p>Others who face charges including murder are Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian-American pastor who visualized himself as Haiti’s next president and said he thought Moïse was only going to be arrested; Joseph Vincent, a Haitian-American and former informant for the US Drug Enforcement Administration; Dimitri Hérard, presidential security chief; John Joël Joseph, a former Haitian senator; and Windelle Coq, a Haitian judge whom authorities say is a fugitive.</p>

<p>Sanon, Vincent and Joseph were extradited to the US, where a total of 11 suspects face federal charges in the slaying of Haiti’s president. At least three of them have already been sentenced.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, more than 40 suspects are languishing in prison in Haiti awaiting trial, although it was not immediately clear how quickly one would be held following Monday’s indictments. Among them are 20 former Colombian soldiers.</p>

<p>Milena Carmona, wife of Jheyner Alberto Carmona Fl³rez, told The Associated Press that he is innocent.</p>

<p>“What’s happening is that this crime is a conspiracy of great magnitude in which powerful people are behind the scenes running everything, and that’s why they’re not given freedom,” she said of the former soldiers.</p>

<p>US prosecutors have described it as a plot hatched in both Haiti and&nbsp;Florida<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-man-pleads-guilty-case-linked-2021-assassination-of-ex-haiti-president-2500383-2024-02-11" target="_self">&nbsp;</a>to hire mercenaries to kidnap or kill Moïse, who was 53 when he was slain at his private home near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.</p>

<p>The attack began late July 6 and ended July 7, according to witnesses.</p>

<p>Martine Moïse and others who were interrogated said they heard heavy gunfire starting around 1 a.m. that lasted between 30 to 45 minutes before armed men burst into the bedroom of the presidential couple.</p>

<p>Moïse said she was lying on the ground when she heard the attackers yell, “That’s not it! That’s not it! That’s not it!”</p>

<p>She said the suspects made a video call to identify the exact location of what they were searching as they killed the president. She added that she was face down when the suspects tilted her head and tugged on one of her toes “to ensure that she wasn’t alive.”</p>

<p>Once they left, Moïse said she dragged herself on the ground and whispered to her husband that she was going to try and go to the hospital.</p>

<p>“That’s when she noticed that the president was dead and that his left eye had been removed from the socket,” the report stated.</p>

<p>Moïse said a group of about 30 to 50 police officers were supposed to guard the presidential residence, but the judge noted that only a handful of officers were present that night. One officer told the judge that he heard explosions and a voice through a megaphone saying, “Do not shoot! It’s a DEA operation! US Army! We know how many officers are inside. Exit with two hands lowered.”</p>

<p>Another officer said the head of security of the first lady found her “in critical condition” surrounded by her two children. He said he also saw an undetermined number of people coming out of the president’s residence “with briefcases and several envelopes in their possession.”</p>

<p>The report quotes Inspector General André Vladimir Paraison saying that the president called him at 1:46 a.m. and told him, “Paraison! Man, hurry up! I’m in trouble! Come quickly and save my life.” He said he encountered heavily armed men and couldn’t access the residence immediately.</p>

<p>Officers at the scene said they found cars, windows and doors at the president’s private home riddled with bullet holes, along with surveillance cameras cut off and a broken lock on the double-wooden door leading to the presidential bedroom.</p>

<p>The judge said some police officers at the residence were disarmed and handcuffed, while others “had time to throw themselves down a ravine” for safety. In addition, the police officer overseeing presidential security was accused of receiving $80,000 to bribe certain officers “to remain inactive” during the assassination, according to the report.</p>

<p>The judge noted how “none of the police providing security to the head of state was in danger. Unfortunately, the head of state was assassinated with ease.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, in a report released on Monday.

A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, in a report released on Monday. The indictments are expected to further destabilize Haiti as it struggles with a surge in gang violence and recovers from a spate of violent protests demanding the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Dozens of suspects were indicted in the 122-page report issued by Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is the fifth judge to lead the investigation after previous ones stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed. Charles, who was police chief when Moïse was killed and now serves as Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, faces the most serious charges: murder; attempted murder; possession and illegal carrying of weapons; conspiracy against the internal security of the state; and criminal association. Meanwhile, Joseph and Martine Moïse, who were injured in the attack, are accused of complicity and criminal association. Charles could not be immediately reached for comment, and Martine Moïse’s attorney did not return a message for comment. Meanwhile, Joseph, the former prime minister, shared a statement with The Associated Press accusing Henry of “undermining” the investigation and benefitting from the president’s death. “Henry... is weaponizing the Haitian justice system, prosecuting political opponents like me. It’s a classic coup d’état,” Joseph said. “They failed to kill me and Martine Moïse on July 7th 2021, now they are using the Haitian justice system to advance their Machiavellian agenda.” Joseph again called on Henry to resign and noted that while he was still prime minister, he invited the FBI to help local authorities investigate the killing and wrote the UN and OAS for help. “I won’t stop my fight. Justice must be served,” he said. In his report, the judge noted that the former secretary general of the National Palace, Lyonel Valbrun, told authorities that he received “strong pressure” from Martine Moïse to put the president’s office at the disposal of Joseph because he needed it to “organize a council of ministers.” Valbrun also said that two days before her husband was killed, Martine Moïse visited the National Palace and spent nearly five hours, from 10 pm to 3 am, removing “a bunch of things.” He said that two days after Jovenel Moïse was slain, Martine Moïse called to tell him that, “Jovenel didn’t do anything for us. You have to open the office. The president told Ti Klod to create a council of ministers; he will hold elections in three months, so I can become president, now we will have power.” While the document did not identify Ti Klod, the former prime minister, Claude Joseph, is known by that name. The judge also stated in his report that Martine Moïse “suggested” she took refuge under the marital bed to protect herself from the attackers, but he noted that authorities at the scene found that not “even a giant ratâ€æwhose size measures between 35 and 45 centimeters” could fit under the bed. The judge said the former first lady’s statements were “so tainted with contradictions that they leave something to be desired and discredit her.” Others who face charges including murder are Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian-American pastor who visualized himself as Haiti’s next president and said he thought Moïse was only going to be arrested; Joseph Vincent, a Haitian-American and former informant for the US Drug Enforcement Administration; Dimitri Hérard, presidential security chief; John Joël Joseph, a former Haitian senator; and Windelle Coq, a Haitian judge whom authorities say is a fugitive. Sanon, Vincent and Joseph were extradited to the US, where a total of 11 suspects face federal charges in the slaying of Haiti’s president. At least three of them have already been sentenced. Meanwhile, more than 40 suspects are languishing in prison in Haiti awaiting trial, although it was not immediately clear how quickly one would be held following Monday’s indictments. Among them are 20 former Colombian soldiers. Milena Carmona, wife of Jheyner Alberto Carmona Fl³rez, told The Associated Press that he is innocent. “What’s happening is that this crime is a conspiracy of great magnitude in which powerful people are behind the scenes running everything, and that’s why they’re not given freedom,” she said of the former soldiers. US prosecutors have described it as a plot hatched in both Haiti and Florida to hire mercenaries to kidnap or kill Moïse, who was 53 when he was slain at his private home near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The attack began late July 6 and ended July 7, according to witnesses. Martine Moïse and others who were interrogated said they heard heavy gunfire starting around 1 a.m. that lasted between 30 to 45 minutes before armed men burst into the bedroom of the presidential couple. Moïse said she was lying on the ground when she heard the attackers yell, “That’s not it! That’s not it! That’s not it!” She said the suspects made a video call to identify the exact location of what they were searching as they killed the president. She added that she was face down when the suspects tilted her head and tugged on one of her toes “to ensure that she wasn’t alive.” Once they left, Moïse said she dragged herself on the ground and whispered to her husband that she was going to try and go to the hospital. “That’s when she noticed that the president was dead and that his left eye had been removed from the socket,” the report stated. Moïse said a group of about 30 to 50 police officers were supposed to guard the presidential residence, but the judge noted that only a handful of officers were present that night. One officer told the judge that he heard explosions and a voice through a megaphone saying, “Do not shoot! It’s a DEA operation! US Army! We know how many officers are inside. Exit with two hands lowered.” Another officer said the head of security of the first lady found her “in critical condition” surrounded by her two children. He said he also saw an undetermined number of people coming out of the president’s residence “with briefcases and several envelopes in their possession.” The report quotes Inspector General André Vladimir Paraison saying that the president called him at 1:46 a.m. and told him, “Paraison! Man, hurry up! I’m in trouble! Come quickly and save my life.” He said he encountered heavily armed men and couldn’t access the residence immediately. Officers at the scene said they found cars, windows and doors at the president’s private home riddled with bullet holes, along with surveillance cameras cut off and a broken lock on the double-wooden door leading to the presidential bedroom. The judge said some police officers at the residence were disarmed and handcuffed, while others “had time to throw themselves down a ravine” for safety. In addition, the police officer overseeing presidential security was accused of receiving $80,000 to bribe certain officers “to remain inactive” during the assassination, according to the report. The judge noted how “none of the police providing security to the head of state was in danger. Unfortunately, the head of state was assassinated with ease.”

Former Haiti President's wife, ex-Prime Minister accused in his assassination

<p lang="en-US">The farmer unions Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction), which have been leading the ongoing protests, are staging a ‘rail roko’ (stop trains) in the state of Punjab between 12 noon and 4 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15) as the protesters geared up to hold a meeting with the cabinet ministers.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The protesters, who came from Rajpura and&nbsp;Patiala, sat on the rail tracks and blocked&nbsp;trains at Rajpura Railway Station.</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> | Punjab: Protesters from Rajpura, Patiala are sitting on rail tracks and blocking trains at Rajpura Railway Station. <a href="https://t.co/y4ffdC4LBz">pic.twitter.com/y4ffdC4LBz</a></p>
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<p>The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is an umbrella body consisting of 37 farm unions, supported the ongoing protests in which the farmers have been demanding a minimum support price or MSP for their crops.<br />
<br />
These unions had majorly contributed to the&nbsp;protests that took place in 2020&nbsp;and have participated in the current protests citing the “condemnable use of violence” against farmers.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-farmer-protest-20-differs-from-the-2020-stir-five-points-689883">Here’s how Farmer Protest 2.0 differs from the 2020 agitation: Six points</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The police action has been slammed by BKU (Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan.<br />
<br />
“We stand with them in solidarity. To prove it, our supporters will hold rail roko (stop trains) at as many places as we can,” Kalan announced. He said that the organisation will block train tracks between 12 pm and 4 pm (local time) in Punjab on Thursday (Feb 15), one day before the farmers have planned a larger nationwide strike.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Ministers to hold a meeting with farmers</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The farmers will be holding a meeting with the cabinet ministers in Chandigarh on Thursday (Feb 15) and the protesters are likely to remain peaceful and not try pushing their way through the barricades placed at various border points across the national capital.<br />
<br />
After speaking with senior police officers in Chandigarh on Wednesday (Nov 14), farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda and two other cabinet ministers Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai will be holding talks with representatives of the protesting farmers in Punjab at 5 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15).<br />
<br />
Goyal has been holding the Food and Public Distribution portfolio and Rai is the Minister of State for Home.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Farmers continue march to delhi after clashes on the shambhu border</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">"Based on a message we got last night and Union Minister Anurag Thakur's call for dialogue, we spoke to everyone in the movement and decided that we would remain peaceful today and not try and push further from where we were. A meeting has been called for 5 pm tomorrow and we will continue our peaceful protest. No action will be taken from our side until then," Pandher said.<br />
<br />
Speaking to ANI, General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Sarvan Singh Pandher said, "We have a meeting with the ministers today, and we want PM Modi to have a conversation with them so that we can reach a solution for our demands. Or else, we should be allowed to protest peacefully in Delhi."<br />
<br />
“We are going to attend the meeting in a completely positive mood today and we have full confidence that a positive solution will emerge from this meeting,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The farmer unions Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction), which have been leading the ongoing protests, are staging a ‘rail roko’ (stop trains) in the state of Punjab between 12 noon and 4 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15) as the protesters geared up to hold a meeting with the cabinet ministers.

The farmer unions Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction), which have been leading the ongoing protests, are staging a ‘rail roko’ (stop trains) in the state of Punjab between 12 noon and 4 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15) as the protesters geared up to hold a meeting with the cabinet ministers. The protesters, who came from Rajpura and Patiala, sat on the rail tracks and blocked trains at Rajpura Railway Station. #WATCH | Punjab: Protesters from Rajpura, Patiala are sitting on rail tracks and blocking trains at Rajpura Railway Station. pic.twitter.com/y4ffdC4LBz — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2024 × The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is an umbrella body consisting of 37 farm unions, supported the ongoing protests in which the farmers have been demanding a minimum support price or MSP for their crops. These unions had majorly contributed to the protests that took place in 2020 and have participated in the current protests citing the “condemnable use of violence” against farmers. Also Read: Here’s how Farmer Protest 2.0 differs from the 2020 agitation: Six points The police action has been slammed by BKU (Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan. “We stand with them in solidarity. To prove it, our supporters will hold rail roko (stop trains) at as many places as we can,” Kalan announced. He said that the organisation will block train tracks between 12 pm and 4 pm (local time) in Punjab on Thursday (Feb 15), one day before the farmers have planned a larger nationwide strike. Ministers to hold a meeting with farmers The farmers will be holding a meeting with the cabinet ministers in Chandigarh on Thursday (Feb 15) and the protesters are likely to remain peaceful and not try pushing their way through the barricades placed at various border points across the national capital. After speaking with senior police officers in Chandigarh on Wednesday (Nov 14), farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda and two other cabinet ministers Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai will be holding talks with representatives of the protesting farmers in Punjab at 5 pm (local time) on Thursday (Feb 15). Goyal has been holding the Food and Public Distribution portfolio and Rai is the Minister of State for Home. Watch: Farmers continue march to delhi after clashes on the shambhu border "Based on a message we got last night and Union Minister Anurag Thakur's call for dialogue, we spoke to everyone in the movement and decided that we would remain peaceful today and not try and push further from where we were. A meeting has been called for 5 pm tomorrow and we will continue our peaceful protest. No action will be taken from our side until then," Pandher said. Speaking to ANI, General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Sarvan Singh Pandher said, "We have a meeting with the ministers today, and we want PM Modi to have a conversation with them so that we can reach a solution for our demands. Or else, we should be allowed to protest peacefully in Delhi." “We are going to attend the meeting in a completely positive mood today and we have full confidence that a positive solution will emerge from this meeting,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Farmers' protest 2.0: Protesters block trains, demand PM Modi to intervene

Less than 48 hours on February 8th, 128 million Pakistani voters will cast their ballot to choose a new government for the world's fifth most populous nation. Keep watching to the three main contenders for 2024.

Pakistan elections: 128 million voters preparing to elect a new government

<p>In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and advancing key areas of cooperation, Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to India this week. The visit, with a primary focus on energy, cybersecurity, and disaster management, signifies a commitment to fostering deeper ties.</p>

<p>The bilateral engagement between India and Guyana has been on an upward trajectory, with significant visits from Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other high-ranking officials in the past year.</p>

<p>Following discussions during President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo's visit to India in January and February 2023, both nations have taken concrete steps by constituting eight Joint Working Groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These groups span diverse areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure development, energy, Ayurveda, technology innovation, defense, and human resources &amp; capacity building. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen cooperation and capitalise on each country's strengths for mutual benefit.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-abhay-thakur-indias-new-ambassador-to-russia-686746">Who is Abhay Thakur, India's new ambassador to Russia</a></p>

<p>One of the key highlights of the burgeoning partnership is Guyana's interest in acquiring defense capabilities from India. This move is driven by Guyana's need to protect its maritime boundaries, and exclusive economic zones, and safeguard its rapidly growing oil and gas industry from potential threats, including illegal fishing activities.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visit to Guyana last year, where he held a Joint Commission meeting with Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Hilton Todd, further solidified the diplomatic ties between the two nations.</p>

<p>The discussions during the meeting underscored shared perspectives on global challenges and opportunities for collaborative solutions.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-pm-albanese-says-government-probing-claims-un-agency-aided-hamas-686779">Australia PM Albanese says government probing claims UN agency aided Hamas</a></p>

<p>Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, who assumed office as Guyana's Executive Prime Minister in August 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His background as the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force adds a strategic dimension to the discussions, particularly in the context of defence cooperation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-rise-of-japans-silver-porn-market-wion-untangled-686787">The rise of Japan's 'Silver Porn' market | WION Untangled</a></strong></p>

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<p>Last week, Guyana's Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira commended India's pivotal role in the global community during the celebration of India’s 75th Republic Day at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown. Minister Teixeira specifically praised India's unwavering commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, recognising these as integral strengths that underpin its status as the world's largest democracy, fostering stability and resilience.</p>


In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and advancing key areas of cooperation, Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to India this week.

In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and advancing key areas of cooperation, Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to India this week. The visit, with a primary focus on energy, cybersecurity, and disaster management, signifies a commitment to fostering deeper ties. The bilateral engagement between India and Guyana has been on an upward trajectory, with significant visits from Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and other high-ranking officials in the past year. Following discussions during President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo's visit to India in January and February 2023, both nations have taken concrete steps by constituting eight Joint Working Groups. These groups span diverse areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure development, energy, Ayurveda, technology innovation, defense, and human resources & capacity building. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen cooperation and capitalise on each country's strengths for mutual benefit. Also Read | Who is Abhay Thakur, India's new ambassador to Russia One of the key highlights of the burgeoning partnership is Guyana's interest in acquiring defense capabilities from India. This move is driven by Guyana's need to protect its maritime boundaries, and exclusive economic zones, and safeguard its rapidly growing oil and gas industry from potential threats, including illegal fishing activities. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visit to Guyana last year, where he held a Joint Commission meeting with Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Hilton Todd, further solidified the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The discussions during the meeting underscored shared perspectives on global challenges and opportunities for collaborative solutions. Also Read | Australia PM Albanese says government probing claims UN agency aided Hamas Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, who assumed office as Guyana's Executive Prime Minister in August 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His background as the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force adds a strategic dimension to the discussions, particularly in the context of defence cooperation. Watch | The rise of Japan's 'Silver Porn' market | WION Untangled × Last week, Guyana's Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira commended India's pivotal role in the global community during the celebration of India’s 75th Republic Day at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown. Minister Teixeira specifically praised India's unwavering commitment to democratic governance, pluralism, and the rule of law, recognising these as integral strengths that underpin its status as the world's largest democracy, fostering stability and resilience.

Guyana Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips to visit India this week

French President Emmanuel Macron has raised eyebrows by appointing Stephane Sejourne as France's Foreign Minister. Sejourne, 38, has never served in the government before, and he also happens to be the former partner of France's newly-appointed and 34-year-old Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

Gravitas | Macron appoints PM Gabriel Attal's ex-partner as Foreign Minister

The shake-up comes after a year marred by political crisis. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne resigned on Monday, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to give a new impetus to his second mandate ahead of European Parliament elections and the Paris Olympics this summer. Now Gabriel Attal is said to be appointed as France's new Prime Minister.

Gabriel Attal to becomes France's youngest, first gay Prime Minister

Gabriel Attal, France's youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister at 34, has had a meteoric rise in French politics. From his initial break as a recruit in the health ministry to holding the nation's second-highest office, his journey has been rapid.

Gravitas | From political prodigy to Prime Minister: Meet Gabriel Attal

<p>Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's political journey takes a significant turn as his party has officially declared&nbsp;him their consensus candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, returned to Pakistan from London in October after four years in self-imposed exile,&nbsp;evading prison sentences related to corruption charges.</p>

<p>Upon his return, Sharif's convictions and sentences were overturned on appeal, providing him with the eligibility to participate in the parliamentary elections. The election, scheduled for February 8, will determine the new prime minister through a parliamentary vote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/domestic-violence-in-pakistan-a-silent-pandemic-serious-challenge-to-society-adb-report-673956">Also read |&nbsp;Domestic violence in Pakistan a 'silent pandemic', 'serious challenge' to society: ADB report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Party endorsement: Nawaz Sharif as PM candidate</strong></h2>

<p>Rana Sanaullah Khan, a senior leader in Sharif's party, solidifies Sharif's candidacy, saying, “There is no doubt about it. Nawaz Sharif is our candidate for the office of the prime minister,” as reported by the Express Tribune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The returning officer (RO) of National Assembly (NA)-130 Lahore accepted Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers after a thorough scrutiny process. With no objections found, Sharif's candidacy for the NA-130 constituency is confirmed for the general elections on February 8.</p>

<p>Sharif faces competition in NA-130 from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Dr Yasmin Rashid and 22 other candidates. In parallel, Sharif has submitted nomination papers for NA-15 Mansehra, pending acceptance by the local RO.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Rewind 2023: May 9 riots and the fate of Imran Khan</strong></p>

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<p>He&nbsp;voluntarily stepped down as prime minister in 2017 amid corruption allegations. In 2018, he received a 10-year prison sentence for purchasing luxury apartments in London, with an additional seven-year sentence in the same year for failing to disclose information about family-owned steel mills in 1999. His return to candidacy marks a pivotal moment in his political resilience.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's political journey takes a significant turn as his party has officially declared him their consensus candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's political journey takes a significant turn as his party has officially declared him their consensus candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, returned to Pakistan from London in October after four years in self-imposed exile, evading prison sentences related to corruption charges. Upon his return, Sharif's convictions and sentences were overturned on appeal, providing him with the eligibility to participate in the parliamentary elections. The election, scheduled for February 8, will determine the new prime minister through a parliamentary vote. Also read | Domestic violence in Pakistan a 'silent pandemic', 'serious challenge' to society: ADB report Party endorsement: Nawaz Sharif as PM candidate Rana Sanaullah Khan, a senior leader in Sharif's party, solidifies Sharif's candidacy, saying, “There is no doubt about it. Nawaz Sharif is our candidate for the office of the prime minister,” as reported by the Express Tribune. The returning officer (RO) of National Assembly (NA)-130 Lahore accepted Nawaz Sharif's nomination papers after a thorough scrutiny process. With no objections found, Sharif's candidacy for the NA-130 constituency is confirmed for the general elections on February 8. Sharif faces competition in NA-130 from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Dr Yasmin Rashid and 22 other candidates. In parallel, Sharif has submitted nomination papers for NA-15 Mansehra, pending acceptance by the local RO. Also watch | WION Rewind 2023: May 9 riots and the fate of Imran Khan He voluntarily stepped down as prime minister in 2017 amid corruption allegations. In 2018, he received a 10-year prison sentence for purchasing luxury apartments in London, with an additional seven-year sentence in the same year for failing to disclose information about family-owned steel mills in 1999. His return to candidacy marks a pivotal moment in his political resilience. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Former PM Nawaz Sharif to seek fourth term in office, his party confirms

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first world leader whose&nbsp;YouTube channel has crossed the 20 million (two&nbsp;crore) subscribers mark. Regarding views and subscribers, PM Modi has far surpassed the YouTube channels of his Indian and global contemporaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi's channel has amassed a cumulative 4.5 billion video views&nbsp;with the quality of videos and their upload frequency remaining consistent over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was in February last year that PM Modi's YouTube channel crossed the 10 million subscription mark. The three most popular videos on his channel have garnered a combined 175 million views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For&nbsp;comparison, PM Modi's US counterpart Joe Biden has only 794,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. Second on the list behind PM Modi is former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro who has 6.4 million subscribers, followed by&nbsp;Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador with 4.1 million subscribers.&nbsp;Indonesia President Joko Widodo also fares in the list with 3.2 million subscribers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-tops-list-of-most-popular-global-leaders-with-76-rating-667810"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi tops list of most popular global leaders with 76% rating</strong></a></p>

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<p>The 20 million subscribers mark is not only a testament to PM Modi's appeal but also underscores the growing significance of digital platforms in shaping political discourse.</p>

<p>PM Modi was one of the first leaders to tap into the power of the internet during his 2014 electoral victory. Since then, his team has worked continuously to expand his digital footprint.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's approval rating</strong></h2>

<p>His outreach through the digital domain is one of the reasons for his global popularity. A latest survey conducted by Morning Consult whose results were published earlier this month showed that PM Modi remained at the top in&nbsp;global leadership approval, boasting of an impressive 76 per cent rating.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the survey's 'Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker', within India, 76 per cent of respondents expressed approval for PM Modi's leadership, while 18 per cent held a contrary opinion, and six per cent abstained from providing feedback.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent</strong></a></p>

<p>The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset with 58 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first world leader whose YouTube channel has crossed the 20 million (two crore) subscribers mark. Regarding views and subscribers, PM Modi has far surpassed the YouTube channels of his Indian and global contemporaries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first world leader whose YouTube channel has crossed the 20 million (two crore) subscribers mark. Regarding views and subscribers, PM Modi has far surpassed the YouTube channels of his Indian and global contemporaries. PM Modi's channel has amassed a cumulative 4.5 billion video views with the quality of videos and their upload frequency remaining consistent over the years. Notably, it was in February last year that PM Modi's YouTube channel crossed the 10 million subscription mark. The three most popular videos on his channel have garnered a combined 175 million views. For comparison, PM Modi's US counterpart Joe Biden has only 794,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. Second on the list behind PM Modi is former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro who has 6.4 million subscribers, followed by Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador with 4.1 million subscribers. Indonesia President Joko Widodo also fares in the list with 3.2 million subscribers. Watch | Indian PM Modi tops list of most popular global leaders with 76% rating × The 20 million subscribers mark is not only a testament to PM Modi's appeal but also underscores the growing significance of digital platforms in shaping political discourse. PM Modi was one of the first leaders to tap into the power of the internet during his 2014 electoral victory. Since then, his team has worked continuously to expand his digital footprint. PM Modi's approval rating His outreach through the digital domain is one of the reasons for his global popularity. A latest survey conducted by Morning Consult whose results were published earlier this month showed that PM Modi remained at the top in global leadership approval, boasting of an impressive 76 per cent rating. As per the survey's 'Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker', within India, 76 per cent of respondents expressed approval for PM Modi's leadership, while 18 per cent held a contrary opinion, and six per cent abstained from providing feedback. Also read | PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset with 58 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s YouTube channel crosses 20 million subscribers; highest among global leaders

<p>After a student opened fire in a university in central Prague, killing 13&nbsp;and wounding 25 others, Czech police are now trying to find the motive behind the worst-ever mass shooting witnessed by the country.<br />
<br />
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for unity and said that people should not use such killings for spreading misinformation or launching political attacks. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed yet, included the father of the gunman.<br />
<br />
The government declared Saturday as a national day of mourning. Speaking over the incident, Pavel expressed his "great sadness" and "helpless anger at the totally unnecessary" loss of lives.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prague-university-shooting-police-report-people-dead-wounded-672231">Prague university shooting: Police say more than 15 killed, shooter 'eliminated'</a></p>

<p>The shootout took place at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday (Dec 21). The university is near Jan Palach Square, which is located at the heart of the Czech capital.<br />
<br />
After entering the building, the gunman started to open fire&nbsp;in the classrooms and corridors, as the students and staff used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms.<br />
<br />
In some dramatic videos shared on social media, people were seen dangling from the university building's outside ledge before jumping to another part of the roof, which is several metres below. However, the shooter&nbsp;killed himself after the university shooting.</p>

<h2><strong>Czech prime minister appeals for 'sensitivity'</strong></h2>

<p>Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, in a message to the citizens on Friday morning, appealed to them to show consideration and stop spreading unverified information.<br />
<br />
“Dear friends, please approach the tragedy that happened yesterday at [Charles University Faculty of Arts] with sensitivity and consideration. Many people have lost loved ones and friends, and the depth of their pain and sorrow is hard to imagine. Also out of respect for them, please refrain from quick judgments and do not spread unverified information,” PM Fiala said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Prague: Mass shooting in University building</strong></p>

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<p>"An investigation is ongoing at this time and it is in everyone’s interest to clarify and investigate the smallest details of what happened yesterday and what led up to it. Yesterday’s brutal attack affected our entire society, we are going through a painful and sad time, our thoughts are with those who were directly affected by yesterday’s tragedy,” he added.<br />
<br />
Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan later said that the government identified 14 bodies, and they included 13 victims, which included the shooter. He said that there were no foreign nationals among the dead.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


After a student opened fire in a university in central Prague, killing 13 and wounding 25 others, Czech police are now trying to find the motive behind the worst-ever mass shooting witnessed by the country.

After a student opened fire in a university in central Prague, killing 13 and wounding 25 others, Czech police are now trying to find the motive behind the worst-ever mass shooting witnessed by the country. Czech President Petr Pavel has called for unity and said that people should not use such killings for spreading misinformation or launching political attacks. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed yet, included the father of the gunman. The government declared Saturday as a national day of mourning. Speaking over the incident, Pavel expressed his "great sadness" and "helpless anger at the totally unnecessary" loss of lives. Also read: Prague university shooting: Police say more than 15 killed, shooter 'eliminated' The shootout took place at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday (Dec 21). The university is near Jan Palach Square, which is located at the heart of the Czech capital. After entering the building, the gunman started to open fire in the classrooms and corridors, as the students and staff used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms. In some dramatic videos shared on social media, people were seen dangling from the university building's outside ledge before jumping to another part of the roof, which is several metres below. However, the shooter killed himself after the university shooting. Czech prime minister appeals for 'sensitivity' Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, in a message to the citizens on Friday morning, appealed to them to show consideration and stop spreading unverified information. “Dear friends, please approach the tragedy that happened yesterday at [Charles University Faculty of Arts] with sensitivity and consideration. Many people have lost loved ones and friends, and the depth of their pain and sorrow is hard to imagine. Also out of respect for them, please refrain from quick judgments and do not spread unverified information,” PM Fiala said. Watch: Prague: Mass shooting in University building "An investigation is ongoing at this time and it is in everyone’s interest to clarify and investigate the smallest details of what happened yesterday and what led up to it. Yesterday’s brutal attack affected our entire society, we are going through a painful and sad time, our thoughts are with those who were directly affected by yesterday’s tragedy,” he added. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan later said that the government identified 14 bodies, and they included 13 victims, which included the shooter. He said that there were no foreign nationals among the dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Prague mass shooting: Czech police try to uncover motive behind attack, PM appeals for 'sensitivity'

<p>In a burgeoning controversy, Brazil's First Lady, Rosangela da Silva, popularly known as Janja, has found herself at complete odds with the owner of the social media platform X, Elon Musk. The dispute stemmed from a recent hacking incident that targeted Janja's account, leading to lewd content and insults being posted on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The breach on December 11 drew national attention in Brazil as the hacker targeted Janja's account, which boasts 1.2 million followers, posting lewd images and derogatory remarks directed at President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as well as&nbsp;misogynistic slurs against her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response, Janja accused Musk of downplaying the severity of the hack, and criticised his handling of the situation.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-he-hasnt-read-hitlers-mein-kampf-after-backlash-on-remarks-against-migrants-671963">Trump insists he hasn’t read Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf’ after backlash on remarks against migrants</a></p>

<p>"He minimises a serious event that doesn't just affect me, but thousands of women on his platform every day," Janja asserted, highlighting the broader implications of such security breaches.</p>

<h2><strong>Janja threatens X of legal action, Musk reacts&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Janja expressed her dissatisfaction with X's response, stating that the platform was slow to address her requests to freeze the account, remove the offensive posts, and assist in regaining access.</p>

<p>She even threatened legal action against the company.</p>

<p>Musk, who acquired the platform last year, dismissed any responsibility for the breach in a post, stating, "It is not clear how someone guessing her email password is our responsibility." This response further fueled the feud, with Janja terming it as "symptomatic" of Musk's approach to critics on the platform.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cyclonic-events-in-indian-ocean-throw-rare-venomous-creatures-off-chennai-coast-671945">Cyclonic events in Indian Ocean throw Blue Sea Dragon, Blue Button off Chennai coast</a></p>

<p>In a live broadcast alongside President Lula, Janja announced her intention to sue the Musk-owned social media platform.&nbsp;"I still don't know if I have to sue them in the US or in Brazil, but I will sue them," Janja declared during the broadcast, underscoring her commitment to seeking accountability.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trudeau-on-pannun-murder-plot-us-indictment-triggered-a-change-world-news-wion-671971">Trudeau on Pannun Murder Plot: US indictment triggered a change | World News | WION</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Janja calls for increased regulation</strong></h2>

<p>Moreover, Janja also called for increased regulation of social media platforms, holding them responsible for the actions of their users. President Lula acknowledged the global need for social media regulation and said,&nbsp;"It's a challenge to know how we could deal with it without imposing censorship."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a burgeoning controversy, Brazil's First Lady, Rosangela da Silva, popularly known as Janja, has found herself at complete odds with the owner of the social media platform X, Elon Musk.

In a burgeoning controversy, Brazil's First Lady, Rosangela da Silva, popularly known as Janja, has found herself at complete odds with the owner of the social media platform X, Elon Musk. The dispute stemmed from a recent hacking incident that targeted Janja's account, leading to lewd content and insults being posted on it. The breach on December 11 drew national attention in Brazil as the hacker targeted Janja's account, which boasts 1.2 million followers, posting lewd images and derogatory remarks directed at President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as well as misogynistic slurs against her. In response, Janja accused Musk of downplaying the severity of the hack, and criticised his handling of the situation. Also Read | Trump insists he hasn’t read Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf’ after backlash on remarks against migrants "He minimises a serious event that doesn't just affect me, but thousands of women on his platform every day," Janja asserted, highlighting the broader implications of such security breaches. Janja threatens X of legal action, Musk reacts Janja expressed her dissatisfaction with X's response, stating that the platform was slow to address her requests to freeze the account, remove the offensive posts, and assist in regaining access. She even threatened legal action against the company. Musk, who acquired the platform last year, dismissed any responsibility for the breach in a post, stating, "It is not clear how someone guessing her email password is our responsibility." This response further fueled the feud, with Janja terming it as "symptomatic" of Musk's approach to critics on the platform. Also Read | Cyclonic events in Indian Ocean throw Blue Sea Dragon, Blue Button off Chennai coast In a live broadcast alongside President Lula, Janja announced her intention to sue the Musk-owned social media platform. "I still don't know if I have to sue them in the US or in Brazil, but I will sue them," Janja declared during the broadcast, underscoring her commitment to seeking accountability. Watch | Trudeau on Pannun Murder Plot: US indictment triggered a change | World News | WION × Janja calls for increased regulation Moreover, Janja also called for increased regulation of social media platforms, holding them responsible for the actions of their users. President Lula acknowledged the global need for social media regulation and said, "It's a challenge to know how we could deal with it without imposing censorship." (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil's first lady Janja, Elon Musk lock horns after hacker posts lewd images and insults on X

A person attempted to physically assault Nepal’s former Prime Minister and Opposition CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli during a popularity campaign in the Dhankuta district of eastern Nepal.

Formal Nepal PM KP Oli physically assaulted

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