Respect our territorial sovereignty, India tells China

NEW DELHI: In the midst of growing unease in their ties, India on Wednesday asked China to respect its territorial sovereignty and said its ascent should not be seen as a threat to China's rise.

Foreign secretary S Jaishankar also criticized Pakistan for "blocking" Saarc+ , saying the regional grouping has become "ineffective" due to insecurity of one-member nation.

Calling terrorism the most "pervasive and serious" threat to international security, he rued lack of coherence in dealing with the menace globally, adding pressures to reform the UN so that it can deal with major challenges effectively will only grow with each passing day.

Talking about the China-Pakistan-Economic Corridor ( CPEC+ ) which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Jaishankar, addressing the Raisina Dialogue, envisioned as the country's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, said China should respect India's territorial sovereignty as Beijing was "very sensitive" to matters relating to its own sovereignty.

"China is a country which is very sensitive on matters concerning its sovereignty. So we would expect that they would have some understanding of other people's sensitivity on their sovereignty," he said, noting there was no sign of any reflection on India's concerns over CPEC project.


Source:-Timesofindia

Indian railways ask again for safety funds after crash kills 150

The track where an Indian course of action beat on Sunday, killing 150 people, was explored just two days before and saw to be in exceptional condition, raising more issues about the prevailing of a structure seeking after down $17 billion in financing to keep up a key division from more crashes.

The crash, among India's most perceivably wretched plan tragedies, was a stark sign of the incapacitated condition of the enormous state-run railways and of the test Prime Minister Narendra Modi confronts in fulfilling his insistence to modernize them.

Powers believe a rail break may have sent 14 carriages giving path into each unprecedented as a colossal bit of the 1,700-odd voyagers on board rested. In any case, they can't ensure until each scope of hurt track is inquired about.

"This was a bother where a boundless part of the rails were expelled and broken. It's to a remarkable degree amazed," Mohammad Jamshed, a senior railways advantage official, told Reuters.

Worked under British lead, the world's fourth most unmistakable rail make ships 23 million people across over India dependably.

With people reliably holding quick deplorably to the outside of carriages or stuffed on the rooftop, it is groaning under making premium and particular years of underinvestment.

Source:- reuters

It is a blessing PM Modi spends some time in India: Nitish Kumar

"What can be said of the Prime Minister? He goes to foreign countries. It's a blessing that he spends some time in the country also," Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of a function marking the installation of a statue of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar here.

Kumar criticised Modi over his Bihar visit later this month, where he is expected to kick-start BJP's campaign for the coming Assembly elections.
  
"He is remembering Bihar after 14-15 months of coming to power. It is to be seen what kind of package the Prime Minister announces for the state when he comes here or just does some packaging," Kumar said.
  
The Chief Minister pointed out that he and his officials have already submitted all papers regarding the needs and demands of the state and Modi's visit would reveal whether he accepts the suggestions for the welfare of the people or just did 'packaging of schemes' that were already going on in various departments.
  
Kumar said people have made Modi the 'Malik-Mukhtar' (ruler) and his wishes would prevail till he was the Prime Minister, but the people of Bihar would not be misled again.

Source:  Hindi News  and Newspaper in Hindi

View  here: Daily and Weekly Horoscope

 

View here: Fun Facts

PM Modi greets Madagascar on its Independence Day

"I wish the people of Madagascar on the occasion of their Independence Day," Modi said.

The Malagasy people enjoy the day celebrated each year on June 26 with good food, drinking and dancing.

Madagascar gained Independence in 1960 from French colonial rule.

Source: Latest News

States, UTs to have greater say in implementation of urban development schemes

Operational guidelines for implementation of Smart Cities, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Housing for All by 2022 in urban areas were released at the launch of these three mega projects.

According to the guidelines, the states and Union Territories will have full liberty and flexibility in formulation, approval and execution of projects under the three missions. The Centre has virtually withdrawn from the earlier practice of appraising and sanctioning individual projects, thereby ending the scope for subjectivity and discretion.

Based on the learnings of implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) that ended up in 'sub-optimal physical and financial performance', Urban Development and Housing for Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministries have sought to ensure timely sanction and execution and certainty of resources for various projects and participation of citizens in identifying development needs under the new urban schemes.

The major new provisions incorporated in the guidelines and common to all the three urban missions include objective criteria for selection of cities and allocation of funds. Smart City project aims development 100 Smart Cities while 500 cities are being identified under AMRUT. Housing for All renamed as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana envisages construction of 2 crore affordable houses for poor in urban areas.

Source: Latest News

Congress, AAP step up demand for resignation of four BJP women Ministers

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje are embroiled in a row over extending help to tainted former IPL boss Lalit Modi while HRD Minister Smriti Irani faced trouble with a Delhi court taking cognizance of a complaint against her for allegedly misrepresenting educational qualifications in her election affidavits. Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde is the fourth Minister caught in a row.
   
Sharpening its attack on BJP after the emergence of a document backing Lalit Modi's immigration application in the UK which purportedly bears Raje's signature, the Congress said the party should ask the Chief Minister to step down as it can no longer "continue to defend the indefensible".
   
"I am of the opinion that after what has now been made public, there is absolutely no scope left, no face left for BJP to manoeuvre and defend its leadership," it said.
  
"There cannot be two laws in this country. One for common citizens and one for high-ranking BJP officials. Therefore... I think it is in the best interest of the state and also of BJP to ask the chief minister to put in her papers as soon as possible," Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot said.
   
Congress staged twin protests at Jantar Mantar and outside its headquarters and demanded the immediate resignation of Swaraj, Irani and Raje.
   
The protesters also tore an effigy of Irani and placards inscribed with messages that mocked the "farce" of her academic qualifications and warned the government against "toying with education".
   
Scores of AAP workers staged a protest outside Irani's residence demanding her resignation.
   
Congress's Delhi unit chief Lalit Maken accused the prime minister of "inaction" in the wake of the raging controversies involving his party leaders.

Source: Latest News

India offers Tanzania expertise in natural gas sector

During extensive talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, both the countries also decided to establish a joint working group to strengthen cooperation in counter terrorism.

The MoUs signed included a loan agreement between Exim Bank and Tanzanian government on a line of credit for USD 268.35 million for extension of a pipeline project and cooperation in the field of hydrology, tourism and agriculture.

"Terrorism in our respective regions is a concern for both countries. We have agreed to establish a joint working group to strengthen our cooperation in counter terrorism," Modi said during a joint media interaction with Kikwete. In the talks, PM Modi was assisted by a high-level delegation which included External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The Prime Minister added he has conveyed to Kikwete that India will soon extend e-tourist visa scheme to Tanzanian tourists. The Tanzania President thanked India for its continued assistance to his country and said both the nations have decided to take the relationship to the next level.

Source: Latest News

PM Modi greets Rahul Gandhi on his birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to Rahul, who thanked him for the wishes. After many years, Rahul will be in the national capital on his birthday and Congress workers have made elaborate arrangements to celebrate the occasion.

However, scores of Congress workers celebrated the birthday of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi with fanfare bursting crackers and raining flower petals outside his residence here.

Rahul's mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi drove to his 12, Tughalq Lane residence, outside which a large gathering of Congress workers, led by Jagdish Sharma, celebrated the occasion with cutting cake and singing in praise of Rahul's leadership.

Source:Latest News

Sushma shouldn't be pestered because she is a woman: Lalu

"Sushma Swaraj is a woman. She should not be pestered over the issue. Political parties should not pester her more," Prasad said when asked to comment on the issue.

The RJD chief was speaking to media persons after chairing a meeting of party leaders and workers to chalk out a strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls.

The External Affairs Minister is at the centre of a major row over helping Lalit Modi to obtain British travel documents but found strong support from the government and BJP which rejected opposition demands for her resignation over alleged "impropriety".

Source: Latest News

Lalit Modi warns detractors of 'sensational disclosures'

Naming a number of senior UPA ministers, Modi in a series of tweets claimed his disclosures, which he termed as "bombshells", would implicate the "erstwhile PMO".

"Congress party should be watching this press conference. So should all who have jumped up and down in last few years," he said in a tweet.

"Lastly before I board another flight to another beautiful destination. This is war. So bring it on. I choose to lose a battle to win a war," a combative Modi, who is based in London, said in another tweet.

Apparently referring to Opposition's demand for Swaraj's resignation, he said "wrong people resignations are being asked. I can assure u now the storm is about to hit. Lots more resignations will be (sic)."

"Now finally it's my turn to get EVERYTHING OUT. THERE ARE MANY BOMBSHELLS. see for yourselves. Then judge," he said.   

He also asked the UK government to look out for his disclosures "As there is lots of Q u will have to answer to media I can assure u."

Source: Latest News

Myanmar operation a brainchild of 'Modi-Doval partnership'

The Indian Army launched the surgical strikes from two points along the Indo-Myanmar border. For this, the Myanmarese Authorities had been taken into confidence. The Indian Army took revenge of killing of its 18 soldiers.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval himself was looking after the entire operations. Doval visited Manipur twice to take stock of situation arising out of the insurgent attacks. He even canceled the Bangladesh tour in the last minute. He had to accompany with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Bangladesh tour.

As per sources close to the Defence officials, strikes against insurgents in Myanmar and Pakistani military and ISI sponsored terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba are poles apart. Indian Army needs to apply guerrilla warfare to eliminate LeT operatives, they said.

Ajit Doval was conferred with many Gallantry Awards including Keerthi Chakra in 1988. He made huge contribution to the anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

Doval had also served as Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. He spent few months in Kashmir to persuade Kuka Parray militants and prepared ground for conducting peaceful elections in the state in 1990.

Source: Latest News

Sonia wielded real power as 'extra-constitutional' authority during UPA regime: PM Modi

Dismissing the Congress President's accusation that NDA government was showing "obstinate arrogance" in Parliament and that it was a government by "one person", Modi said, "Perhaps, she is referring to the fact that earlier extra constitutional authorities were the ones really wielding power".
   
He went on to say that power was now "wielded only by constitutional means". "If the charge is that we are working through constitutional channels and not listening to any extra constitutional authorities, then I plead guilty to that charge," PM Modi said.
    
The  Prime Minister spoke about the attacks on him by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the Land Acquisition and GST Bills, criticism of his foreign tours, "concentration" of power in PMO, reforms and a wide variety of other topics in an interview to a news agency.
  
Hitting back at Rahul for his "suit-boot ki sarkar" jibe, Modi said the Congress had not been able to "digest" its crushing defeat in Lok Sabha polls even after one year.

Source: Latest News

India to become self-reliant in urea sector in next four years: Ananth Kumar

In fact, India will be an export-focussed country from the current import-oriented one in the urea sector, Kumar, who was here to take part in Jan Kalyan Parv to mark one year of the Narendra Modi government, told reporters.

Highlighting the achievements, the Minister said the Prime Minister has taken initiatives to reopen all closed urea and fertiliser plants in the country, including those in Sindri (Jharkhand) and Barauni (Bihar).

"We have a target to produce 70 lakh metric tonnes of urea in the country and taken steps to open plants in Assam, Telangana, Odisha and other parts of the country," he added.

According to the new urea policy, the government has decided that there will be no urea price hike for the next four years.

The Minister said the reopening of the Sindri plant would generate 3,500 jobs.

Ananth also said the government has decided to add 200 million tonnes of steel production in the next 10 years to the current output of 100 million tonnes.

Source: Latest News

Stop meddling in India's affairs: Rajnath Singh to Pakistan

"Those who want to harm the pride, integrity and sovereignty of the country will be given a befitting reply. We trust our army, our paramilitary and our forces. No question can be raised on their integrity and love for the country," Rajnath said while addressing a Jan Kalyan Parv in Jammu.

Giving a strong warning to those who want to harm India's pride, integrity and sovereignty, he said the country would give a befitting reply to such people.

Singh said India always extended a hand of friendship towards its neighbouring countries including Pakistan, but Pakistan always resorted to backstabbing.

"Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended a hand of friendship towards Pakistan, but it stabbed in the back. Then when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over the office a year ago, he invited all the heads of the state of the neighbouring countries to the swearing-in ceremony including the Pakistan Prime Minister," he said.

He said Pakistan must think over its actions as it has not been reciprocating the positive response of India towards it.

Source: Latest News

Report card: Centre delivered corruption free governance in last one year, says Jaitley

''Our priority is to get the GST and Land Bills passed by Parliament,'' Jaitley told a press conference while presenting the report card of Modi government.

The Finance Minister further said notifications with regard to Blackmoney Bill will be issued shortly.

''Misuse of investigation agencies is a thing of the past,'' Jaitley told reporters. Jaitley said the NDA government will make every effort to meet GST rollout deadline of April 1, 2016.

Commenting over the ongoing tussle between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, the Finance Minister said the Home Ministry's notification on LG's powers will help remove confusion in the national capital.

Modi government is going to complete one year in office on May 26.

Source: Latest News

BJP to hold 'Jan Kalyan Parv' from 26th May

BJP National Secretary Tarun Chugh informed that the 'Jan Kalyan Parv' would be observed under the leadership of party's national president Amit Shah.

As planned, the programmes would start on May 26 and continue till May 31, he said in a statement here on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, BJP's national office-bearers, MPs, BJP office-bearers in their respective states and the ministers, MLAs in the states would address at least three rallies each from May 26 to 28, he said.

"The party plans to make people across the country aware about the achievements, good governance and completion of successful first year of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

The party would be organising exhibitions to showcase the achievements of the government on May 28 and 29 with the help of artistes who would be performing at prominent places in different cities, he said.

Source: Latest News

Former Chief Secretary of Gujarat Achal K Jyoti appointed as Election Commissioner

"Jyoti took over his charge on Wednesday at the Election Commission of India here," a senior official said. Jyoti is a 1975-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who retired as state Gujarat Chief Secretary in January 2013.

He served in the top bureaucratic post of the state when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Chief Minister. Jyoti (62) has also served as the state Vigilance Commissioner and worked in various capacities in his cadre including as Chairman of the Kandla Port Trust between 1999
and 2004 and Managing Director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL).

Born on January 23, 1953, Jyoti will have a tenure of nearly three years as ECs demit office at the age of 65. An EC or a CEC has a tenure of six years in office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

After V S Sampath demitted office in January, H S Brahma was elevated as CEC. But after Brahma demitted office, two posts of ECs in the three-member body have remained vacant.

Source: Latest News

Information on PM's travel expenses wide and vague: PMO

An RTI-applicant based in Ahmedabad has sought the information related to the expenses incurred on Modi's visit to attend the funeral of Lee Yuan Kew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore.

"Reference is invited to your application dated April 3, 2015 on the subject mentioned above. The matter was referred to the office for providing inputs. Office has informed that the information sought is too vague and wide," Under Secretary P K Sharma of the PMO said.

Earlier this week, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had accused the BJP dispensation of attempting to "subvert" the RTI Act. She had said citizens no longer have right to question the government as top offices like the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat besides the Supreme Court, High Courts and CAG are no longer accountable for violations under the RTI and are protected from public scrutiny.

The Central Information Commission, in an order, had directed the Cabinet Secretariat to make public expenses incurred on the travel of ministers and VVIPs because of large public interest in the matter.

"We have been noticing a lot of public interest in the visit of such high dignitaries as the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister of India. Quite often, one comes across RTI applications seeking similar information about these visits," Chief Information Commissioner Satyananda Mishra had said.

Following the orders of the CIC, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had started the practice of making public on the official website details of expenses incurred on his visits as well as on the visits undertaken by the Ministers.   

Complying with the mandatory provisions of suo-motu disclosure under the transparency law, the PMO has placed in public that a sum of over Rs 642 crore was incurred on his air travels abroad between 2004 and 2013.

The expenses on the visits of public authorities are maintained in records which are regularly provided under the RTI Act.

Source: Latest News

PM Modi government policies will not work: Yechury

Its policies have given the opportunity to opposition parties to get together because it has failed to fulfil the people's aspirations the BJP had generated during the Lok Sabha election campaign and its steps have further worsened the situation, he said.

Yechury, who was recently elected the CPI(M) General Secretary, took on the government on its 'Make in India' slogan and said "the slogan should be 'Make for India', that is by India and for India".

"It (policies) cannot work. I will give you the reasons. You are giving concessions to attract more foreign investments. You are also giving concessions to Indian corporates to invest more.

"The logic given by the government, even the Manmohan Singh government earlier, is that greater investments will create new job opportunities and thereby greater economic growth. But there is a serious flaw in this argument, why this can't work," he said.

Even if this investment comes in, it would be "meaningful only if it comes into productive sector and not to loot our resources and expand their profits, without creating productive capacities in India."

"If they produce goods, these need to be sold. But where will you sell them? There is global stagnation, our exports have declined by 26 per cent last year. You can't sell these goods abroad, you can't sell them in India because the people's purchasing power is declining as a result of these policies and growing unemployment.

Source: Latest News

Economic policy "directionless", minorities anxious: Arun Shourie

The 73-year-old journalist-turned politician said the one-year rule of Modi is "good in parts", his transformation as Prime Minister is good in foreign policy, but the promised turnaround in economy has not happened.

"The government seems to be more concerned with managing headlines than putting policies in place. The situation is like the many pieces of a jigsaw puzzle lying in a mess with no big picture in mind about how to put them together," he said in an interview.

Shourie, who is not active in BJP these days, said despite promises the fears of foreign investors on retrospective taxes and incentives for manufacturing have not materialised on the ground.

"They (investors) require stability and predictability," he said, adding that the concern expressed by eminent banker Deepak Parekh on the situation on the ground should be seen as a "wake up call".

Asked if the Modi government had done enough to put India on growth path, Shourie said that it was "all hyperbole". "Such claims are meant to grab headlines but lack substance," he said. Shourie handled the Ministries of Disinvestment, Communication and Information Technology in the Vajpayee government.

"Government is talking big on economic matters but nothing is happening on ground. Delivery is missing," he added. In an apparent reference to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, he said the government lacked a stable approach in dealing with investors and that "lawyerly arguments" would not convince them.

Source: Online Hindi News and Newspaper