News Analysis India

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • JP Nadda: BJP chief and Union Minister JP Nadda to be Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha

    BJP President and Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda will now also handle the important role of Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. He succeeds Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who has now moved to the Lok Sabha as a representative of Mumbai North constituency.

    The decision to appoint Nadda, 63, as Leader of the House was expected since the Lok Sabha election results came out and Goyal quit his membership of the Upper House on June 10. Among the BJP members in the House, he qualifies on the basis of his experience and seniority.

    Nadda is into this third term in the Rajya Sabha. He entered the Upper House for the first time on April 3, 2012 from his home state Himachal Pradesh and was given a second term in 2018, again from HP. His current term began in April, 2024 when he was elected from Gujarat, putting at rest speculations that he may contest the Lok Sabha polls.Nadda is on extension as BJP chief, having completed his term last year. With his appointment as Leader of the House and responsibilities as Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, there is a likelihood of BJP choosing an acting party chief before a full-time President is elected in January 2025. The forthcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand later this year are a formidable challenge for the BJP as the Opposition has emerged stronger in these states after the Lok Sabha polls.

    It is not clear if Nadda will be asked to continue till January as BJP Chief or be replaced. He had himself stepped into the role of Working President of BJP in June, 2019 when Amit Shah quit the post to become Home Minister. Later he was duly elected as BJP Chief in January 2020.

    Nadda has vast political experience and has risen through the ranks in the BJP. Hailing from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, the veteran leader served as a minister in the BJP government in the state in different portfolios- Health, Forest, Parliamentary Affairs and so on. He has also worked as national general secretary of the BJP.This is Nadda’s second stint in the union Health ministry. He held this portfolio from November 2014 to May 2019 in the first Narendra Modi government.As Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Nadda will play a crucial role in the NDA 3.0 government where the ruling coalition has a thin majority with 293 seats in the Lok Sabha. In the Upper House, BJP has 90 members in a House of 231. BJD and YSRCP, parties which used to extend issue-based support to BJP, have now turned against it in the changed political equations. The Opposition will make the going tough for the government in both Houses. The demand for sending Bills to the parliamentary committees for scrutiny and for holding discussions on current issues plaguing the country are set to increase.

    Nadda will have his hands full as Leader of the House while also juggling two important ministerial portfolios as well as the role of BJP Chief till the party finds a replacement.

  • Defer implementation of new criminal laws: Jairam Ramesh

    Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday demanded that the enforcement of the three criminal laws, which are to come into force from July 1, be deferred, saying the Bills were “bulldozed” through Parliament. In a post on X, Ramesh said the implementation of the Bills be deferred to enable a thorough review and re-examination by a reconstituted Standing Committee on Home Affairs as they were passed at a time when 146 MPs had been suspended.

    “On Dec 25 2023, the President of India had given her assent to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023,the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. The three far-reaching Bills had been bulldozed through Parliament without proper debate and discussion, and at a time when 146 MPs had been suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha,” Ramesh said.

    “Earlier the Bills had been bulldozed through the Standing Committee on Home Affairs without detailed interactions with stakeholders across the country and completely ignoring the written and very detailed dissent notes of a number of MPs belonging to different political parties, including the Indian National Congress, who were members of the Standing Committee,” he said. Ramesh said the three new laws are to come into effect from July 1, 2024, and the Congress is of the firm opinion that the date should be deferred to enable a thorough review and re-examination of the laws by the reconstituted Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

    He said the panel should have more extensive and meaningful consultations with various legal experts and organisations “who have serious concerns on the three laws as they stand”, after which it should be scrutinised by the 18th Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as well.

    On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding deferment of the implementation of the three criminal laws, saying they were “hurriedly passed”. Similar demands have been made by the DMK as well.

  • “Congress’ long-term plan to create rift with help of lies”: Maharashtra Dy CM on claims of Atal Setu cracks

    Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday asserted that there is “no danger” to Atal Setu and termed the allegations as part of Congress’ “long-term plan to create a rift with the help of lies.”

    This comes after Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Friday inspected the cracks spotted on the Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and alleged that these cracks are the result of corruption.

    “There is no crack on Atal Setu. Nor is there any danger to Atal Setu. This picture is of the approach road. But one thing is clear the Congress party has made a long-term plan to create a rift with the help of lies. Talks of constitutional amendments during elections, unlocking of EVMs through phone after elections and now such lies. Only the people of the country will defeat this ‘Darar’ plan and the corrupt behaviour of Congress,” Devendra Fadnavis posted on X.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) clarified that minor cracks were found on the approach road connecting Atal Setu in Ulwe, which is not a part of the bridge but is a service road connecting the bridge.

    MMRDA stated that the cracks are not due to structural defects in the project and do not pose any threat to the structure of the bridge.

    MMRDA also labelled the news as ‘rumours’ and urged the citizens not to believe them.According to MMRDA, these minor cracks were already noticed at three places on Ramp No 5, from Ulwe towards Mumbai, on Thursday during an inspection by the Operation and Maintenance Team of the Project and require immediate repair. Strabag, the contractor of Package 4 of the Atal Setu project, has started the repair work in the said area and the work will be completed within 24 hours without any disruption to the traffic on the bridge.The official statement reads, “It has been noticed that there is no crack in the main part of Atal Setu Bridge but rumours are being spread in various media about it. Please don’t believe the rumours. Minor cracks have been found on the approach road connecting Atal Setu. The said footpath is not a part of the main bridge but is a service road connecting the bridge. It is also very important to note that the cracks are not due to structural defects in the project and do not pose any threat to the structure of the bridge.”

    “During the inspection on 20th June 2024 by the Operation and Maintenance Team of the project, minor cracks were noticed at three places on Ramp No. 5 asphalt from Ulwe towards Mumbai which require immediate repair. M/s Strabag, the contractor of Package 4 of the Atal Setu project, has started the repair work in the said area and the work will be completed within 24 hours without any disruption to the traffic on the bridge.”

    In a social media post to X, MMRDA wrote, “There have been rumours circulating about cracks on the MTHL bridge. We want to clarify that these cracks are not on the bridge itself but on the approach road connecting MTHL from Ulwe towards Mumbai.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India’s longest bridge, in Maharashtra on January 12, 2024.

    Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present on the occasion.

    Atal Setu is also the longest sea bridge in the country.

    Atal Setu provides faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduces travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India.

    The foundation stone of the bridge was also laid by the Prime Minister in December 2016.

    Atal Setu has been constructed at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore.

    It is a 21.8-kilometer-long, 6-lane bridge with about 16.5 km of length over sea and about 5.5 km of length on land.

  • hd kumaraswamy: PM Modi acted immediately to safeguard students’ interests: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on NEET exam row

    Amid the row over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said that “acting immediately” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the concerned minister to safeguard the interest of the students.

    “According to my knowledge, PM Modi acted immediately after it came to his notice. In the first cabinet itself, he advised the concerned minister how to…safeguard the interest of the students. He has given the direction,” Kumaraswamy told reporters.

    The former Karnataka CM also performed yoga on the 10th International Yoga Day here in the national capital on Friday.”PM Modi encouraged citizens of nearly 124 countries to do Yoga every day and keep good health. I congratulate him,” he said after the event.

    Earlier on Thursday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Modi and said he is ‘silent’ on the entire issue because he is “crippled” and he has “psychologically collapsed” post-elections and will struggle to run a government like this.

    Rahul Gandhi further said that it seems PM Modi is not bothered about NEET and is instead more concerned regarding the election of the Speaker.”The silence (of government) is because the Prime Minister is crippled. Right now, the PM’s main agenda is the (election of) Speaker. He is not bothered about NEET or all these things. He is bothered about his government and Speaker. That is where his mind is,” Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference on Thursday.Speaking about the people who have been arrested from Bihar in the “paper leak” case, he said, “Regarding Bihar, we have said that there should be an inquiry and action should be taken against those who have leaked the paper.”

    Rahul Gandhi also said that the Congress party will raise the issue in the Parliament.

    Recently, Patna Police arrested several people including some candidates who had taken the NEET exam in recent days.

    Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government is working to further strengthen the National Testing Agency (NTA) by “reconsidering important things.” He also assured action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the examinations.

    Speaking to ANI, Pradhan said, “In a democracy, everyone has their views. It is our job to listen to everyone. Our responsibility is to run a process-driven government, it is our responsibility to speak the truth and accept truth. Few students have doubts about NTA (National Testing Agency) and we will have to accept this.”

    “The government has decided to form a committee and experts will be part of that committee. All the important things will be reconsidered and the NTA will be strengthened further. Those who are responsible for it (discrepancies) will be held accountable,” he said.

    The Education Minister earlier announced the formation of a high-level committee to probe into the issues pertaining to the functioning of NTA.

    The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held alleging irregularities and paper leaks as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720.

    The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), paves the way for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

  • International Yoga Day 2024: PM Narendra Modi Leads The Celebrations From Srinagar | Top Updates |

    It’s the 10th International Yoga Day and led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the whole country is celebrating the ancient practice of yoga which originated in India. The celebration of course goes beyond the national boundaries with Yoga gaining popularity globally. Here are 10 LIVE updates on World Yoga Day 2024. 

    1. PM Narendra Modi led the way and performed Yoga at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Srinagar’s Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, on International Day of Yoga on Friday. The event was slightly delayed due to rains in Srinagar. Check out the video below:

     

    Interacting with the yoga practioners in Srinagar, J&K. Do watch. https://t.co/WCkPgtiSGx
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024

    2. While addressing an event in Srinagar, the Prime Minister said that India’s proposal regarding the celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations was supported by 177 nations. “Today, from the land of Kashmir, I congratulate everyone around the world on International Yoga Day! Ten years ago, I proposed the celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. India’s proposal was supported by 177 nations, which is a record in itself. In 2015, on Kartavyapath in Delhi, 35,000 people performed Yogasanas together,” he said.

    3. Talking about the global popularity of Yoga and how it has boosted the economy, PM Modi said, “In the last 10 years, the expansion of Yoga has changed the perception related to Yoga. Today, the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward. From Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, we can witness a new trend of Yoga Tourism emerging in India. People from all over the world are coming to India in pursuit of learning authentic yoga. Accordingly, sectors related to hospitality, tourism, apparel, etc. are booming from the huge inflow of people. This is creating new avenues for employment opportunities for youth.”

    4. At this momentous occasion, the Prime Minister spoke about the tremendous scope of yoga and how it has been embraced by people across age groups. He reminded the world of Charlotte Chopin, a 101-year-old woman Yoga teacher from France who was awarded the Padma Shri this year. PM Modi also said that the number of people doing yoga all over the world is constantly increasing. PM Modi also clicked selfies with yoga enthusiasts in Srinagar.

     

    Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024

    5. Across the country, several yoga events are taking place. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar performed yoga with foreign diplomats in Delhi and said that “yoga has been a great bonding point for different cultures”. In Lucknow, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel led the Yoga Day celebrations. Many bureaucrats participated in the event. 

    6. Home Minister Amit Shah also took part in a yoga event in Gujarat.

     

    #WATCH | Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah performs Yoga in Ahmedabad, on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. pic.twitter.com/auhToLN9cc
    — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2024

    7. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has come up with a unique initiative, ‘Yoga for Space’, to mark the International Day of Yoga 2024. Under this initiative, all scientists and officials of ISRO will perform Yoga together as per the Common Yoga Protocol guidelines.

    8. In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 21 as ‘International Day Of Yoga.’

    9. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, known for her fitness and amazing yoga videos, said that PM Narendra Modi was largely responsible for the global popularity of yoga. Talking to IANS, Shilpa told IANS, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in bringing yoga to the global stage. His efforts, including the establishment of International Yoga Day, have significantly increased worldwide awareness and appreciation of yoga’s benefits. This has inspired millions to embrace yoga, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle globally.”

    10. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, emphasizes yoga’s vital role in fostering both individual well-being and societal harmony.

  • Watch: Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni welcomes PM Modi at G7 summit |

    APULIA: Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Group of Seven (G7) upon the arrival of the Outreach session countries and international organizations. PM Modi arrived in Italy’s Apulia on Thursday late at night to attend the G7 Outreach Summit.

    On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

    In his departure statement, PM Modi said that he is “glad that his first state visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G7 Summit.” The Prime Minister also recalled his previous visit to Italy and Prime Minister Meloni’s visits to India, which have contributed significantly to enhancing bilateral ties.”

    #WATCH | Italy: Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni receives Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India participates as an ‘Outreach nation’ in G7 Summit pic.twitter.com/Sqna3AEu9X — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024

    “I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit. 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,” PM Modi said before leaving for Italy.

    Giving an overview of PM Modi’s visit to Italy, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that it was a packed day for him. “We have several bilateral meetings with the world leaders lined up,” Jaiswal said in the video, adding, “He will also be addressing the outreach session of the G7 Summit.”

    The G7 summit is taking place at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13-15. PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Italian PM Meloni.

    It will be India’s 11th participation and PM Modi’s fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit.

  • PM Narendra Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting With UK PM Rishi Sunak On Sidelines Of G7 Summit |

    APULIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with PM Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom on the sidelines of the G7 Summit here on Friday. The two world leaders were seen sharing a hug as they met. PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron of France.

    Apart from exchanging views on key global and regional issues, PM Modi and President Macron held discussions on a series of issues including strengthening partnership between the two nations. PM Modi is in Italy’s Apulia to participate in the Group of Seven (G7) Summit. After landing here, PM Modi said he was looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders.

    It was a delight to meet PM @RishiSunak in Italy. I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government. There is great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology and trade.… pic.twitter.com/ehjhFY89cE — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2024

    He also said that they aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future. PM Modi and UK PM Sunak last met on September 9, 2023 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. That was Prime Minister Sunak’s first visit to India since becoming Prime Minister in October 2022.

    Notably, India is participating in the summit as an Outreach country. The summit is taking place at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13-15. PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

    As PM Modi touched down at Brindisi Airport in Apulia on late Thursday night (local time), he was received by India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, and other officials. This marks PM Modi’s first trip abroad after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

    MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal detailed the Prime Minister’s engagements with the world leaders on June 14. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi, in his departure statement, said that he is glad that his first state visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G7 Summit . He recalled his previous visit to Italy and Prime Minister Meloni’s visits to India which have contributed significantly to enhancing bilateral ties.

    It will be India’s 11th participation and PM Modi’s fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit. PM Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Meloni.

  • Indresh Kumar, the maverick RSS leader who speaks his mind

    The speculation about differences between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its mother organisation the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the BJP’s low performance in the Lok Sabha elections is now gaining ground with a top RSS leader offering his unique interpretation of the election results.

    Indresh Kumar, a member of the national executive of the RSS, has said that the BJP was restricted to 240 seats, well below the majority mark, due to its arrogance. Referring to the INDIA bloc of opposition parties, he said, “And those who had no faith in Ram, they together were stopped at 234.” Indresh’s comment comes right after the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said three days ago that a true sevak (the one who serves the people) never shows arrogance and always maintains decorum in public life.

    Also Read: RSS leader Indresh Kumar slams BJP, says ‘those who became arrogant were stopped at 241 by Lord Ram’While these two statements that refer to arrogance will fuel the speculation about a rift between the RSS and the BJP, there is nothing new about the statements because the RSS has always been known for expressing its differences with the BJP.

    On Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister for the third time, Indresh Kumar had said on June 9, “Today, the rarest of the rare is happening. It has become possible which seemed impossible. That’s why I extend my best wishes.”

    Indresh, the maverickWhile a number of RSS leaders often express their independent views, Indresh is particularly known to speak his mind. In 2015, the RSS leadership was annoyed with him for “unauthorisedly” wading into a political row over then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj helping Lalit Modi when the former IPL boss was wanted by law. Swaraj, who was under pressure from opposition to resign after admitting that she helped Lalit Modi, found support from Indresh who defended her and said she had never compromised on nationalism and patriotism.Sources in the RSS had told TOI that Indresh’s statement reflected his personal view, and he should have refrained from articulating it without sanction from the leadership. The RSS sources said the leadership’s annoyance with Indresh was not over the content of what he said, but the fact that he chose to dwell on the matter at all. The remark ran contrary to RSS’s steadfast insistence on being an apolitical organisation which did not interfere with the “routine matters” of the BJP.In 2014, Indresh spoke on the controversy about Gopal Subramanium, a former solicitor-general, withdrawing his consent for a Supreme Court judgeship alleging that the NDA government was engaged in a smear campaign against him. “Do not indulge in character assassination of individuals by using agencies and media” Indresh said.

    In 2017, Indresh stoked a row by saying that Bhagat Singh was a “bigger” follower of non-violence than Mahatma Gandhi, who he claimed could have averted partition of the country. Speaking at a function, he said, “The definition of ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) is very different from what has been told to us. Non-violence does not only mean shunning of violence, but it also means attacking to defend oneself from a demon. Bhagat Singh made the demons (British) realise that they were wrong, and his act of throwing a bomb in assembly was not to kill anyone. But what he suffered afterwards was actually an act of violence at the hands of the British.”

    Indresh’s controversial pastIndresh was linked to the 2007 Ajmer bomb blast case during the UPA government and was probed by investigation agencies. A bomb blast on October 11, 2007 at the dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at the time of Roza-Iftaar had left three pilgrims dead and 15 injured. The case was handed over to Rajasthan Police ATS and later transferred to the NIA, which re-registered the case on April 6, 2011. He was also questioned by the CBI in connection with the 2007 blast at Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.

    In 2017, the NIA submitted a closure report in the case, giving a clean chit to Indresh and other accused including Sadhvi Pragya, saying no prosecutable evidence was found against them.

    After his acquittal, he said the people who coined the word “Hindutva terror“ have committed a “sin“, an “unpardonable act and they have to pay a price for this“. In a conversation with ET, he had said that there had been no case against him and that his name was not in the FIRs lodged.

    The man behind Sangh Parivar’s Muslim outreachIndresh Kumar is the margadarshak (guide) of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, a Muslim organisation supported by the RSS and has been leading the Sangh Parivar’s outreach to the Muslim community. He has said that 99 per cent Muslims in India are “Hindustani” by their ancestry, culture, traditions and motherland. He has also supported the view expressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the past that Indians have common ancestors, hence their DNA is common.

    Indresh had said in 2020 that no maulana has ever helped Muslims like Modi has. Speaking at an event on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he said, “When Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, some people claimed that Muslim colonies will be destroyed and they will be deprived of jobs and other facilities. Today, six years have passed and nothing bad has happened to Muslims. In fact, Muslims were given gas connections and other facilities. No maulana has ever helped Muslims like Modi has. The fear being spread in the name of CAA is ridiculous and wrong.”

    Indresh belongs to Kaithal in Haryana and has studied mechanical engineering at the Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. In 2019, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, Arabi~Farsi University in Lucknow awarded Indresh an honorary doctorate in literature at its convocation.

    (With inputs from TOI)

  • G7 Summit: Awkward Greeting Moment Between British PM Sunak and Italy’s Meloni Goes Viral; Watch |

    The G7 Summit is underway in Italy and the top world leaders have already reached the country. Italian PM Gioria Meloni today greeted all the G7 members on the inaugural day of the summit, video of which was shared online. The two-day G7 Summit is attended by several world leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Upon his arrival, Sunak was warmly welcomed by Meloni, with their greetings captured in viral photos and videos.

    The video clip shows Sunak approaching Meloni, who greets him with a hug and a kiss. They share a light-hearted moment, laughing and chatting before posing for a photograph and continuing their conversation.

    #WATCH | Borgo Egnazia: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni receives United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak, as he arrives for the 50th G7 Summit.

    (Video Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/fpGFlnDZ2r — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024

    However, the interaction sparked reactions online, with some noting an awkward moment during the hug and kiss. One social media user commented, “Rishi Sunak being greeted by Giorgia Meloni at the G7 looked like he went in for a kiss, but she pulled back. It gave off a ‘eurgh, smelly breath’ vibe.”

    Another remarked, “Rishi Sunak greets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the welcome ceremony on the first day of the 50th G7 summit.”

    A third user simply advised, “Don’t lean in, Rishi!”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also arrived in Italy’s Apulia to attend the G7 Summit on the invite of Giorgia Meloni. While India is not a member of the G7, it has been invited to the event as an outreach country. This marks PM Modi’s first trip abroad after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

    “PM @narendramodi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. 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!” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote in a post on X.

  • India has grown spectaclely during 10 years of PM Narendra Modi’s leadership: Bhutan PM Tobgay | India News

    NEW DELHI: Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in the past 10 years, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Sunday said that India has grown spectacularly and the development in infrastructure – airports, roads, rails, seaways has been unprecedented. Speaking to ANI, Tobgay called foreign policy as one of the biggest accomplishments of PM Modi’s leadership. He expressed happiness on being in India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Modi. He noted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) enjoy the confidence and trust of the people, which reflects their performance.

    Asked on how he envisions India under the leadership of Modi, Tshering Tobgay said, “Well, to look forward, you look backwards and you see the last 10 years. During the last 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, India has grown spectacularly. Infrastructure, the development in infrastructure has been unprecedented – airports, roads, rails, seaways, IT, all of that growth has been spectacular.”

    “In the area of ​​FDI, there’s been a lot of FDI, a lot of manufacturing, renewable energy, particularly solar energy, agriculture, poverty alleviation. So to see what’s going to happen in Modi 3.0 and then Modi 3.0, you just have to look back to see what has happened and one of the biggest accomplishments has also been foreign policy, whether it is the immediate region and Neighborhood First Policy or even the successful outcome of the G20 under India’s chairmanship or beyond also. So I can see a lot more growth. I can see a lot more economic growth. I can see a lot more foreign policy successes under Modi 3.0,” he added.

    Tobgay called it a big day for India and said that he is honoured to represent Bhutan King and the people of Bhutan at the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate PM Modi. He congratulated India for the successful outcome of the Lok Sabha elections. On the swearing-in ceremony, Bhutan’s PM said, “Well, I’m delighted to be in India. I’m delighted to be back so soon after my last visit here. That was barely three months ago. This is indeed a very big day for India and I’m honoured to be here representing His Majesty the King and the people of Bhutan at the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and that too for his third consecutive time.”

    “I congratulate the people of India for a successful outcome of the recent elections. And for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for BJP and for the NDA, they have gotten the mandate from the people. They enjoy the trust and confidence of the people, which reflects their performance in the past 10 years. So it is a big day for India. It is also a big day for the region as Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally has invited us and we are delighted to be here,” he added.

    Earlier in the day, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay landed in the national capital to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi today. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor. Stressing that the ties between India and Bhutan will get stronger, Tobgay said, “Well, the ties between our two countries are very strong. I think it’s going to get stronger. And it will get stronger simply because at the highest levels in Bhutan, under the enlightened leadership of our monarchs, His Majesty the King, and in India from the President to the Prime Minister, to many of the leaders and the regard for our two respective countries is very strong and it is only growing.”

    Recalling PM Modi’s last visit to Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay said that he received the highest civilian honour and announced support for all the initiatives of Bhutan. He stated that PM-designate Modi had given unconditional support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City. On being asked about expectations on India-Bhutan relationship under PM Modi’s third term, Tobgay responded, “During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan, he has been very generous with his time in that. He came to Bhutan in spite of his very, very busy schedule. It was at the end of his tenure and he still came to Bhutan where he received the highest civilian award from His Majesty the King. During the visit, he also announced his support for all our initiatives, our development initiatives, our plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City.”

    “Prime Minister Modi has given us unconditional support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and then for our development plan. Our economy is still recovering. So, he’s announced an assistance package of 15 billion rupees, 1,500 crores for our economic stimulus package. And then for our 13 five-year plan, he’s announced an assistance package of 8,500 crores. So all this is going to be extremely useful for us and going forward we have a lot to do together,” he added.

    Bhutanese PM Tobgay is among the distinguished guests set to attend the eagerly awaited ceremony in which BJP leader Modi will be sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive time. With BJP bagging 240 seats and the National Democratic Alliance securing 293 seats out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, PM Modi is set for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerging victorious in the parliamentary elections.

    He will equal Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of becoming India’s PM for the third time after completing two full terms. Several leaders and State heads of neighbourhood region and Indian Ocean region have been invited for PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony as distinguished guests, a testament to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

    PM-designate Modi will take the oath of office at 7:15 pm today along with his council of ministers in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously passed a resolution to elect Narendra Modi as their leader on June 5.

    Around 1,100 traffic police personnel of the Delhi Police have been deployed and an advisory has been issued to the public for the traffic movement route arrangements have been made for the delegates as part of the arrangements for PM-designate Modi’s oath taking ceremony on Sunday. Apart from this, NSG commandos, drones, and snipers will also guard the Rashtrapati Bhavan for the mega event.