News Analysis India

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • ‘No Zero-Sum Game’: Muizzu In Beijing, China Says ‘Never Asked Maldives To Reject India’ | India News

    BEIJING: In the wake of a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, China has called upon New Delhi to approach its South Asian neighbors with an ”open mind.” The Global Times, China’s state media, emphasized in an editorial that it considers the Maldives an ”equal partner and respects its sovereignty.”

    Maldives An Equal Partner: China

    The editorial affirms China’s respect for the friendly and cooperative relationship between the Maldives and India, recognizing the significance of Malé maintaining good relations with New Delhi. Contrary to speculation, Beijing clarified that it has never pressured the Maldives to reject India due to Sino-Indian conflicts. Furthermore, China views cooperation between the Maldives and India as neither unfriendly nor a threat, expressing willingness for trilateral cooperation.

    Not A Zero-Sum Game: China

    China emphasized that its cooperation with South Asian countries is not a “zero-sum game.” The editorial urged New Delhi to adopt a more open-minded approach, emphasizing the need to understand that China’s engagement in the region is not at the expense of India.

    Muizzu’s China Visit

    The Global Times addressed the misinterpretation by Indian media regarding President Muizzu’s visit to China before India. It highlighted that such speculations, assuming the order of visits reflects the importance of nations, reveal India’s perception of South Asia as its sphere of influence. President Muizzu’s decision to visit China first does not imply a pro-China and anti-India stance but rather signifies a normal state-to-state relationship. The editorial encouraged understanding this diplomatic move within the context of fostering healthy relations.

    Maldives Suspends Ministers Over Derogatory Remarks On PM Modi

    In a related development, three Maldivian ministers were suspended for making derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. The Maldivian government distanced itself from these remarks, clarifying that they represented the ministers’ personal opinions and not the official stance.

    Tensions between India and the Maldives have escalated since President Muizzu assumed power, defeating his India-friendly predecessor. The strained relations, fueled by perceptions of Muizzu as a pro-China politician, have added complexity to the diplomatic landscape.

    President Muizzu Arrives In China

    President Muizzu, accompanied by his wife, visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in China’s Fujian province. During the visit, he is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi and sign several agreements, marking a new historical starting point in Sino-Maldivian relations.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, expressed optimism that the visit would provide strategic guidance for bilateral relations to reach new heights. As President Muizzu engages in diplomatic discussions and agreements, the international community awaits the outcomes of this significant visit.

  • ‘I Am Deeply Anguished’: PM Modi Writes To Japan PM Fumio, Condoles Loss Of Lives In Earthquake |

    New Delhi: In a heartfelt letter to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his profound sorrow and concern over the significant earthquake that struck Japan on January 1, 2024.

    Solidarity In Grief

    PM Modi conveyed, “I am deeply anguished to learn about the major earthquake, and I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives. We stand in solidarity with Japan and its people affected by this devastating disaster.”

    India Stands Ready To Assist

    Highlighting the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan, PM Modi on Thursday affirmed, “As a special strategic and global partner, India values its relationship with Japan and is ready to extend all possible assistance at this hour of need.”

    Tragic Loss Of Lives In Japan

    The earthquake, measuring 7.5 magnitude, struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas in central Japan on Monday, resulting in at least 64 casualties, according to Kyodo News. The extensive damage hampers search and rescue operations in the affected regions.

    City In Distress

    Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture bore the brunt of structural damage and fires. The full extent of the disaster caused by the powerful earthquake is still unfolding, with rubble and severed roads posing significant challenges.

    Restricted Access And Rescue Efforts

    The northern area of the remote Noto Peninsula faced restricted access for over 24 hours after the earthquake, complicating the ongoing search and rescue operations. Prime Minister Kishida, during a disaster emergency meeting, informed the media that the location became inaccessible due to a wrecked road.

    Wajima City witnessed the collapse of 25 buildings, including houses, with ongoing rescue operations by firefighters. Approximately 200 buildings, including shops and houses, are reported to have been burned around Asaichi Street, a popular tourist spot.

    US Geological Survey’s Report

    The United States Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture around 4.10 pm (local time), at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles). 

  • BREAKING: PM Narendra Modi Writes Letter To Meera Majhi, Sends Gifts For Her Family |

    NEW DELHI: Days after paying a surprise visit to her home in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now written a letter to Meera Majhi and sent gifts for her family, sources said on Wednesday. The Prime Minister extended his goodwill by sending thoughtful gifts to Meera’s family. 

    Gifts From The Prime Minister

    The package included a charming tea-set, a drawing book with a vibrant array of colours, and more, adding a personal touch to the Prime Minister’s gesture. This act of kindness followed PM Modi’s unannounced visit to Meera Manjhi’s residence during his tour of Ayodhya.

    PM Modi’s Ayodhya Tour 

    During the Ayodhya tour, PM Modi inaugurated several key development projects, setting the stage for the grand inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22. Notably, Meera Manjhi, a beneficiary of the Ujjawala scheme, was among the individuals he interacted with during his visit.

     

    #WATCH | Ujjwala Yojana beneficiary Meera expresses her happiness on meeting PM Modi.

    PM Modi had tea at Meera’s house, during his Ayodhya tour today. https://t.co/JsgzsOhHZX pic.twitter.com/RUJwRr6Ojz


    — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023

     

    Meera Majhi – An Ujjawala Beneficiary In The Spotlight

    Meera Manjhi, residing in Ayodhya with her family, was caught by surprise when the Prime Minister graced her home. As a beneficiary of the 10th crore under the Ujjawala scheme, she shared her experience with reporters. Unaware of the visit, she recounted the Prime Minister’s interest in the benefits derived from the scheme and even her daily cooking routine.

    Warm Exchange At Meera’s Home

    In a heartwarming video shared by news agency ANI, PM Modi could be seen entering Meera’s house. Despite family members attempting to touch his feet, the Prime Minister humbly urged them not to. His visit aimed to connect with the family that represented the monumental 10 crore milestone in gas cylinder distribution.

    Inaugurations And Personal Connections

    PM Modi’s Ayodhya tour included the inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station and the flagging off of two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains. Meera Manjhi’s home visit was sandwiched between these official ceremonies, showcasing the Prime Minister’s ability to balance formal events with personal connections.

    Awas Scheme And Ujjawala Impact

    During the visit, Meera expressed her gratitude for the Awas scheme, sharing that her family now had a home. She highlighted the positive impact of the Ujjawala scheme, emphasizing the convenience it brought to her life. Cooking on gas not only saved time but also provided her with more quality time to spend with her children.

    In this blend of official duties and personal interactions, PM Modi’s visit to Meera Manjhi’s home stands as a symbol of leadership connected to the grassroots, making a meaningful impact on individual lives.

  • Kejriwal: Be it Arvind Kejriwal or Hemant Soren, every corrupt leader will be punished: BJP

    New Delhi, The BJP on Wednesday assailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren for repeatedly skipping the ED summons and asserted that every “corrupt leader” will be “punished” for their misdeeds under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule. The party also questioned why Kejriwal did not approach the courts if he felt the action against him was politically motivated.

    “Gone are the days when corrupt leaders used to rule over the honest citizenry of the country. The only place for the corrupt leaders is behind bars and it is our firm resolve that every corrupt leader will be punished as per law,” BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has zero tolerance for corruption and the probe agencies have been given a “free hand” to work independently and take action against graft without any bias, the BJP leader stressed. Bhatia said that leaders will have to face the “consequences of their misdeeds and corruption” they have indulged in, “be it Kejriwal, Soren or anyone else”.

    “Such dramas will not help because Kejriwal knows that handcuffs are coming closer to him,” he alleged at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here.

    The “power of law” and the people’s faith are with the central probe agencies, he said. The BJP’s reaction came after AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal skipped the third summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case and sent a written reply calling the notice illegal. Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Soren has also skipped as many as seven summons issued by the ED in a money laundering case.

    “Outright dishonest and sinister Arvind Kejriwal is shaking in fear and making one after another lame excuse to skip ED summons,” Bhatia claimed

    “It won’t be wrong to say that Kejriwal is afraid today because he knows that his arrest is imminent, he is aware that he is the kingpin and has no answers (to ED’s questions). That’s why he is trying to evade the process of law,” the BJP spokesperson told reporters at a press conference at the party headquarters.

    The BJP leader said it would have never happened in the history of independent India that someone “ordered” a probe agency to withdraw its summons.

    “But a corrupt and sinister Arvind Kejriwal tells ED to withdraw its summons. Mr Arvind Kejriwal, you are not above the law,” he charged, saying it is the right of the probe agencies to take action against corruption “as per evidence”.

    Bhatia contended that if Kejriwal felt that the ED had issued summons to him out of any alleged “political vendetta”, he should have approached the court seeking relief.

    “Why didn’t he approach court so far if the ED’s summonses are politically motivated? He is not able to muster the courage (to approach court) because he knows the truth that he is the kingpin of the liquor scam,” Bhatia further said.

    Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, arrested in connection with the case earlier, were just his “puppets”, he said.

    Kejriwal, who once used to talk about eradicating corruption in India, has himself become a “corrupt termite” in politics, and he has a misconception that he is above the law, Bhatia alleged.

    “Arvind Kejriwal, you have mastered the art of deceit, corruption and propaganda and this has become synonymous with you,” he charged.

    On AAP’s allegation that the BJP-led Centre is hatching a conspiracy to arrest Kejriwal to stop him from campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, Bhatia said probe agencies are “honestly biting corrupts like eagles, seeking from them details of people’s hard-earned money”.

    “If you have not done any dishonesty, what is there to be scared of… Kejriwal should have appeared before the ED and answered its questions,” the BJP leader said, asking the AAP national convenor to “let the truth come out”.

    Bhatia also targeted the INDIA bloc of opposition parties, questioning their “silence” on the issue of corruption, and slammed Soren, whose party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is one of the constituents of the opposition alliance, for skipping the ED’s summons.

    “Hemant Soren evading the summons clearly reveals the same mindset that I have just discussed in the case of Arvind Kejriwal that first you loot, indulge in corruption and then when questions are asked and you are made accountable for your misdeeds and corruption, you evade the summons,” the BJP leader said.

    Referring to media reports claiming that Soren plans to step down as Jharkhand chief minister and install his wife Kalpana Soren as his successor in view of his “imminent arrest”, Bhatia said, “They (JMM) are preparing for the consequences of an arrest that could be made by the investigative agency as it comes under its domain.

    “But who have they selected (to replace Soren)? It’s again someone from his own family. All this is media speculation but it reveals the dynastic mindset (of the JMM leadership),” the BJP spokesperson said.

    “The BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have always said that INDI alliance is synonymous with corruption. Their leaders are either in jail or on bail. And it is so because an honest government has given a free hand to the probe agencies so that they are not scared of anyone,” Bhatia said.

    “I would only say with full confidence that no corrupt (person) is above the law and no corrupt (person) will survive,” he said.

    Those who have committed corruption will be in jail no matter how many excuses they make. Their right place is behind bars, the BJP spokesperson said.