PM Modi arrives in Chennai

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PM Modi arrives in Chennai

Chennai, May 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Thursday evening. He was received at the Chennai airport by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Leader of Opposition K. Palaniswami, and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will receive the Prime Minister at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for 11 projects worth Rs 31,500 crore at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here.

It is to be noted that this is the first visit of the Prime Minister to Tamil Nadu after the DMK assumed office in the state in May 2021.

At least 22,000 police personnel have been deployed in the state capital to look after the security.

Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police, Shankar Jiwal is leading the police security with eight Joint Commissioners, Deputy Inspector Generals, 29 Deputy Commissioners, and Superintendents of police also pressed into service for the visit of the Prime Minister.

DMK and BJP cadres were present in large numbers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium to listen to the speech of Prime Minister

VCK to protest against PM Modi during his Chennai visit on May 26

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VCK to protest against PM Modi during his Chennai visit on May 26

Chennai, May 24 The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has announced that it would hold protest marches against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Chennai visit on May 26.

The protest, according to the VCK, is against “the policies of the Central government that caused economic hardship and social disturbances to the people of the country”.

Left parties will also join in the protest march with the VCK against the Prime Minister.

VCK leader and Member of Parliament Thol Thirumavalavan in a statement on Monday said that the VCK would be part of the nationwide protest being carried out by the Left parties against the Central government’s “anti-people” policies.

Thirumavalavan said that the Left parties, CPI-M, CPI, VCK, and CPI-ML will jointly conduct protest marches and would distribute pamphlets against the “anti-people” policies of the Central government.

The VCK leader said that while the Union Government has increased fuel prices by 18 times, it reduced the price only twice, and that strong resistance was required against the policies of the Modi government.

 

Andhra kept the Covid mortality rate at its lowest despite handicaps: Jagan

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Andhra kept the Covid mortality rate at its lowest despite handicaps: Jagan

Amaravati, May 23 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Monday that the state effectively handled the Covid-19 pandemic with the lowest mortality rate in the country despite the handicap of lacking strong tertiary care.

Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘future-proofing health system’ during World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting at Davos, he said the state focused on tracing, testing, and treating.

He said the state conducted 42 rounds of the house to house surveys over the last two years which helped the state to keep the mortality rate at 0.63 percent against the national average of more than one percent

“Within the limits we had, we did all we could do. We were more focused on tracing, testing, and treating. We were short on tertiary care. We were a newly formed state. We did not have tier-I cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, or Bangalore where private investment is huge in super-specialty hospitals,” he said.

“As we had that handicap, we wanted to get into it at an early stage. We conducted 44 rounds of house-to-house surveys. We had a robust system in place with a village secretariat and a volunteer system for every 50 houses. We have 42,000 ASHA workers dealing with health issues. This was the primary reason why we could cut the mortality rate,” said Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Stating that this was an unprecedented situation, the chief minister said it was an eye-opener for all. “The entire healthcare system has to be formidable if something like this to recur,” he said

Jagan Mohan Reddy said the governments should be focusing on preventive and curative care to improve healthcare availability, accessibility, and affordability.

The chief minister told the panel that his government is working towards this end by focusing on primary healthcare taking every village as a unit with a village clinic. Doctors at primary health centers will visit every village and become family doctors.

Jagan Reddy said despite the fund constraints, his government planned to spend Rs 16,000 crore over the next three years to strengthen the healthcare sector. He said steps were being taken to improve the healthcare delivery at district, area, and teaching hospitals.

He pointed out that the state has 11 medical colleges and his government was working to open 16 new medical colleges. All these colleges will have teaching hospitals attached to them and thus we want to strengthen the tertiary care.

Jagan Reddy also mentioned the YSR Aarogyasri Scheme. During the last three years 25 lakh people were treated free of cost in the state.

He pointed out that unlike the Central government’s scheme Ayushman Bharat, which provides insurance coverage for 1,000 procedures, YSR Aarogyasri Scheme covers 2,446 procedures. “We have distributed YSR Aarogyasri cards to 1.44 crore households out of a total 1.53 crore households in the state,” he added.

Modi participates in an event to launch Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity

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Modi participates in an event to launch Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity

New Delhi, May 23 Visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday participated in an event in Tokyo to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

The event was also attended by US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as well as the virtual leaders of Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The IPEF seeks to strengthen economic partnership amongst participating countries with the objective of enhancing resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

On the occasion, a joint statement was issued that highlights the key elements envisaged within the IPEF.

In his comments during the launch ceremony, Modi said that the IPEF is a declaration of a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth.

“India has historically been at the center of trade flows in the Indo-Pacific region, having the world’s oldest commercial port at Lohtal in Gujarat,” the Prime Minister said.

He further called for finding common and creative solutions to tackle the economic challenges of the Indo-Pacific region.

Expressing India’s commitment to working with all Indo-Pacific countries for an IPEF which is both inclusive and flexible, he further said that the foundation of resilient supply chains must be 3T’s: Trust, Transparency, and Timeliness.

Noting that India is committed to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and believes that deepening economic engagement among partners is crucial for continued growth, peace, and prosperity, Modi also said that India is keen to collaborate with partner countries under the IPEF and work towards advancing regional economic connectivity, integration and boosting trade and investment within the region.

With Monday’s launch, partner countries will begin discussions focusing on strengthening economic cooperation and achieving shared goals, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Modi arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning on a two-day visit at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart.

He will participate in the third Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo on Tuesday along with President Biden, Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Modi and Kishida will also hold a bilateral meeting on Tuesday.

 

Chandrababu demands Jagan govt to slash taxes on fuel

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Chandrababu demands Jagan govt to slash taxes on fuel

Amaravati, May 23 Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president and former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday demanded that the Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government in Andhra Pradesh cut state-level taxes on petrol and diesel following the Centre’s move to slash excise duty and similar action by some states.

Naidu lauded the Central government for providing relief to the people by reducing the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. He also welcomed the Centre’s call to the state governments to decrease their state-level taxes to reduce the burden on the people.

The TDP chief demanded that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government in Andhra Pradesh decrease state-level taxes on fuel. He pointed out that Rajasthan, Odisha and Tamil Nadu governments have reduced their respective taxes on petrol and diesel.

Naidu noted that the Centre decreased fuel rates by Rs 8 per litre on petrol and by Rs 6 on diesel. Many states also responded to the Centre’s call. What wrong had the people of Andhra Pradesh committed that the YSRCP regime was not providing any additional relief on its part, he asked.

Chandrababu Naidu deplored that instead of reducing taxes to provide relief, the state government was imposing new burdens on the people by slapping new taxes. He said this had resulted in skyrocketing the prices of essential commodities. The life of the common man became miserable under the YSRCP rule.

Claiming that Andhra Pradesh stood number one in the country in development during the TDP rule, he said under the YSRCP government, the state stands number one in high prices of petrol and diesel.

Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances

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Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances

Amaravati, May 19 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday flagged off 175 veterinary ambulances.

The ambulances, costing Rs 143 crore, were flagged off from the Chief Minister’s camp office here.

These vehicles have been launched under the first phase of Dr. YSR Mobile Veterinary Ambulatory Clinical Services.

The state government has already announced that a total of 340 veterinary ambulances will be rolled up across the state at a cost of Rs 278 crore in two phases.

Meanwhile, a group of students studying at Bendapudi Zilla Parishad High School in Thondangi Mandal of East Godavari district met Jagan Mohan Reddy at his camp office here on Thursday.

They interacted with the Chief Minister and expressed their views in English with fluency.

They said programs like ‘Nadu Nedu’ in Government schools, and the introduction of English as the medium of instruction were really great and the Chief Minister is their ideal for implementing such programs. Jagan Mohan Reddy was impressed and congratulated the students.

Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances Andhra Pradesh CM flags off 175 veterinary ambulances

As Rahul arrives in Telangana, Kavitha poses questions

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As Rahul arrives in Telangana, Kavitha poses questions

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader K. Kavitha on Friday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi how many times he raised the issues of Telangana in Parliament.

With Rahul Gandhi set to arrive in Hyderabad later in the day on a two-day visit to the state, Kavitha took to Twitter to pose some questions to him.

“As Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji arrives in Telangana today, I sincerely request him to introspect on the following. How many times have you raised the issues of Telangana in Parliament,” she asked.

Kavitha, who is the daughter of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, also wanted to know why was the Congress party silent while the TRS party was fighting with the Union government over the uniform paddy procurement policy, national status for irrigation projects, discrimination in establishing educational institutions, releasing of pending GSTs and grants, etc.

Kavitha, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, also told Rahul that Telangana has shown the path of comprehensive development to the nation, by introducing various schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bheema, Kalyan Lakshmi, Aarogya Lakshmi, Aasara and many more that ‘continue to benefit our people every day.’

“As many as 11 states are emulating KCR schemes, you are welcome to learn and understand from our state as well,” she added.

Mamata Banerjee has not rectified herself even in her 3rd term as CM: Amit Shah

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Mamata Banerjee has not rectified herself even in her 3rd term as CM: Amit Shah

In his first visit to West Bengal after the 2021 Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a scathing attack against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that the latter has not rectified herself even after becoming the CM for the third consecutive term.

“Mamata Banerjee has become the Chief Minister of West Bengal for the third consecutive term. But even after that, she has not rectified herself. The people of West Bengal are yet to get relief from corruption, violence, and attacks on women.

“The Chief Minister has pushed West Bengal into a debt trap… I am telling the Chief Minister to rectify herself. Other people know how to rectify the moods of powerful persons,” Shah said while addressing a public rally at the Railway Institute Ground in Siliguri in North Bengal.

He also ridiculed the Trinamool Congress leadership for sending fact-finding teams to Jahangirpuri in Delhi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

“Mamata Banerjee is sending delegations everywhere in the country. But so many people were charred to death at Bogtui in Birbhum district. At Hanskhali in Nadia district, a minor was gang-raped. Why didn’t she send delegations there,” Shah asked?

The Home Minister also attacked Banerjee for the latter’s comment that she would never allow the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in West Bengal.

“Some people are saying that CAA will never be implemented in West Bengal. But I want to assure you that CAA will be implemented for sure once the Covid-19 situation is totally under control. CAA still has relevance and the Chief Minister cannot do anything to stop it from getting implemented,” Shah said.

Reacting to Shah’s comments, Banerjee asked how fresh citizenship can be given to those people who are already citizens of the country.

“These are all ploys to create division among the people on the basis of religion,” she said.

Addressing the rally in Siliguri, Shah also accused the Chief Minister of neglecting North Bengal.

“The current state government has done nothing for North Bengal, which is the gateway to Northeast India,” Shah said.

Reacting to that, Banerjee said that it has always been the ploy of the BJP to separate North Bengal from West Bengal.

“They always speak of separation instead of unity. The Home Minister better concentrates on what is happening in the BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh,” Banerjee said.

Modi to attend 2nd India-Nordic Summit

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Modi to attend 2nd India-Nordic Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday will participate in the second India -Nordic Summit with the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway.

At the Summit, Modi will talk to the Nordic nations to strengthen the areas of climate change, renewable energy, and innovation and technology.

He will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Ministers of — Iceland Katrin Jacobsdottir, Norway Jonas Gahr Store, Finland Sanna Marin, and Sweden Magdalena Andersson.

On Tuesday, he arrived in Copenhagen on the second day of his visit to the European Nations. Modi held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and discussed a wide range of issues, including regional and global matters.

The two leaders held talks in a one-on-one format, followed by delegation-level talks.

Both Prime Ministers reviewed the progress of the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. Discussions covered cooperation in renewable energy, especially offshore wind energy and green hydrogen, as well as skill development, health, shipping, water, and the Arctic, among others.

After that Modi addressed the business delegation as well as the Indian community.

Later in the day, the Indian Prime Minister met Denmark Queen Margrethe II at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.

“Queen Margrethe II of Denmark received Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at the historic Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Prime Minister felicitated the Queen on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of her accession to the throne of Denmark.

The first India-Nordic Summit was held in Stockholm in April 2018.

Regional languages will revolutionalise education: Amit Shah

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Regional languages will revolutionalise education: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that regional languages will play a crucial role in revolutionizing the education system guided by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In his inaugural address at the Nrupatunga University on the auspicious day of Basava Jayanti, Akshaya Tritiya, and Eid, he said that the Narendra Modi-led government has vowed to realize the dream of making India a knowledge-based superpower.

The Centre, he said, aspires to inculcate the culture of patriotism among students during the celebration of 75 years of Independence (Azad ka Amrit Mahotsav). In the past eight years, a total of 410 higher education institutions, including six central universities, seven IIMs, and 15 AIIMS, have been established in the country, he added.

North East region which was earlier neglected has also been given prominence in all developmental works, including education and Sindhu Central University has been established in Ladakh, the minister mentioned.

Further, he said that the union government has been focusing on developing India as a global manufacturing hub. He also lauded that Karnataka has become an example for other states in the implementation of NEP-2020.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Basavarja Bommai, stated that the government is emphasising three Es- Education, Employment, and Empowerment. He also said a new employment policy has been framed with stress on promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Stating that the union government has granted Rs 55 crore for Nrupatunga University, Chief Minister commended the efforts of the Higher Education Minister for the instrumental role he has been playing for two years to implement NEP-2020.

In his opening remarks, C.N. Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education, said that human resource is the greatest asset of the country and the bottom-to-top approach of NEP will pave the way to convert future citizens into productive.

Narendra Modi had mentioned about new educational policy even before he became the Prime Minister and introduced it after he took over the helm of affairs. This will make students industry-ready by enabling them to acquire relevant skills, he opined.

In the last two years, the state government has established six Universities and is in the process of establishing seven more. In the near future every district will have at least a university, Naryan added.

State Home Minister Araga Jnanenra said: “The Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Ballary, which has been newly set up would serve the people of neighboring districts to provide speedy justice.

He informed that 50 acres of land have been identified to facilitate the opening of a regional campus of the National Forensic Science University (Gujarat). He also appealed to the union home minister to facilitate setting up its campus in the state at the earliest.

On the occasion, the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Ballary, and Smart e-Beat police system were virtually launched. Foundation stone was laid for the Academic Complex of the Nrupatunga University and the logo of the University was also launched.

Now Smriti Irani to trail Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

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Now Smriti Irani to trail Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

After bringing down Rahul Gandhi at Amethi, Smriti Irani is all set to land in Wayanad next week, the constituency that the Congress leader had won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

According to sources in the know of things, Irani, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, is coming with a mission to take on Rahul Gandhi, especially with the Wayanad district having the largest population of tribals in the state and their condition continues to rot, despite the numerous schemes that the Centre has for their upliftment.

According to the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Tribe population in Kerala is 4,84,839 (1.5 percent of the total population). And Wayanad district has the highest number of tribals at 1,51,443.

Incidentally, it was actor-politician Suresh Gopi, a nominated member of the Upper House whose term ended this month, who in his last few speeches in the Parliament raised the issue of how centrally sponsored schemes for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden and for the SC/ST communities in Kerala are not getting due attention, giving the impetus to Irani to make a visit to Wayanad.

Irani is expected to go around the tribal colonies and is likely to be in Wayanad for one or two days. She is likely to use most of her time to take on Rahul Gandhi and his absence from the constituency.

Priortise cases of 3.5 L poor undertrials on humanitarian sensibility, PM to CMs, HCs

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Priortise cases of 3.5 L poor undertrials on humanitarian sensibility, PM to CMs, HCs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said there are nearly 3.5 lakh undertrials in jail – mostly from poor or ordinary families – and appealed to all chief ministers and chief justices of high courts to prioritize their cases on the bases of humanitarian sensibility and law.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the Joint Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts, which was also attended by Chief Justice N. V. Ramana, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Law, and Justice S.P. Singh Baghel, and Supreme Court judges.

The Prime Minister insisted that judicial reform is not merely a policy matter and human sensitivities are involved and they should be kept at the center of all the deliberations.

He pointed out there are about 3.5 lakh prisoners in the country who are under trial and are in jail, most of whom are from poor or ordinary families.

“In every district, there is a committee headed by the District Judge, so that these cases can be reviewed and wherever possible, such prisoners may be released on bail. I would appeal to all Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts to give priority to these matters on the basis of humanitarian sensibility and law”, he added.

He said that 75 years of Independence have continuously clarified the roles and responsibilities of both the judiciary and the executive.

The Prime Minister also talked about the complexities and obsolescence of in-laws.

He said in 2015, the government identified 1,800 laws that had become irrelevant and 1,450 laws have already been repealed.

Noting that only 75 such laws have been removed by the states, Prime Minister Modi said: “I would urge all the Chief Ministers that for the rights of the citizens of their state and for their ease of living, definitely steps should be taken in this direction.”

The Prime Minister said it is important to promote local languages in the courts so that people of the country feel connected with the judicial process and their faith in the same increases.

He said that people’s right to judicial process will strengthen by this and local languages are being promoted in technical education also.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is working hard to reduce delays in justice delivery and efforts are being made to increase the judicial strength and improve the judicial infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said “in our country, while the role of the judiciary is that of the guardian of the constitution, the legislature represents the aspirations of the citizens. I believe that this confluence and balance of these two branches of the Constitution will prepare the roadmap for an effective and time-bound judicial system in the country”.

He said the government considers the possibilities of technology in the judicial system as an essential part of the Digital India mission and appealed to the chief ministers and chief justices of high courts to take it forward.

The Prime Minister cited the success of digital transactions in small towns and even in villages and added that out of all the digital transactions that took place in the world last year, 40 percent of the digital transactions were in India.

The Prime Minister said “In 2047, when the country will complete 100 years of its Independence, then what kind of judicial system would we like to see in the country? How do we make our judicial system so capable that it can fulfill the aspirations of India of 2047, these questions should be our priority today”.

Srinagar-Sharjah direct flights to resume soon

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Srinagar-Sharjah direct flights to resume soon

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved the restoration of Srinagar-Sharjah direct flights to the extent of 5 flights per week, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha said.

Sinha wrote on his Twitter page, “Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved Srinagar-Sharjah flights to the extent of 5 flights per week on a regular basis. My deepest gratitude to PM Narendra Modi.”

“UT administration, Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI & Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia taking necessary steps on priority to strengthen air connectivity to cater to growing tourism & industry sectors,” he added.

The direct air link between the Kashmir Valley and the UAE was revived after 11 years on October 23, 2021, when Union Home Minister, Amit Shah inaugurated a direct flight from Srinagar International Airport to Sharjah.

‘Go First’ airlines had stopped operating Srinagar-Sharjah flights from March 27, 2022, saying that it did not have the requisite bilateral rights.

Airlines need bilateral rights, which are granted under air services agreements signed between two countries, to operate scheduled international passenger flights.

Direct flights between Kashmir and the UAE will help export J&K’s agricultural, horticultural produce and handicrafts to Gulf markets.

Digitisation of health services for quick medical treatment underway, says PM

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Digitisation of health services for quick medical treatment underway, says PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that digitization of the health services is underway in India to provide the best, quick, and trouble-free medical treatment and various health services to the people.

Addressing a big rally in Assam’s Dibrugarh, Modi said that 16 new AIIMS and one medical college in each district of the country will be set up to provide the best medical treatment to the people.

“Policy has been changed so that students can be taught in the medical colleges in their local languages and mother tongue,” Modi said after inaugurating the Dibrugarh Cancer Centre at the Assam Medical College and Hospital.

From Dibrugarh, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated seven cancer hospitals and laid the foundation stone for seven more across Assam.

The seven cancer hospitals that were inaugurated by the Prime Minister are Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Tezpur, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Kokrajhar, and Darrang while the foundation stones were laid at Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, Sivasagar, Nalbari, Nagaon and Tinsukia districts.

Cancer is a major problem in the northeastern region, Modi said adding that with the setting up of seven more cancer hospitals and laying of the foundation stones of seven more such hospitals, the patients would get the best treatment in their district itself.

Modi said that with the government’s efforts, over 900 medicines are now available at a very cheap rate. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that with the opening and laying of foundation stones of these cancer hospitals with world call facilities and services, not only the people of Assam and other northeastern states would be benefited, but the people of the South-East Asian countries would also be benefited.

Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata, central minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Health Minister Keshab Mahanta among others also spoke to the gathering. Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi, central Minister Rameshwar Teli, and former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi among others were also present at the event. Tata Trust has contributed a lot to setting up these cancer hospitals in Assam.

Earlier in the day, addressing the first public rally at Loringthepi in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, the Prime Minister said that with the restoration of peace, resolving the insurgency problems and ethnic issues, development has accelerated in the northeastern region of India.

“With the decline of violent activities by 75 percent over the years, the AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958) has recently been withdrawn from large parts of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur,” Modi said.

Kejriwal senses early polls in Himachal, Gujarat

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Kejriwal senses early polls in Himachal, Gujarat

Sensing early assembly polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said the BJP will hold early elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, adding if voted to power, his party would implement the Delhi model of governance in Himachal Pradesh.

“I have heard that they (BJP) will hold early Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat,” said Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener, at a rally in Kangra town near Dharamsala.

“The BJP is scared of the Aam Aadmi Party in Himachal and Gujarat. Actually, they are scared of the public, not the AAP. The BJP has decided to hold early elections in Himachal and Gujarat. It does not matter whenever BJP conducts elections, power should come in the hands of the common man,” he said.

In both the states, the elections are due by year-end.

Kejriwal urged good leaders in the ruling BJP and the Congress to leave their parties and join AAP. “It is time to make ‘naya’ (new) Himachal Pradesh. I urge all the good people in BJP and Congress to leave their parties and join AAP. I request the people of this state to give AAP a chance.”

Saying that Himachal Pradesh is the most beautiful place on earth, Kejriwal said: “Both the Congress and the BJP looted the god-gifted beautiful land. The Congress-ruled for 30 years and the BJP for 17 years. Both parties are now abusing me.”

The Delhi Chief Minister said BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda abused him in a rally.

“Jai Ram Thakur said there is a two-party system in the state. I ask what is the third alternative. They are saying the situation in Himachal is different, but I say your intentions are wrong.”

About the Delhi citizen-centric models, Kejriwal said private schools have not been allowed to increase fees for the past four years, while treatment is free for all citizens.

Amid multi-layered security for Modi’s visit, Jammu’s Palli village waits eagerly to welcome him

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Amid multi-layered security for Modi’s visit, Jammu’s Palli village waits eagerly to welcome him

A multi-layered security set-up is in place on Saturday for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu’s Samba district on Sunday.

The security set-up was beefed up with traffic restrictions after Friday’s terror attack in Jammu city in which two terrorists and a CISF officer were killed.

Despite the attack, residents of Palli village remain unfazed and jubilant about Modi’s visit.

The otherwise sleepy village has come to life in a big way as the locals are enthusiastically waiting for the VVIP visit.

Village elders are unable to recall the last time they witnessed such an outburst of joy and activity.

More than 100 hotels, including the luxury ones, have been booked in Jammu, Bari Brahmana and Samba for the lodging of delegates, who will attend the two-day Panchayat Raj Diwas on Sunday.

The delegates include officials from the government, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Block Development Councils, District Development Councils, as well as senior politicians.

To make the area under the Palli panchayat as “the country’s first carbon-free area”, a solar power project of 500 KVA capacity has been installed to provide electricity to 340 households.

It is estimated that the function will be attended by more than one lakh people.

A high alert has been sounded all along the International Border, while strict security arrangements have been made in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu as well.

The venue of Modi’s function in Palli panchayat has been declared out of bounding for the people after a three-tier anti-sabotage exercise was carried out at the venue.

Security around vital installations across Jammu and Kashmir has been further beefed up while security drills like the landing of helicopters and high speed movement of vehicles were carried out at the venue.

Traffic advisory in this regard said: “In view of the VVIP visit at Palli Bari Brahmana (venue of function) Samba district on April 24, 2022, the public, PRIs attending the function are advised to adopt the designated routes.”

The security checkpoints connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have been strengthened with the additional deployment of security forces and no one is allowed to enter without checking.

West Bengal has got investment proposals worth Rs 3.42L cr: CM

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West Bengal has got investment proposals worth Rs 3.42L cr: CM

The Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)– 2022 has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 3.42 lakh crore, according to the state Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.

“The BGBS — 2022 has attracted a total investment proposal worth Rs 3,42,375 crore, which is the highest among all the six editions of BGBS. In the past five editions of BGBS combined, our state received investment proposals worth Rs 12.5 lakh crore,” Banerjee said on Thursday at the closing program of the BGBS, an annual event to showcase the state as an ideal investment destination.

She added that these investment proposals will create employment for 40 lakh people.

However, the Chief Minister made it clear that this Rs 3.42 lakh crore of investment proposals are currently in the form of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU).

“We have signed a total of 137 MoUs or letters of intent. These are related to various sectors like infrastructure development, logistics, and capacity building,” she said.

At the end of the meet there was no official release on the part of the West Bengal government or the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation on the detailed breakup of the investment proposals received or the MoUs signed.

Understanding that the recent incidents of law and order problems in the state can raise doubts among the potential investors, the Chief Minister, while speaking on the occasion, tried to assure the business delegates on this count.

“West Bengal has stability. West Bengal is safe, so please invest in the state without any fear,” Banerjee said.

The BGBS started in 2015. However, in the last two years, the event could not take place because of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. This year it is taking place after a gap of two years.

The Chief Minister said when she wanted to restart the annual business summit this year, many in her own government were skeptical about its success.

“But I said that let us do it. Now, West Bengal has shown the way for other Indian states to start similar business summits,” she said.

The BGBS-2023 will be held from February 1 to 3.

On the opening day of BGBS-2022 on Wednesday, Adani Group Chairman and founder Gautam Adani announced a proposed investment of Rs 10,000 crore in West Bengal during the next few years.

We will effectively introduce FTA between India & UK: Modi

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We will effectively introduce FTA between India & UK: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India and the UK are working on closing the negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of the year.

Addressing the joint media address after the bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held at Hyderabad House, Modi said, “Recently we have concluded FTA talks with UAE and Australia. We wish to go for FTA with the UK with the same spirit and commitment.

“Last year, we established the strategic partnership and we have added the important Roadmap-2030 and during our talks, we reviewed the progress made in this direction and also set some goals,” Modi said.

He further said both countries have decided to enhance cooperation in the defense sector. “We welcome the UK as support in manufacturing, technology, design and development, and other sectors for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi said.

Referring to the recent reforms initiated by India in the infrastructure modernization plan and National Infrastructure Pipeline, Modi said that India welcomes the increasing investments here by the UK companies and “we have seen such an example in Halol in Gujarat on Thursday.

“Around 1.6 million UK nationals of Indian origin have been making a positive contribution in the Indian economy and society as well. We are proud of those people of Indian origin, we want to further strengthen this bridge and in this direction, Prime Minister Johnson has personally helped a lot, I greet him for this,” the Indian Prime Minister said.

He also said that India has shown its commitment to fulfil the commitments made in COP-26 in Glasgow and decided to further enhance the partnership for climate and energy. “I invite the UK to join India’s National Hydrogen Mission and express my gratitude for setting up Strategic Tech Dialogue between the two countries,” Modi said.

“The conclusion of the implementation arrangements of the Global Innovation Partnership will prove to be a very important initiative between us today. This will further strengthen our partnership with other countries. Under this, India and the UK will co-finance up to $100 million for the transfer and scaling-up of “Made in India” innovations to third countries.

“These will also help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and efforts to tackle climate change. This will prove to be very useful for our startups and MSME sector to explore new markets, and to globalize their innovations,” Modi said.

“We also discussed the many developments taking place at the regional and global level. We emphasized maintaining the Indo-Pacific region based on free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order. India welcomes the UK’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative,” the Indian Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan was also discussed during the meeting.

“During our talks,” Modi said, “We stressed dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem. We also reiterated the importance of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries.

“We reiterated our support for a peaceful, stable, and secure Afghanistan and for an inclusive and representative government,” Prime Minister Modi said, adding, “It is necessary that Afghan land should not be used to spread terrorism in other countries.”

Earlier, while addressing the media, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “I felt like Sachin Tendulkar upon my arrival and also felt like Amitabh Bachchan when I saw hoardings everywhere.”

The British Prime Minister had arrived in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Yogi govt to set up stadiums, open gyms in 100 gram panchayats

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Yogi govt to set up stadiums, open gyms in 100 gram panchayats

Uttar Pradesh is soon going to become a dreamland for the aspiring sportspersons in the country as the Yogi Adityanath government has started preparations for setting up sports grounds and gymnasiums in 100 Gram Panchayats across the state.

In order to promote sports talent and hone the skills of players coming out from the small villages and districts, the Yogi Government, in its second innings, has prioritized providing sports facilities to all the players.

According to the government spokesman, the focus of the state government, which is engaged in realizing the mission ‘Khoob-Khelo-Khoob-Badho’, is mainly on the players coming out of the villages.

The government is ensuring that the players, who have the potential to bring laurels to the country, should not be deprived of any facilities.

The Youth Welfare Department is engaged in arranging sports fields and open gyms from village to village at the gram panchayat level under the MGNREGA scheme.

The state government is also making efforts to nurture sports talent and intensify sports competition within the state. The aim of the government is to establish Uttar Pradesh as a leading state within the country in sports.

Specialist coaches have been appointed to impart training. Along with increasing the convenience of the players in the hostels, construction of new stadiums is also being done at a rapid pace.

It is worth mentioning that during the previous tenure, the Yogi government has built more than 44 hostels for the training of 16 sports in 19 districts.

The amount for sports kits has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500. Many gifts have also been given to the players who bring medals at the Olympics.

Venkaiah Naidu voices concern over rising nexus between politicians and civil servants

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Venkaiah Naidu voices concern over rising nexus between politicians and civil servants

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday voiced concern over the perceived rising nexus between the political executive and civil servants and its consequences for the people and the country. He urged the civil servants to be frank and honest and stand for what is right and to speak the truth to the political executive.

Naidu said, “Politicians being wise and receptive to good suggestions would not like the risk of being punished for any bad decision and wrongdoing and hence, the officials should present the truth and various scenarios in a convincing manner.”

“When you (civil servants) are instructed to present a particular issue in a particular manner that suits the political executive, all you need is to speak for the right and if required, to do so in writing. If you are overruled, the concerned authority would be taken to task. Political and permanent executives should work in tandem and in the right manner. Political executives should definitely change,” he said.

Naidu has noted with concern that all is not well with the civil services in the country and called for reforms to enable the promotion of meritocracy in the bureaucracy to meet the emerging challenges and complexities in the changing times. The Vice President spoke at length on a range of issues impacting the civil services while addressing Trainee Officers at Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute, Hyderabad on the occasion of Civil Services Day on Thursday.

Tracing India’s developmental journey since Independence, Naidu said there is still work to be done in eliminating poverty, illiteracy, gender, and social discrimination, among other issues. Calling upon the civil servants to strive harder in addressing these issues, he said the Civil Services Day offers an opportunity to introspect and understand the opportunities and challenges for the services.

“The civil services have played an important role in this journey of ours (since Independence) but all is not well with the services and they are in need of revamping, reawakening and reorientation to meet the challenges of the time,” Naidu said.

Referring to the recent reports of the bad state of finances in several states by incurring huge expenditure on ‘freebies’ in the name of welfare, Naidu stressed the need to harmonize the welfare concerns and development needs. He urged the senior civil servants in particular, to shoulder the responsibility of enabling such reconciliation by being frank and honest with the political executive about the consequences of such an approach.

While urging the civil servants to be politically neutral, the Vice President asked them to be driven by the idealism of being with the poor and the needy sections, who need their support the most. He reminded the officials that in every ‘File’, there is a ‘Life’ and the progress and life of the nation depend on effective processing of the files through proper and effective decision making.

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