Tag: India

We Are Interested In Developing Businesses In India: Danish Climate Min

We Are Interested In Developing Businesses In India: Danish Climate Min

By LokMarg

Denmark Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard during his visit to India said that when it comes to the green strategic partnership between the two countries, Green energy remains the focus and that Danish companies would like to develop their businesses in India.

Denmark Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, where issues related to climate and energy were discussed.
“It’s mainly Green energy, we have a partnership, and we have some Danish Companies that are interested in developing their business in India and hopefully also eager to learn more about the challenges”, said the Minister said while speaking to ANI.

The Green Strategic partnership between India and Denmark consolidates the existing agreement establishing a Joint Commission for Cooperation between the two countries. The partnership is a mutually beneficial arrangement to advance political cooperation, expand economic relations and green growth, create jobs and strengthen cooperation on addressing global challenges and opportunities; with a focus on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking further about the partnership, the minister said that when it comes to green, all the countries in the world need affordable, secure renewables.

“I think it’s a very important partnership for both countries. All the countries in the world need affordable, secure and green renewables in the electricity sector and it has to become cost-effective because we all need that. Denmark for many years has worked on how we can integrate very large numbers in our energy system and we are so happy to share that insight with the Indian society,” said the minister.

Stressing upon the climate challenge, the minister said that each other has something to offer.

“Climate change is a global challenge for all of us. Everybody has something to bring to the table. No country can do exactly the same. But India is such a high economy, that India must go green as well. Denmark will move a little ahead as well. We have been working on our electricity sector and I am so pleased that both countries can work together”, said the minister.

The minister is part of the Denmark delegation led by Denmark’s royal couple who are on an India visit. The couple who is on a visit to India will address the opening session of the India-Denmark: Partners for Green & Sustainable Progress organized by CII. He also met President Draupadi Murmu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During the visit, the Danish royal couple will visit Chennai. (ANI)

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Modi Inaugurates Airport, Development Projects In Karnataka

Modi Inaugurates Airport, Development Projects In Karnataka

By LokMarg

In a major infrastructure push, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 3,600 crore at Karnataka’s Shivamogga on Monday.

PM Modi inaugurated the Shivamogga Airport and took a walk-through of the facilities.

According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the new airport is developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. The Passenger Terminal Building of the airport can handle 300 passengers per hour and will improve connectivity and accessibility of Shivamogga and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region.

Referring to the newly inaugurated airport in Shivamogga, the Prime Minister said that the needs of the citizens have been fulfilled today after a long time. Remarking on the splendid beauty and construction of the airport, the PM highlighted the amalgamation of the traditions and technology of Karnataka.

“It is not just an airport but a campaign where the dreams of the younger generations can take off,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the airport in Shivamogga is being inaugurated at a time when the enthusiasm for air travel is at an all-time high in India. He said, “only recently, Air India completed a deal to purchase the largest passenger aircraft in the world. Before 2014 during the Congress regime, Air India was generally discussed in a negative light and its identity had always been associated with scams where it was deemed a loss-making business model.”

Highlighting the Air India of today, the Prime Minister said it is recognized as the potential of the new India where it is soaring to the heights of success.

In view of expanding aviation market of India, PM Modi said the country will require thousands of aircraft in the near future where youth will be needed as a workforce. “Even though we are importing these aircraft today, the day is not far when the citizens of India will fly in Made in India passenger airplanes,” he emphasized.

The Prime Minister elaborated upon the policies of the government that have led to an unprecedented expansion of the aviation sector.

“Unlike the approach of previous governments, the current government pushed for airports in smaller cities. Till 2014, the country had 74 airports in the first seven decades of independence whereas in the last nine years, 74 more airports have been added, connecting many smaller cities,” he said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the UDAN scheme for affordable air travel to realize his vision that “Hawai Chappal-wearing common citizens should be able to travel in Hawai Jahaj.”

PM Modi said that Shivamogga is a gateway to the Malenadu region which is famous for the Western Ghats and home to greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, the famous Jog Falls and Elephant Camp, Lion Safari in Simha Dham and the mountain ranges of Agumbe.

He said, “The new airport is going to open doors of development for Shivamogga, the land of nature, culture and agriculture.” Recalling the adage, the Prime Minister said that life remains incomplete for those who have not taken a dip in the Ganges and drank the water of the Tungabhadra river.

PM Modi further laid the foundation stone for two railway projects in Shivamogga. This includes Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Koteganguru Railway coaching depot.

The Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line, will be developed at a cost of Rs 990 crore and will provide enhanced connectivity of the Malnad region with the Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline. Koteganguru Railway coaching depot at Shivamogga city will be developed at a cost of more than Rs 100 crores to help start new trains from Shivamogga and decongest maintenance facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru, said PMO statement.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Haveri and Davangere districts will also be benefitted when the Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranibennur new line is completed. He underlined that there will be no level crossing in this line making it a safe rail line where fast trains will be able to run smoothly.

He highlighted that the capacity of Kotagangaur station, which used to be a short halt station, will get a boost after the construction of a new coaching terminal. He said that it is now being developed with four railway lines, three platforms and a railway coaching depot.

Noting that Shivamogga is an educational hub of the region, the Prime Minister said the increased connectivity will make it easier for students from nearby regions to visit Shivamogga.

He also noted that it will open new doors for businesses and industries in the region.

“Infrastructure with good connectivity is going to create new employment opportunities in the entire region,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that the new airport will help in increasing tourism and resulting economic activity and employment opportunities. The rail connectivity will ensure new markets for the farmers, he added.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for multiple road development projects. The projects, which will be developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs 215 crore, include the construction of a new Bypass road for Shikaripura Town on NH 766C connecting Byndur – Ranibennur; widening of NH-169A from Megaravalli to Agumbe; and construction of a new bridge at Bharathipura in Thirthahally Taluk on NH 169.

The Prime Minister said that the development of Karnataka is on the move. “This path of progress is paved by strides in roadways, airways (digital connectivity),” he remarked.

PM Modi said that the double-engine government of Karnataka is powering the chariot of the progress of Karnataka. The Prime Minister also highlighted the wider spread of development in Karnataka to villages and tier 2-3 cities under the double-engine government as opposed to the big city-centric development of the earlier times. “The development of Shivamogga is the result of this thinking process,” he said.

Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multi-village schemes worth more than Rs 950 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission during the programme. This includes the inauguration of one multi-village scheme for Gowthamapura and 127 other villages and laying the foundation stone for three other multi-village schemes to be developed at a total cost of more than Rs 860 crore. The four schemes will provide functional household piped water connections and are expected to benefit more than 4.4 lakh people.

PM Modi called the Jal Jeevan Mission in the region a big campaign to provide ease of living to women of Shivamogga. He informed that out of 3 lakh families in Shivamogga only 90,000 had tap water connections before the start of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Now, the double-engine government has provided tap water connections to 1.5 lakh families and work is going on to ensure saturation. In the last 3.5 years, 40 lakh families have received tap water connections.

“The double-engine government belongs to the villages, the poor, our mothers and sisters,” he said. Giving examples of toilets, gas connections and tapped water supply, the Prime Minister said that the government is trying to tackle all the problems related to the mothers and sisters. He reiterated that the double-engine government strives to make piped water available in every household with all honesty.

The Prime Minister further inaugurated 44 Smart City Projects worth more than Rs 895 crore in Shivamogga city. The projects include eight smart road packages of 110 km length; integrated command and control centre and multi-level car parking; smart bus shelter projects; an intelligent solid waste management system; development of heritage projects like Shivappa Naik Palace into an interactive museum, 90 conservancy lanes, creation of parks and riverfront development projects, among others.

Talking about the cultural richness of Shivamogga, the Prime Minister mentioned Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and the world’s only living Sanskrit village Mattur and many centres of faith in Shivamogga. He also mentioned the freedom struggle of Issuru village.

Mentioning the agricultural uniqueness of Shivamogga, the Prime Minister said that it is among the most fertile regions of the country. He touched upon the variety of the crops of the region. This agricultural wealth is getting a push by robust connectivity measures being undertaken by the double-engine government.

The Prime Minister remarked, “The people of Karnataka know very well that this is the Amrit Kaal of India, the time to make a developed India.”

He underlined that this is the first time in the history of India’s independence that such an opportunity has come knocking and India’s voice is being heard on the global stage. He noted that investors from all over the world want to invest in India and it benefits Karnataka and its youth. (ANI)

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German CEOs Meet Modi, Double Down on India Growth Story

German CEOs Meet Modi, Double Down on India Growth Story

By LokMarg

German-based companies’ CEOs doubled down on the Indian growth story after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of German companies had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and discussed new opportunities for the German Companies to expand education and business opportunities in India.

German CEOs eulogise the meeting with Prime Minister Modi. Chairman of the Management Board of TUV NORD, Dirk Stenkamp on Saturday said that India is at forefront of leading nations with increased self-confidence and is at the point where it can take off.

While talking with ANI, Stenkamp said, “The meeting with the Prime Minister was very impressive, I think India is at the forefront of leading nations and there has been an increase in self-confidence in the last two years. “I think India is at the point where it really starts to take off.”

Speaking on the ‘Make in India’ initiative he said, “I know about Make in India since the beginning and we’re supporting many German companies to come to India and start producing in India. Currently, there’s an initiative going on in German Mittelstand invited by India to come and become part of Make in India”.

Currently, an initiative is going on in German small and medium-sized enterprises where they are asked to come to India and become part of the make-in-India initiative, he informed.

Regarding growth and expansion, he said that the opportunities in India are tremendous.

“We are very active in energy transition, which means turning fossils to watts, wind and so on,” he added.

Other than Stenkamp, there was three more companies delegation that participated in the meeting with PM Modi.

One of them was Klemens Rethmann, CEO of the German-based Rethmann company, who stated that India has skill and talent and it’s a “privilege to use those resources,” and added that “India will become bigger in the production world.”

“You’ve got the workforce here. So, Germany is lacking in the workforce. You’ve got such wealth and skilled work and so many intelligent young people who wanted to do something. This is a privilege to use those resources. And therefore, PM Modi asked us to produce in India but for us, it’s not only because he asked us because this is where the resources are and we see our chances,” Rethmann told ANI.

Meanwhile, CEO of Renk, Susanne Weigand stated that they are proud to be here, a trusted partner of the Indian government. The company are supplying the Indian armed forces and Navy with drive solutions. We also actively supply the Indian energy market with our high-speed gears.

“India is also a booming fast growing cement market,” she added.

“We are based in Bengaluru with our team and we are expanding a lot, we honour the ‘Make in India’ initiative which is important for us also as India is a high-speed going market, a key market in Asia,” The CEO of Renk said while appreciating the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Modi Government.

Not only Weigand, but CEO of the Software company SAP, Christian Klein also participated in the meeting with PM Modi. After the meeting, he said that India has high aspirations for sustainability and wanted to use technology to decarbonize supply chains and produce green hydrogen which goes hand in hand with technology.

He also said that he is happy to be a partner of India.

While talking to ANI, Klein said, “The country (India) has high aspirations for sustainability and wants to use technology to achieve that, to decarbonize supply chains, to move to the circular economy, to produce green hydrogen. And that goes hand in hand with technology. And India has a very strong agenda for both topics.”

All CEOs are a part of the delegation visiting India along with the German chancellor Olaf Scholz. Olaf Scholz is on a two-day visit to India from February 25-26. (ANI)

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I Don’t Consider Myself Citizen Of India: Amritpal Singh

I Don’t Consider Myself Citizen Of India: Amritpal Singh

By LokMarg

‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh on Saturday denounced that he does “not” consider himself a citizen of India calling the passport merely a “travel document” and said that it does not make him an Indian.

He said that his remarks against Amit Shah were “not a threat” to the Union Home Minister, but rather a threat to them.
“Amit Shah had said that he won’t let the Khalistan movement rise. I had said that the same was done by Indira Gandhi and if you do the same then you’d have to face consequences. If the Home Minister says the same to those demanding ‘Hindu Rashtra’, then I’ll see if he remains Home Minister,” Amritpal had said on February 23.

His remarks had come after his supporters allegedly clashed with the Ajnala Police demanding the release of his associate Lovepreet Singh Toofan.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Amritpal dubbed militancy as a “very natural phenomenon” and said that violence will not be under his control if the police try to stop their non-violent protest.

“Militancy is not something that I am able to start. Nobody can start or end militancy. Militancy is a very natural phenomenon. It happens after a long period of suppression anywhere. Is militancy a constructive thing to start? I can order someone to start militancy, it does not happen like that. There is a peaceful protest. When Amit Shah said that he will suppress things, I said there will be consequences. It’s not just about Indira Gandhi’s murder as consequence. It’s not a threat to Home Minister. I would say is a threat to us. What options do we have when there are legal binaries in India? I don’t consider myself a citizen of India. I just have a passport, which does not make me Indian. It’s a travel document,” he said.

“But there are laws. What they do, they give some rights to the people who are fighting against the establishment. There are some rights for those also who rebel. There is a line until it becomes violent, until I am harming somebody, or I am trying to implicate by force, it could be illegal. When they try to stop us way before it’s not even close to violence, it will reach to violence. It will not be in my control. For example, if they arrest me, if something happens to Punjab, who is responsible for that? I am trying to get the youth out of drugs. How can I motivate them? We are a warrior race. When they say militancy, it is a very complex thing,” the ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief said.

When asked about the Khalistan slogans being reported in his addresses, he said that Khalistan is a “very normal discussion” in Punjab.

He drew a parallel between the idea of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ and ‘Khalistan’ and said that the former is exclusive while the latter is “pure”.

“That’s what the problem is. When you are not Punjabi and do not visit the state very frequently, and when you see everything through media, it looks very scary. But it is not. Khalistan is a very normal discussion here. When Supreme Court says anybody can say Khalistan Zindabad, it’s not a crime. An MP got elected saying ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ from Sangrur,” he said.

“When you say saying ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ is bad, you are trying to challenge the Supreme Court. When somebody says ‘Hindu Rashtra’ zindabad, what is ‘Hindu Rashtra’? Where is it established? People don’t feel threatened with it. Then why if 80 per cent people are advocating it, sometimes they are doing it very violently, that we will not let anyone live, and will make everyone Hindu. The idea of Hindu Rashtra is totally opposite to the idea of Khalistan. Hindu Rashtra does not include other identities, either you are a Hindu or dead. They don’t give you options. The idea of Khalistan is so pure, it’s idea is the raj of Khalistan,” Amritpal added. (ANI)

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Modi Holds Talks With German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Modi Holds Talks With German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Hyderabad House in New Delhi here on Saturday.

“The focus of the talks between the two leaders will be on bolstering bilateral ties, building on the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership and economic ties, and forging closer ties in defence,” Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet.

Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “PM @narendramodi welcomes @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks. Focus of the talks will be on strengthening bilateral cooperation, building on the Green & Sustainable Development Partnership and economic partnership, & forging closer ties in defence.”

“PM@narendramodi holds talks with German Chancellor @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz. Leaders will review progress on key outcomes of the 6th IGC held in May’22. Will discuss ways to strengthen defence & economic cooperation, enhance talent mobility and widen S&T collaboration,” Bagchi said in another tweet.

He noted, “This is the fourth time that the two leaders are meeting in the span of a year, underscoring the mutual commitment to growth of the Indo-German partnership.”

PM Modi and Scholz will also interact with CEOs and business leaders of both sides.

Olaf Scholz arrived today in New Delhi for a visit to India from February 25-26. He is accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation.

Scholz, who is on a visit to India, said both countries already have “good relations” and expressed hope that they will discuss intensely all the topics relevant to the development of both nations.

“We already have good relations between India and Germany and I hope that we will strengthen this very good relations. I hope we will discuss intensely about all the topics relevant for the development of our countries and also the peace in the world which is important,” Scholz said.

Scholz made the remarks after he was accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. PM Narendra Modi received Scholz at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Both leaders met officials and ministers of both nations.

During his visit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will hold a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. He will travel to Bengaluru on February 26.

Scholz’s visit to India is the first standalone one by any German Chancellor since the commencement of the Inter-Governmental Consultation (IGC) mechanism between the two nations in 2011, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

According to MEA, Olaf Scholz’s visit to India will enable both nations to take stock and progress on the key outcomes of the 6th Inter-Governmental Consultation (IGC), strengthen security and defence cooperation, work towards closer economic ties, enhance the opportunity for the mobility of talent and give strategic guidance to ongoing collaboration in Science and Technology.

“The India-Germany Strategic Partnership is underpinned by shared values, trust and mutual understanding. Robust investment and trade linkages, cooperation in the areas of green and sustainable development and growing people-to-people ties have strengthened bilateral relations,” the MEA said in the press release. Both nations also work closely at multilateral and international platforms. (ANI)

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Digital Payments Ecosystem Transformed Governance: Modi

Digital Payments Ecosystem Transformed Governance: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India’s digital payments ecosystem has radically transformed governance, financial inclusion and ease of living in the country.

With the aim to foster global economic cooperation, the first G20 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting is being held in Bengaluru on Friday.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das jointly chaired the meeting.

In his opening remarks at the meeting via a video message, PM Modi said, “You represent the leadership of global finance and economy at a time when the world is facing serious economic difficulties. The Covid pandemic had delivered a once-a-century blow to the global economy. Many countries, especially developing economies are still coping with its aftereffects. We are also witnessing rising geopolitical tensions in different parts of the world.”

“We need to collectively work to strengthen multilateral development banks for many global challenges, like climate change,” PM Modi said during the meeting.

Prime Minister said Indian consumers and producers are optimistic and confident about the future.

“We hope that you will be able to transmit the same positive spirit to the global economy. I would urge that your discussion will focus on the most vulnerable citizens of the world. Only by creating an inclusive agenda can win back the confidence of the world,” he told the Finance Ministers and Central Bank governors.

The PM stressed that the role of technology is increasingly dominant in the world of finance. “However, some recent innovations in digital finance also pose a risk of destabilisation and misuse,” Prime Minister noted.

During the Covid pandemic, he said digital payments enabled contactless and seamless transactions.

“Over the past few years, we have created a highly secure, trusted and efficient public digital infrastructure. Our Digital payments ecosystem has radically transformed governance, financial inclusion and ease of living. India’s UPI ecosystem can be a template for many other countries. We would be happy to share our experiences with the world. G20 can be a medium for this,” PM Modi said.

He further said, “During our G20 presidency, we have created a new Fintech platform, which allows our global G20 guests to use India’s path-breaking digital payment platform UPI.”

PM Modi called for a collective effort in strengthening multilateral development banks for global challenges, like climate change and others.

“I hope that you will explore how the power of tech can be used for good while developing standards to regulate its possible risks. India’s own experience can be a model,” he added. (ANI)

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Pak Provides Safe Havens To Terrorists: India At UNGA

Pak Provides Safe Havens To Terrorists: India At UNGA

By LokMarg

India on Thursday exercised it’s ‘Right of Reply’ at UNGA against Pakistan and advised Islamabad to look at its track record as a state that provides safe heavens to terrorists.

At the United Nations General Assembly Eleventh Emergency Special Session, Indian Counsellor Pratik Mathur said, “Pakistan has only to look at itself and its track record as a State that harbours and provides safe havens to terrorists and does so with impunity.”
He also advised the Pakistani delegation to refer to the numerous Right of Replies that India has exercised in the past.

Mathur said, “I am taking the floor to say that India chooses this time not to respond to Pakistan’s mischievous provocations. Our advice to the delegate of Pakistan is to refer to the numerous RoRs that we have exercised in the past.”

Calling out Pakistan’s uncalled-for provocation “regrettable”, Mathur also said that after two days of intense discussions, all the members present in the UN have agreed that the path of peace can be the only path to resolve conflict and discord.

India’s most wanted Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) deputy chief Abdul Rehman Makki was designated as “global terrorist” in January

India had made listings of Pak-based terrorists a top priority of its UNSC tenure during 2021-22. A total of five names — Abdul Rehman Makki (LeT), Abdul Rauf Asghar (JeM), Sajid Mir (LeT), Shahid Mahmood (LeT), and Talha Saeed (LeT) — were submitted by India for designation under 1267 in 2022.

Each of these five names was initially placed on technical hold by one member state (China) while all other 14 members of the Council agreed to their listing.

In 2020, a Pakistani anti-terrorism court convicted Makki on one count of terrorism financing and sentenced him to prison, acccording to the US State Department.

Earlier in this month, India’s Indus Commissioner issued a notice to Pakistani counterpart to notify a date for the commencement of interstate bilateral negotiations to rectify an ongoing material breach of the Indus Water treaty, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday.

He further said that India is not involved in the process of the arbitration court.

“We have issued rather our India’s Indus Commissioner issued a notice on January 25 for modification of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 to his Pakistani counterpart. This notice was issued with the intent to provide Pakistan an opportunity to enter into government-to-government negotiations, to rectify an ongoing material breach of the treaty. We have called upon Pakistan to notify a suitable date for the commencement of interstate bilateral negotiations under article XII (3) within 90 days,” Bagchi said in response to a question on India’s notice to Pakistan for amendments to the Indus water treaty.

“I am not aware of a response from Pakistan as of yet. I am not aware of any response or comment by the World Bank,” Bagchi said.

He added by saying that India is not participating or involved in the process in any way, in response to a media query on New Delhi’s position on the arbitration court.

India issued notice to Pakistan on January 25 for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of September 1960 after Islamabad’s actions adversely impinged the provisions of the treaty, according to sources. (ANI)

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Hardeep Puri Reiterates India’s Position On Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Hardeep Puri Reiterates India’s Position On Russia-Ukraine Conflict

By LokMarg

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Thursday, reiterated India’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war and said, “this is not the time for war.”

Speaking to ANI, Puri quoted the European ambassador’s statement, “we don’t care where India buys energy from but think India can help in bringing resolution to what’s going on” and added, “India’s position is that this isn’t time for war.”
On the eve of one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in an interview with a different media organization, Ugo Astuto, the ambassador of the European Union, commented on India’s position in continuing with procurement of crude oil from Russia and also appreciates New Delhi’s overall stand on the Ukraine conflict.

The Union Minister also said that India will accelerate the green transition and will go down the bio-fuels way. “We’ve seen a news report that 38 per cent of additional sugar is going for ethanol production. We can see enthusiasm all around,” he added.

“There’s no country which has more potential for electric vehicles than India. Japanese and German manufacturers are bringing new electric vehicles, and there’s green hydrogen potential, CNG. India will go to be the laboratory case where we’ll find all these technologies,” Puri said.

Earlier, in November 2022 also, Puri reiterated that India is under no moral conflict to stop buying oil from Russia.

Responding to a question by CNN’s Becky Anderson who questioned Puri on whether India had “qualms” over purchasing so much from Russia, the minister said: “Absolutely none, there is no moral conflict, if somebody wants to take an ideological position…We don’t buy from X or Y, we buy whatever is available. I don’t do the buying, it’s the oil companies who do the buying.”

Puri defended India’s purchases stating that India only bought 0.2 per cent, not 2 per cent of Russian oil and it buys a quarter of what Europe buys in one afternoon.

Asked whether India is benefitting from discounted rates of Russia, Puri said, “Let me first try and correct your perspective, we ended the financial year 2022, the purchases of Russian oil were not 2 per cent, it was 0.2 per cent. Moreover, we still buy a quarter of what Europe buys in one afternoon. So, let’s be very clear about what the perspective is.”

Asked about India’s backup plan if the West decides to tighten the oil ban from Russia, Puri said “We have many backup plans, I don’t look at the way you are looking at it. We have healthy discussions going on with the US and Europe. We don’t feel any pressure, Modi’s government doesn’t feel the pressure. We are the fifth largest economy in the world, and we are the one country, which is making the transition. When you have an increase in the oil prices, they have consequences – one of them is – there will be inflation and recession, another is we will make the transition in green energy.” The union minister also cleared the air about Russia being the largest supplier of oil to India. (ANI)

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Green Energy Sources No Less Than Gold Mine For Private Players: Modi

Green Energy Sources No Less Than Gold Mine For Private Players: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the first post-Budget webinar, particularly focused on Green Growth.

It is the first of a series of 12 post-budget webinars being organized by the government to seek ideas and suggestions for effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the recent Union Budget.
Speaking about Green growth, which was one of the seven top priorities of the Union Budget 2023-24, Prime Minister Modi said India’s solar, wind and biogas potential is no less than a “gold mine or an oilfield” for India’s private sector.

These renewable sources have huge potential to generate a huge number of green jobs.

The Union Budget has envisaged a number of projects and initiatives spread across various sectors and ministries — Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Transition, Energy Storage Projects, Renewable Energy Evacuation, Green Credit Program, PM-PRANAM, GOBARdhan Scheme, Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar, Coastal Shipping and Vehicle Replacement.

“India’s vehicle scrapping policy is a key part of India’s green growth strategy. We are going to scrap over three lakh vehicles. This budget is an opportunity for the security of India’s future. We need to work collectively and swiftly to implement budget policies,” Modi said.

The Union Budget for 2023-24 will be key in helping India to become a lead player in the global green energy market, Modi added.

“The provisions made in this year’s budget regarding Green Growth are in a way the foundation stone for the bright future of our next generations,” he added.

Meanwhile, India started phased rollout of E20 fuel. A blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent fossil-based fuel is E20 fuel.

India has increased the ethanol blending in petrol from 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 10.17 per cent in 2022 and also advanced its target to achieve 20 per cent from earlier 2030 to now 2025-26.

The green push will gradually lead to the decarbonization of industrial, transport, and energy sectors, a reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels, among others. India meets a sizable portion of its energy needs through imports, and diversifying indigenous sources is seen as an avenue to reduce the dependence on imported fuel.

At the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to an ambitious five-part “Panchamrit” pledge, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, to generate half of all energy requirements from renewables, to reduce emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030.

India also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070.

Notably, India banned several single-use plastics starting July 2022. Single-use plastics are typically items that are discarded after being used only once and do not go through the recycling process. (ANI)

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India Buying Russian Oil Is None Of Our Business: German Ambassador

India Buying Russian Oil Is None Of Our Business: German Ambassador

By LokMarg

India buying oil from Russia is “none of our business” German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann said on Wednesday and noted that the decision on purchase is that of the Indian government.

The German Ambassador also said that India is a very appropriate candidate at some stage to come up with a solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict but the stage is not now.
“India buying oil from Russia is none of our business basically. That’s something which the Indian Government decides and as you get it at a very low price, I cannot blame any government who buys it,” Ackermann said in response to queries at a press conference about the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to India on February 25 and 26.

“But we would like to see some Indian engagement at some stage. India is very appropriate candidate at some stage may be to come up with some solution. But, I don’t think this is the time now. I say this with all due caution because we have listened to what Putin said yesterday. When you want to find a solution to the conflict, you need two parties to be prepared to find this solution,” he added.

He referred to President Putin’s remarks at Russia’s Federal assembly.

“What we heard yesterday, Putin said…he didn’t mention the word – negotiation or peace, one single time. India has very, very skilled diplomacy, very good diplomacy, if they want to step up they will have to find a good moment to step up. What I can say is the moment is not now,” the German envoy added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that Moscow wanted to solve the conflict in Ukraine but the Western countries had prepared a “different scenario” behind its back, Reuters reported.

“We were doing everything possible to solve this problem peacefully, negotiating a peaceful way out of this difficult conflict, but behind our backs, a very different scenario was being prepared,” Putin said while addressing the federal assembly.

Speaking about Germany’s efforts to find a solution to the war, he said German Chancellor is every now and then on the telephone with Putin.

“There’s uninterrupted communication between the Kremlin and some European capitals. We have to be honest, this communication has delivered nothing, but we believe the Ukraine crisis must be resolved diplomatically,” he said.

Ackermann said Germany “will continue to help Ukraine to defend its territory”.

“The Russian side is surprised by the unity and strategic patience of the West. It is important to sustain the international order. Our position on Crimea is clear too. It is an integral part of Ukraine,” he said.

Talking about Scholz’s India visit, he said the German leader will also visit Bengaluru besides Delhi.

“German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will arrive in India on Saturday on a bilateral visit. This is his first visit in his current tenure to India. He will visit New Delhi and Bengaluru.”

The envoy said while the Ukraine crisis will figure in the German leader’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there will be a focus on strengthening business ties.

“India is growing” and there are many “business opportunities”, he said and noted that there are around 30 CEOs in the German delegation.

“We see Russia and Ukraine very high on agenda during the meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and PM Modi. Recently, we have seen US President Biden in Ukraine. The Indo-Pacific will be on their meeting agenda too,” Ackermann said.

He also talked about the potential of the Free Trade Agreement in boosting trade ties.

“A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India will increase our business here in a substantive way. German businesses are very interested in getting an FTA done between Germany and India,” he said. (ANI)

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