Narendra Modi Archives - Page 5 of 19 - Lokmarg

Moon Mission, G20, Cricket WC…Great Year For India: Sunak

By LokMarg 8th September 2023

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday said 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for India, with the Moon mission, G20 and the cricket World Cup.

“In India, just this year, the moon mission, what an extraordinary success, this G20, which is going to be a huge success and, of course, the Cricket World Cup to come as well. So this is shaping up to be a great year for India,” the British Prime Minister said.

Sunak added that this demonstrates India’s place on the global stage and its importance to geopolitics. “I know everyone here will be incredibly proud of the year that India is having,” he said.

Meanwhile, on his arrival in India on Friday, the UK PM met students and staff at the British Council in Delhi.

Sunak said India’s youth represent its future and India’s trajectory over the coming years and decades inspires confidence.

“The schoolchildren I spent time with today, with Akshata, are so bright, so confident. They are going to ensure that India has an incredibly important role to play in world affairs for years to come. Because their energy, their confidence, their intelligence is fantastic. And it’s an inspiration to see,” the British PM said.

Taking to his official handle on X, Sunak posted, “Before meeting the world leaders of today I’ve been meeting with the world leaders of tomorrow. It’s been fantastic to visit students and staff here at @inBritish- a reflection of the living bridge that exists between the UK and India.”

He further called the little ones “a living bridge between the UK and India”.

Rishi Sunak arrived for his maiden India visit on Friday to attend the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. He was received by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ashwini Choubey.

On his arrival at the national capital, the British PM said the G20 has been a huge success for India and it is the “right country at the right time to be hosting this”.

The UK PM said that he will make sure that the G20, under India’s presidency, achieves success.

“G20 has been a huge success for India. India is the right country at the right time to be hosting this.I feel we are going to have a very good couple of days of deliberations and decisions made,” the British Prime Minister said, adding that the coming two days will witness hectic deliberations.

Referring to the theme of the 18th G20 Summit, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, UK PM said, “I think it’s a great theme. I am an example of the incredible living bridge that Prime Minister Modi described between UK and India.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Sunak on Friday, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, sources said. (ANI)

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Glad To See You In Delhi: Modi Welcomes EU Prez Leyen

By LokMarg 8th September 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended a welcome to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on her arrival at the national capital for the G20 Summit.

The EU president will be among the sizeable complement of world leaders and delegates attending the big-ticket summit, which will get underway at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on Saturday.

Responding to a post by the EU President on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “Glad to see you in Delhi for the G20 Summit, @vonderleyen. Grateful for the @EU_commission’s support and commitment. Collectively, we shall address the pressing challenges we face. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations and collaborative actions.”

The EU chief touched down in the national capital on Thursday evening and was received by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Anupriya Patel.

India and the EU have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar world. Both India and the EU agreed to further build on these convergences and foster new synergies for jointly contributing to a safer, greener, cleaner, more digital, resilient and stable world, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner (after the US) and India’s second-largest export market. India is the EU’s 10th largest trading partner, accounting for 2 per cent of EU total trade in goods. Trade in services between the EU and India reached 40 billion euros in 2021.

For the summit, which is being hosted under India’s presidency of the G20, extensive preparations and arrangements have been made not only to showcase the country’s soft power but also its emergence as a prominent global player.

Formed in 1999, the G20 was formed to maintain global financial stability by incorporating middle-income countries.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country. The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. (ANI)

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Culture Corridor To Digital India: Bharat Mandapam’s Experience Zones For G20 Guests

By LokMarg 8th September 2023

The national capital has started welcoming foreign delegates and leaders from all across the world for the G20 Summit. As a host nation, the Centre has taken special care of the arrangements and experiences of foreign dignitaries while they are in India.

For a unique experience for guests arriving at Bharat Mandapam, various exhibitions are being set up. These exhibits would showcase India’s technological prowess and innovation and offer a multitude of unique experiences for foreign guests. The Global Summit will be held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan on September 9 and 10.

Speaking of Indian tradition and culture, as part of the arrangement, a “Culture Corridor” has also been set up at the venue for the G20 guests, which will showcase a unique international project called ‘Culture Corridor: G20 Digital Museum’. The culture corridor will represent and celebrate the shared heritage of G20 members and invitee countries. It will incorporate iconic and notable cultural objects and the heritage of the G20 members and nine invitee countries.

This Culture Corridor will serve as a powerful platform for promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions, knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and equality, and fostering a sense of shared identity.

Digital India Experience Zone

The Digital India Experience Zone, being set up in Halls 4 and 14, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the power of technology being implemented by India firsthand. The Zone will provide key insights into the crucial initiatives of Digital India. Initiatives being showcased include Aadhaar, DigiLocker, UPI, eSanjeevani, DIKSHA, Bhashini, ONDC, and Ask GITA.

Ask GITA—Guidance, Inspiration, Transformation, and Action—combines the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with cutting-edge AI technology. The Zone will also include MyGov, CoWIN, UMANG, JanDhan, e-NAM, GSTN, FastTag, and other such initiatives of the government.

RBI’s Innovation Pavilion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will display cutting-edge financial technologies at the G20 Summit, showcasing their potential to revolutionise the financial landscape. It will include products demonstrating unique facets of India’s innovation in the financial sector. These include Central Bank Digital Currency; the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit, which uses technology to provide loans in a digitised, paperless manner; and unique payment system products such as UPI One World, Rupay on the Go, and cross-border bill payment through Bharat Bill Payments.

Payment system experience centre

UPI One World is UPI designed for inbound foreign travellers who do not have bank accounts in India. Foreign nationals can open a prepaid payment instrument linked to UPI to experience hassle-free and secure payments during their stay in India.

Delegates will be onboarded on UPI One World. Their wallets will be prefunded with Rs. 2000, which they can utilise as they desire.

Crafts Bazaar

A ‘Crafts Bazaar’ is being set up in Hall No. 3 at Bharat Mandapam. It will showcase handicraft products from different parts of India, with a special focus on One District, One Product and GI-tagged items. It will offer delegates the unique opportunity to purchase locally sourced products.

Around 30 states and UTs, as well as central agencies like Khadi Village and Industries Commission, TRIFED, etc., will be participating in the Crafts Bazaar. To showcase the skills and exquisite workmanship of artisans, special live demonstrations by master craftsmen have also been planned.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is being hosted by India. Extensive preparations have been underway to portray India’s tradition and strength.

The countries taking part in the G20 Summit include Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, the AU (represented by Comros), and South Africa. Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Japan Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Egypt, Australia, the United States, Canada, China, Russia, the U.A.E., Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey Spain, Germany, France, Mexico, the European Union, and Singapore. (ANI)

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‘One Earth One Family One Future’ A Perfect Theme For G20: Mauritius PM

By LokMarg 7th September 2023

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth hailed India’s G20 Presidency and said that there couldn’t have been a better them for the summit than ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’, which translates to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

He also thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting Mauritius as a Guest Country at the G20 Summit and affirmed contributing at the summit.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Jugnauth said, “I must thank the government of India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for having invited Mauritius as a Guest Country to attend this G20 Summit. Mauritius is very honoured and privileged to be participating. We have contributed throughout the year and we are going to contribute to this Summit. This is being held at a very critical juncture because we have been facing the COVID-19 pandemic. We were at a situation when the whole world was at its knees. On top of that, it is being compounded now with this conflict in Ukraine. We also see the effects of climate change”.

“So, it is important for a summit like this one all the countries to sit down and see how we can bounce back. I think there is a need for us to be resilient, there is a need to review our policies in view of the lessons that we can draw from those events,” he added.

He further said that amid the ongoing conflicts in Africa and Ukraine, and issues like climate change, the issues being put up by India under its presidency are very pertinent.

“I think there could not have been a better theme that has been chosen by India – One Earth, One Family and One Future – which is drawn from the Sanskrit phase of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. I think this is pertinent more so when we look at the effect of climate change because what one country does, not only affects that country but also the whole world. That is why, we have to reflect collectively and we have to act collectively,” the Prime Minister said.

He added, “Each one of us has a duty to save the planet and save the whole population. I am happy to see that India has taken this very inclusive approach and to try to get everybody on board. There have been a number of meetings before the summit, and there have been a lot of proposals and ideas that have been edited. I am very confident that we are going to make progress”.

Earlier in the day, Mauritius PM Jugnauth arrived at the New Delhi Airport on Thursday for the G20 Summit, which will be held here in the national capital from September 9-10. He was received at the Airport by Shripad Naik Union Minister of State for Ports, and Shipping. (ANI)

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Modi Announces Opening Of Indian Embassy In Timor-Leste

By LokMarg 7th September 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the opening of India’s embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste while addressing the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta

“Act East in action – Delhi to Dili! At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, PM @narendramodi announces decision to open our Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste,” posted Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi on X after PM Modi’s announcement.

Dili is the capital city of Timor-Leste, or East Timor, on the country’s north coast. The city holds importance as it recalls the nation’s struggles for independence from Portugal as well as Indonesia.

India was one of the early countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor Leste and was represented at its Independence Day celebrations in May 2002 by a high level delegation led by the then Minister of State for External Affairs. An MOU formally establishing diplomatic relations was signed on 24 January 2003.

India’s decision to open an embassy in Dilli its commitment to the Act East policy.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East policy and it has an important place in India’s Indo-Pacific initiative. He also termed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

“Our history and geography unite India and ASEAN. Along with it, our shared values, regional integration, and our shared belief in peace, prosperity and a multipolar world also unite us. ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India supports ASEAN’s outlook on ASEAN-India centrality and Indo-Pacific,” PM Modi said in his address in Hindi.

In his departure statement, before leaving for Jakarta on Wednesday, PM Modi noted that engagement with the ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East Policy’, and said he is looking forward to exchanging views with leaders of the grouping on the “future contours” of partnership which has now entered its fourth decade.

“My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi, who is in Jakarta, will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10. (ANI)

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Spl Parl Session To Start In Old Building, Move On To New One

By LokMarg 6th September 2023

The special session of Parliament will start in the old building on September 18 and will be later moved to the new building on September 19 on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, sources said.

The Centre has called for a special session of Parliament for five days between September 18 and 22.

Meanwhile, 24 parties of the INDIA bloc have agreed to participate in the special session of the Parliament scheduled to begin on September 18. Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of these 24 parties, sources said.

This decision was taken at a meeting of INDIA bloc floor leaders.

The meeting of floor leaders of the INDIA bloc parties was held at the residence of Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Monday evening.

Issues that will be raised by the opposition parties in the Special Session of the Parliament were also finalised in the meeting. These issues will be given in writing to the government through the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said sources.

Earlier last week, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi informed about the five-day special session of Parliament from September 18-22.

The agenda for the special session, has however not been revealed yet.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which concluded last month, was held in the old Parliament building. The announcement of the special session came as a surprise in political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. (ANI)

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M’rashtra Govt Is Shameless: Uddhav On Jalna Incident

By LokMarg 4th September 2023

Shiva Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday took a dig at the Maharashtra government over the police lathi-charge on protesters in Jalna who were demanding reservation for the Marathas and called the government “shameless”.

“I had gone to Jalna to meet protesters…This state government is ‘shameless’…They have brutally beaten everyone including women…Now they are not taking responsibility and playing the blame game. This government is sending the message that if anyone protests for justice we will break their head,” Uddhav said.

Earlier on September 2, Uddhav Thackeray visited the Jalna and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give reservations to Marathas during the special session of Parliament called on September 18.

He also condemned the prevailing tension in Maharashtra’s Jalna over the police lathi charge on protesters demanding reservation for the Maratha community.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apologized on behalf of the Government.

“Lathicharge by police was not right… I am apologising on behalf of the Government. CM has said that the action will be taken against those who are responsible for it,” Fadnavis said at a Maratha reservation meeting chaired by CM.

A meeting was called with Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil for discussion on the matter, the Deputy Chief Minister’s office informed.

The meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation took place at 12 pm. The CM and both the Deputy CMs were present at the meeting.

Manoj Jarange Patil has undertaken umpteen agitations seeking reservations for the Maratha community.

Earlier on Friday, a clash had broken out between police and protesters in Jalna demanding reservation for the Marathas. Police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the protesters. (ANI)

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Discuss China In Special Session: Raut Takes Dig At Modi

By LokMarg 3rd September 2023

Shiv Sena (UBT-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader on Sunday took a potshot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged Chinese intrusion in Ladakh.

Raut said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should discuss China in the special session of the parliament without any fear.

Taking to ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), Raut said, “It has been learned that PM Modi has called for a special session of the parliament in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ to discuss China’s occupation of India’s land and the publication of the map of the newly occupied part”.

“Discuss China in the special session without any fear. We will support the government in this discussion”, Raut added.

Earlier, Congress MP Raul Gandhi, during his visit to Ladakh hit out at the Centre saying that its claim that not an inch of Indian land was taken by China’s People Liberation Army (PLA) troops “is not true”.

The Congress MP claimed the locals, too, contend that Indian territory was intruded upon and taken by the Chinese troops, adding that it was a matter of concern.

“The locals here are concerned about China taking our land. They have said that the Chinese troops took away their grazing land. However, the PM says not an inch of land was taken away. This is not true, you can ask anyone here,” Rahul had said.

Responding to Rahul’s remark, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, earlier, took a jibe at the former stating that nobody takes his statements seriously.

“I think Rahul Gandhi should delve into the history of land losses during his grandfather’s, grandmother’s, and father’s tenures. And all the land that was lost was during that time. No one takes Rahul Gandhi’s statements seriously,” Shekhawat had said.

Meanwhile, the Modi government called for a special session between September 18 to 20.

The monsoon session of parliament, which concluded last month, was held in the old Parliament building.

The announcement of the Special Session came as a surprise in political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year.

The winter session of Parliament usually begins in the last week of November. (ANI)

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Modi Lauds Indian Men’s Hockey Team For Winning Hockey5s Asia Cup

By LokMarg 3rd September 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Men’s Hockey team for their successful campaign in the Hockey5s Asia Cup.

The Indian men’s hockey team was crowned champions at the inaugural Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup on Saturday, defeating Pakistan in a penalty shootout in the final. The teams were locked at 4 goals apiece at the final hooter before India prevailed 2-0 in the penalties.

The event serves as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the FIH Men’s Hockey 5s World Cup in Oman next year.

PM Modi lauded the “unwavering dedication” of the Indian players and congratulated them on securing a place in the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman next year.

“Champions at the Hockey5s Asia Cup! Congratulations to the Indian Men’s Hockey Team on a phenomenal victory. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our players and with this win, we have also secured our spot at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman next year. The grit and determination of our players continue to inspire our nation,” PM Modi wrote in his tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter.

India made a spirited start in the final, pushing deep into Pakistan’s half straightaway. But Pakistan held off the Indian charge and started threatening from the left flank. Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stepped up to make important saves, but Pakistan broke the resistance with Abdul Rehman (5′) getting the opening goal of the match.

But Pakistan could not keep the Indian attackers quiet for too long, and Jugraj Singh (7′) provided the much-needed equalizer for India. Three minutes later, India took lead in the match as Maninder Singh (10′) scored with a reverse hit from a distance. Pakistan Captain Abdul Rana (13′), and Zikriya Hayat (14′) scored two back-to-back late goals and the match went into halftime with Pakistan leading 3-2.

Trailing by a goal, India needed to deliver an urgent response in the second half, and the Mandeep Mor-led side started maintaining possession and pressing deeper in the opposition’s half. But Pakistan made the most of a Challenge as Arshad Liaqat (19′) struck the ball into the back of the net.

Mohammed Raheel (19′) gave a response straightaway to pull a goal back for India. India started attacking from all corners, leading to Pakistan making a couple of crucial defensive errors. After receiving a long pass, Mohammed Raheel (26′) dribbled past Pakistan’s defence and struck the ball into the nets to level the scoreline. Both teams started searching for the winner as the clock started racing towards full-time.

The match went to the Shoot-Out after both teams remained locked in a stalemate at 4-4 at the end of the regulation time. Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh scored for India, while Arshad Liaqat and Muhammad Murtaza missed their shots for Pakistan, and India won the match 4-4 (2-0 SO) to claim the trophy. (ANI)

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Biden To Commend Modi For G20 Leadership On Delhi Visit

By LokMarg 2nd September 2023

US President Joe Biden will travel to India on Thursday for the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi from September 9-10.

During his visit, he will commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, the White House announced in a statement.

“While in New Delhi, the President will also commend Prime Minister Modi’s leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026,” read the statement.

During his visit to India, Biden will participate in the G20 Summit, where he and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks.

“On Saturday and Sunday, the President will participate in the G20 summit, where the President and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of Putin’s war in Ukraine, and increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges,” White House said in a statement.

On August 29, White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre said that US President Joe Biden will “reaffirm US commitment to the G20” as the premier forum of economic cooperation globally and will also speak about a range of issues, including the social effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the White House said on Tuesday. Karine Jean Pierre made the remarks during a media briefing.

Announcing the US President’s schedule, Pierre said that Biden “will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, on September 10 following his participation in the G20 Summit in New Delhi.”

Responding to a question on topline goals President Biden hopes to accomplish at G20, the White House press secretary said, “President Biden will reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation globally.”

She also said that Biden will “discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, from the clean energy transition and combating climate change to mitigating the economic and social impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine, to increasing the capacity of the multilateral development banks to better fight poverty and take on the significant transnational challenges that are afflicting countries across the world.”

India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year. The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi scheduled to be held on September 9-10 will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year.

A G20 Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the G20 Summit, stating Leaders’ commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.

The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and the United States and the European Union. The G20 members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. (ANI)

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