The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • ‘Lord Ram Is A Symbol Of Good Governance’: PM Modi In Andhra Pradesh |

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Andhra Pradesh, said on Tuesday that the entire nation is filled with the spirit of Lord Ram ahead of the Ram Temple inauguration in the holy city of Ayodhya. “These days, the entire country is filled with the spirit of Ram. The life of Lord Rama, his inspiration, and the realm of faith and devotion associated with him go beyond words. The symbols of governance and discipline embodied by Lord Rama can serve as significant inspiration not only for individuals but also for institutions,” PM Modi said in Andhra Pradesh.

     

    #WATCH | PM Modi says, “Nowadays the whole country is filled with ‘Rammay’…Lord Ram is a symbol of governance and good governance in social life, which can become a great inspiration for your organization also” pic.twitter.com/RzDdkEHyf1
    — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2024

     

    Transforming Taxation In Lord Ram’s Style

    Reflecting on Ram Rajya’s principles, PM Modi highlighted how tax systems should emulate nature –  like rain returning to the earth. He emphasized the reforms in India’s tax system over the last decade, ensuring ease and benefit for taxpayers. ” In the past 10 years, we made several reforms to the tax system, the tax system which existed earlier was not easily understandable to the common people. Due to a lack of guidance, honest taxpayers and businessmen were affected. In the form of GST, we introduced a modern tax system. Govt made the Income Tax system also easy. We started a faceless tax assessment system in the country. Because of all these reforms, record tax collection happening in the country now,” PM Modi said.

    Record Tax Collections

    Due to these reforms, the country has witnessed record tax collections. The income tax exemption limit was raised from 2 lakhs to 7 lakhs, resulting in savings of over 2.5 lakh crore for citizens.

    Acknowledging Taxpayer’s Contribution, People-Driven Progress

    PM Modi acknowledged the diligent taxpayers, emphasizing that their contributions are dedicated to the nation’s welfare. This, he stated, echoes the essence of Ram Rajya – a governance founded on good principles. The increasing number of consistent taxpayers indicates a responsible and growing society. The funds collected are being utilized for the overall welfare of the citizens.

    ” Fight against corruption and action against corruptors were our government’s priority…you all must have got information on the Niti Aayog report that was released yesterday. When a govt is sensitive about poor people and when a govt works with a clear motive to eliminate the sufferings of the poor, there will be results. Niti Aayog has said that, in our 9 years govt, around 25 crore people have escaped poverty. In the country where for years there were slogans of ‘Garibi Hatao’, 25 crore people escaped poverty in 9 years, it is historic,” the PM said in a blistering attack on Congress.

    Strengthening Infrastructure In Andhra Pradesh

    Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) campus in Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of customs, taxes, and narcotics education.

    PM Modi Visits Lepakshi Temple

    PM Modi, donning traditional attire, earlier visited the Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, just days before the grand Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya.

    Spiritual Significance

    The Veerabhadra temple holds paramount significance in the Ramayana, believed to be where Jatayu, wounded by Ravana, fell after battling for Goddess Sita.

    Roadshow In Kochi

    The Prime Minister is slated to hold a roadshow in Kochi, Kerala, where he is scheduled to perform pooja and darshan at Guruvayur Temple and Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple on January 17.

    Kochi Infrastructure Projects

    PM Modi will also inaugurate major infrastructure projects in Kochi, including the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited, the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen.

    New Dry Dock: An Engineering Marvel

    The New Dry Dock, a flagship project costing around Rs 1,800 crore, showcases India’s engineering prowess, becoming a vital marine infrastructure in the region. Prime Minister Modi’s insightful words during his visit to Andhra Pradesh highlight the enduring influence of Lord Rama’s principles on the nation. His emphasis on incorporating these ideals in both personal and institutional realms reflects a commitment to fostering a society rooted in governance, discipline, and inspiration.

  • India, Maldives Agree To ‘Fast-Track Withdrawal Of Indian Troops’: Maldives Foreign Ministry | India News

    MALE: In a major diplomatic development, India and the Maldives have reached a consensus to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation. The decision emerged from the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the two countries, held in Male’ on Sunday.

    BILATERAL COOPERATION REVIEW AND DISCUSSIONS

    At the meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, both sides meticulously reviewed their existing bilateral cooperation. The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of mutual interests, with a particular focus on development cooperation, as detailed in the press release by the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    WILLINGNESS TO INTENSIFY COOPERATION

    Expressing a shared commitment to intensify cooperation, both nations agreed on the swift withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The official statement emphasized this joint decision, and plans were set for the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group at a time convenient for both parties.

    AVIATION PLATFORMS AND ONGOING PROJECTS

    Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that discussions also revolved around finding a mutually workable solution to sustain the operation of Indian aviation platforms, crucial for providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives. The talks further extended to enhancing bilateral cooperation and expediting the implementation of ongoing projects.

    MALDIVES PRESIDENT’S MARCH 15 DEADLINE FOR TROOPS WITHDRAWAL

    Local media in the Maldives reported that President Mohamed Muizzu urged the Indian government to withdraw its troops from the island nation before March 15. Notably, this move aligns with Muizzu’s party’s campaign promise, making the removal of Indian troops a focal point.

    FOLLOWING THROUGH ON CAMPAIGN PROMISE

    Muizzu, soon after assuming office, officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Last December, he claimed that, after a constructive dialogue with the Indian government, an agreement had been reached to withdraw Indian military personnel, marking a significant development in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

  • What Milind Deora Said About Congress From Shiv Sena’s Dias |

    Milind Deora, senior Congress leader, today severed his and his family’s five-decade-old ties with the party and joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. After joining Sena, Deora said that the Congress party today opposes everything said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also said that the grand old party has lost the path of constructive politics.

    Milind Deora also said that a strong government is needed at the Centre and States in India. “It is a matter of pride for all of us that under the leadership of PM Modi, India is stronger today…I would like to add that in the last 10 years not one terror attack has happened in Mumbai. This is a major achievement for Mumbaikars,” said Deora.

    He further said, “The same party that used to offer constructive suggestions to this country, on how to take the country forward, has now just one goal – speak against whatever PM Modi says and does. Tomorrow, if he says that Congress is a very good party, they will oppose it. I believe in the politics of GAIN – Growth, Aspiration, Inclusivity and Nationalism. I don’t believe in the politics of PAIN – Personal Attacks, Injustice and Negativity.”

    #WATCH | After joining Shiv Sena, Milind Deora says, “I have been receiving a lot of phone calls since morning that why did I sever 55-year-old ties of my family with Congress party…I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. Unfortunately, today’s Congress is… pic.twitter.com/PVU6SdibOv
    — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2024

    Deora further said that the same party that once ushered in economic reforms is today abusing industrialists, and businessmen and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’.

    Deora said that he has received many calls over his decision. “I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. Unfortunately, today’s Congress is very different from the Congress of 1968 as well as that of 2004. Had Congress and UBT given importance to constructive & positive suggestions and merit & capability, Eknath Shinde and I wouldn’t have been here. Eknath Shinde had to make a major decision, I had to make a major decision,” he said.

    Deora reportedly quit Congress after the grand old party agreed to leave the Mumbai South seat for Sena-UBT. Sena-UBT won the seat in 2019 when it was in alliance with the BJP. Now, it’s likely that Deora may contest the seat on the Shinde-Sena ticket.

  • BJP Leaders Join Swachhata Abhiyan At Temples Ahead Of Ayodhya Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

    BJP National President JP Nadda launched a week-long Swachhata Drive on Sunday at Guru Ravidas Mandir in Delhi to mark the occasion of “Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lala

  • ‘We May Be Small But No One Has License To Bully Us’: Maldives President Amid Row With India | India News

    MALE: Returning from his high-profile five-day state visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu took an apparent dig at India, emphasizing that the size of his nation doesn’t grant others the authority to bully them. Muizzu’s statement follows a diplomatic dispute with India over derogatory social media posts by three Maldivian ministers targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Oceanic Sovereignty

    President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, asserted Maldives’ significance, highlighting its extensive exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km. He declared, “This ocean does not belong to a specific country. This (Indian) Ocean also belongs to all countries situated in it,” in a veiled reference to India.

    ‘We Aren’t In Anyone’s Backyard’

    Addressing the media on his return, Muizzu emphasized, “We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state,” reaffirming Maldives’ autonomy amid regional tensions.

    Strategic Agreements With China

    During his visit to China, Muizzu engaged in discussions with President Xi Jinping, culminating in the signing of 20 agreements. The joint statement highlighted mutual support in safeguarding core interests, emphasizing China’s backing for Maldives’ sovereignty and opposition to external interference.

    China’s Financial Assistance To Male

    China has extended substantial support to Maldives, granting USD 130 million in assistance. Muizzu revealed that the funds would primarily be allocated to the redevelopment of roads in the capital, Male. This support follows the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

    China’s Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Lixin, outlined three key factors contributing to the robust ties between the two nations: mutual political trust, alignment with President Xi’s initiatives, and adherence to the principles of extensive consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits.

    Diplomatic Challenges With India

    Muizzu’s visit to China was overshadowed by a diplomatic row with India, stemming from derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi. Additionally, a report by the EU Election Observation Mission accused the ruling coalition of deploying anti-India sentiments and spreading disinformation in the 2023 presidential elections.

    Despite the diplomatic tensions, China and Maldives signed a USD 50 million agreement for an integrated tourism zone in Hulhumale’ and the construction of 30,000 social housing units in Rasmale’. Further collaborations include the development of a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimale’, signaling an expanded and sustained cooperation between the two nations.

    Agreement On Flight Operations

    During the visit, an agreement was reached to permit Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, to conduct domestic flight operations in China. This move adds a new dimension to the growing partnership between the two countries.

    The significance of this collaboration becomes even more pronounced considering the historical context, with India’s substantial contributions to the development of Maldives, including the establishment and enhancement of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male.

  • Mauritius Grants Special Break To Officials for Ram Mandir Inauguration Celebrations |

    New Delhi: In a significant move the Mauritius  government has approved a request by Hindu socio-cultural organizations to grant a two-hour break for officials on January 22, 2024. This decision allows devotees across the country to actively participate in prayers organized to mark the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in India. A Govt statement said, “Cabinet has agreed to the grant of a one-off special leave of two hours on Monday 22 January 2024 as from 1400 hours to public officers of Hindu faith, subject to exigencies of service, in the context of the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India, which is a landmark event as it symbolises the return of Lord Ram in Ayodhya”

    The Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, convened on Friday to consider the appeal from Hindu socio-cultural groups. Responding favorably, the government recognized the cultural significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration and acknowledged the importance of facilitating the participation of devotees in the celebrations.

    The Mauritius Sanatan dharma temples federation had written to PM Pravind Jugnauth to allot 2 hours off to the while working class people to follow the live telecast of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya and to perform the rituals.

    Hinduism holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Mauritius, with Hindus constituting approximately 48.5% of the population, according to 2011 statistics. Remarkably, Mauritius stands out as the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the most practiced religion. In terms of percentage, the nation ranks third globally in the prevalence of Hinduism, following Nepal and India.

    The roots of Hinduism in Mauritius trace back to the colonial era when Indians were brought as indentured labor to both French and British plantations. The migration wave, primarily from Indian states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, contributed to the establishment and growth of Hindu communities in Mauritius and neighboring islands of the Indian Ocean.

    As the Ram Mandir, a symbol of cultural and religious significance, is inaugurated in India, the decision to grant a special break aligns with the government’s commitment to respecting and promoting the diverse religious practices within the nation. The special break enables devotees to actively engage in prayers and celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and communal harmony.

  • Maldives Opposition Leader Stresses On ‘Tougher Stand To Repair’ Ties With India | world news

    Amid the setback for the Maldives’ tourism industry, not only the tourism bodies of the island nation but even the opposition leaders are now mounting pressure on the Muizzu government to mend ties with India before it gets too late. Amid the diplomatic row after disparaging comments against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Male ministers, the Government of India not only raised the issue officially but lodged a strong protest by summoning the Maldives ambassador to India.

    Amid the ongoing row, opposition leader and the Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, has called for a “tougher stand” by the Muizzu government. He said that the racist comments against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were just isolated individual opinions of these people. He also underlined how the entire matter has reached a lot of Indians as well as Maldivians, due to easy accessibility of social media.

    “I personally believe the government should take a tougher stand on that because this goes beyond government to government. Now, because of the easy accessibility of social media, this has reached to a lot of Indians and to a lot of Maldivians. And as arguments take over from both side, there has been a lot of insults coming back and forth. So the government needs to show that there was no intention on the part of the government. These were just isolated individual opinions of these people who, unfortunately, were given positions in the government. So that needs to be clearly shown to the Indians, to the Maldivians, and to the entire world at large,” he told ANI.

    On the other hand, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is on a China visit where he is likely to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and sign key agreements. During this visit, Muizzu has urged China to increase tourists to the island nation. China has also reacted sharply to the diplomatic row by accusing India of ‘Hegemonic Mentality’ and ‘Lack Of Confidence’. China has earlier said that it never asked Maldives to reject India.

    On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling. In a series of posts on your list.”

    In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi. Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, have since come out in open support in promoting local beach destinations and other tourist spots. They also voiced support for PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep.

  • Putting Aside Differences, Mamata Banerjee Invites PM Modi To Visit Ganga Sagar Mela |

    Kolkata: Keeping aside her political differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday extended a warm invitation to him to visit the Ganga Sagar Mela, an annual celebration during Makar Sankranti. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, she not only emphasized the event’s uniqueness but also appealed for its designation as a ‘National Fair.’

     

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing to him to declare Ganga Sagar Mela a National Fair. She also requests him to make a visit to Ganga Sagar. pic.twitter.com/hl3VktPYtb
    — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024

     

    Unique Significance Of Ganga Sagar Mela

    Mamata highlighted the Ganga Sagar Mela as one of the “largest spiritual human congregations” globally, second only to Kumbh Mela. She described the geographical splendour of the event, taking place at the confluence of the mighty Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal, unmatched in the world. The Sagar Island, where the Mela is held, sits adjacent to the Sundarbans area.

    Historical And Religious Roots

    The Chief Minister delved into the historical roots of the Mela, tracing it back to a time when the Indian Oceanic network connected Eastern Indian trade with ancient Greco-Roman commerce. She underscored the religious significance, stating that the Ganga Sagar Mela has deep mythological and astrological connections, referenced in ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsham.

    A Global Pilgrimage Destination

    Mamata emphasized that Ganga Sagar Mela is the only such event organized on an island not connected to the mainland. Despite this, it attracts pilgrims from across the world and various Indian states, with almost 1 crore pilgrims visiting last year and expectations of surpassing that number this year.

    State Initiatives And Financial Challenges

    The Chief Minister outlined the state government’s initiatives to ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, fully funded by the state exchequer. She mentioned the substantial expenditures incurred by the state government to organize an event of this magnitude, currently without any contribution from the central government.

    Mamata disclosed that she had previously requested the central government to declare Ganga Sagar Mela as a ‘National Fair,’ equivalent to the recognized Kumbh Mela. However, a decision on this matter is still pending. In 2021, she raised concerns about the disparate financial support from the Centre, citing its funding for Kumbh Mela but not for Ganga Sagar Mela.

    Ganga Sagar Mela 2024

    The Ganga Sagar Mela for the year 2024 is scheduled from January 8-16, promising a spiritual and cultural extravaganza. The Chief Minister’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi not only highlights the cultural richness of the event but also seeks to elevate its status to a national level.

  • Amid Boycott By Indians, Maldives President Muizzu Woos China For More Tourists | world news

    New Delhi: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday appealed to China to “intensify” efforts to send more tourists to his country, amid a spate of cancellation of reservations by Indian tourists after a diplomatic row erupted over the derogatory remarks by his ministers against Prime Minister. Narendra Modi. Muizzu, who is on a five-day state visit to China, termed China as the island nation’s “closest” ally and praised its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

    Muizzu said that China “delivered the most significant infrastructure projects witnessed in Maldivian history”. He also said that his administration is committed to the quick implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China, describing it as a symbol of the close commercial ties between the two countries.

    “China remains one of our closest allies and development partners,” Muizzu said in his address to the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province on Tuesday. He urged China to bolster the flow of its tourists to the Maldives, which is heavily dependent on tourism for its economy.

    “China was our number one market pre-Covid, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position,” he said, according to a readout posted on his official website.

    Muizzu Turns To China Amid Diplomatic Row With India

    Muizzu’s appeal for more Chinese tourists came amid a diplomatic row following the derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his recent visit to Lakshadweep. Muizzu’s government suspended three deputy ministers for their derogatory posts on social media, while the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemned the comments.

    According to data released by the Maldives Tourism Ministry earlier, India has remained the largest tourist market for the country in 2023, followed by Russia and China. However, the recent controversy has led to a backlash from Indian tourists, who have canceled or postponed their bookings to the Maldives.

    Meanwhile, China, which held the top spot before COVID, is currently struggling to revive its domestic and foreign tourism due to a nearly four-year lockdown policy and the continued slowdown of its economy. As a result, Chinese tourists who traveled abroad for holidays in millions before COVID are now restricting themselves given the economic slowdown.

    Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-China politician in the Maldives, told the Forum that his administration is focused on diversifying Maldives’ economic base and ensuring economic security while continuing to strengthen and drive the tourism industry and boost visitor numbers.

    He also said that his administration is committed to the quick implementation of the FTA signed with China, which aims to boost bilateral trade and investments, especially increasing Maldives’ export of fish products to China. Maldives and China signed the FTA in December 2014 during the pro-China President Abdulla Yameen administration.

    However, his successor, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration did not implement the agreement, according to Maldives media reports. China-Maldives bilateral trade in 2022 totaled to USD 451.29 million of which China’s exports constituted USD 451.29 million against USD 60,000 of exports from Maldives.

  • After India’s Concern, Maldives Government Warns Unruly Leaders Of Action For Irresponsible Comments | world news

    New Delhi: The Maldives government on Sunday issued a statement cautioning its unruly ministers against making ‘derogatory remarks’ about ‘foreign leaders and high-ranking officials’. The statement came amid backlash over a minister in the newly-elected Mohamed Muizzu government and other leaders using derogatory and racist slurs against Indians and PM Modi over his tourism push for Lakshadweep. The island country said that the comments made by some of its ministers ‘do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives’.

    “The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives,” the statement said. “The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners,” it added.

    Government of Maldives issues statement – “The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of… pic.twitter.com/ RQfKDb2wYF — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024

    The government statement said that it would take a tough stand against the comments, saying, “Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.” What is the whole controversy?

    A few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, social media posts from a minister and other leaders in the Maldives have stirred controversy. The visit by PM Modi to the country’s smallest Union Territory, comprising 36 islands, was seen as an initiative to promote tourism on the island.

    In these tweets, the ministers used abusive language against PM Modi, accused India of targeting the Maldives, and claimed that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.

    These tweets came in response to PM Modi’s posts on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared his experience of snorkeling in the Lakshadweep. The posts attracted widespread attention, leading social media users in India to suggest the island Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.