General Affairs
From "No One" To "Won", Says PM Modi As BJP Wrests Tripura
-
On a day the BJP stormed the Red bastion of Tripura putting an end to 25 years of Left rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his party's journey in the state from "no one" to "won". The BJP that failed to win a single seat in the last assembly elections has won 35 seats this time, enough to form the government on its own. Its ally IPFT has won eight seats.
"The setting sun is red in colour but when the sun rises it is saffron," PM Modi said, addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.
Hitting out at the Left government in Tripura where the BJP claims nine of its workers were killed in the past year, PM Modi said, "Using fear and falsehood as weapons, people with Maoist ideology and Left parties perpetrated atrocities. The people of Tripura have responded with their votes".
Calling the CPM's response to the Tripura results "stunning", PM Modi offered a piece of advice -- "Political parties not only need to digest victory but also accept defeat with sportsman spirit".
The CPM has alleged that the "BJP utilised massive deployment of money and other resources to influence the elections".
In his half-hour speech, the prime minister showered lavish praise on BJP chief Amit Shah for strengthening the party. "I have seen Amit bhai from his student days. It feels proud to see him notching up one success after another and taking the party forward."
Highlighting the importance of cadre and party organisation, PM Modi said, "In Tripura, we had no celebrities, no heroism. The BJP election team there was the youngest. We have to check the birth certificates of our candidates before they filed their nomination. They looked so young. The victory is an indicator of the work that the BJP and the centre has done".
PM Modi also took a dig at the Congress that could not win any seat in Tripura and Nagaland. "There are some parties in the country where people may rise up in rank but their stature goes down. The stature of the Congress was never so low as it is today," he said
"The setting sun is red in colour but when the sun rises it is saffron," PM Modi said, addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.
Hitting out at the Left government in Tripura where the BJP claims nine of its workers were killed in the past year, PM Modi said, "Using fear and falsehood as weapons, people with Maoist ideology and Left parties perpetrated atrocities. The people of Tripura have responded with their votes".
Calling the CPM's response to the Tripura results "stunning", PM Modi offered a piece of advice -- "Political parties not only need to digest victory but also accept defeat with sportsman spirit".
The CPM has alleged that the "BJP utilised massive deployment of money and other resources to influence the elections".
In his half-hour speech, the prime minister showered lavish praise on BJP chief Amit Shah for strengthening the party. "I have seen Amit bhai from his student days. It feels proud to see him notching up one success after another and taking the party forward."
Highlighting the importance of cadre and party organisation, PM Modi said, "In Tripura, we had no celebrities, no heroism. The BJP election team there was the youngest. We have to check the birth certificates of our candidates before they filed their nomination. They looked so young. The victory is an indicator of the work that the BJP and the centre has done".
PM Modi also took a dig at the Congress that could not win any seat in Tripura and Nagaland. "There are some parties in the country where people may rise up in rank but their stature goes down. The stature of the Congress was never so low as it is today," he said
BJP Smashes Red Fort In Tripura, Manik Sarkar's CPM Voted Out
-
Taking a giant leap in its Mission Northeast, the BJP today scored "poriborton" (change) in Tripura, ending the unchallenged 25-year rule of the Left and ejecting Manik Sarkar, reputed as India's poorest chief minister.
Describing the Tripura election as "epoch-making" in a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "The historic victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one. It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation."
The demolition of four-time Chief Minister Manik Sarkar's almost impenetrable fortress in Tripura is most alarming news for the opposition in the first of a series of polls this year.
For a long time after counting began in three states including Meghalaya and Nagaland, the Left and the BJP were locked in a neck-and-neck battle in 60-seat Tripura. As the BJP surged ahead, its Bihar leader Sushil Kumar Modi posted this update on social media: "CPM Tripura fort to crumble in next 1 hour."
The BJP and its alliance partner Indigenous People's Front of Tripura galloped ahead two hours after counting began. Soon, BJP workers wearing saffron caps and saffron holi colours were seen dancing and celebrating on the roads of Agartala.
Biplab Kumar Dev, 48, is emerging as the BJP's top pick for chief minister.
"It is a historic verdict. CPM gave a spirited fight but people have voted for poriborton, accepted our slogan of 'Chalo Paltai (let's change)," senior BJP leader Ram Madhav told reporters.
A CPM leader targeted Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "We have already complained. The Election Commission is answerable," said CPM leader Suneet Chopra.
The BJP campaigned aggressively in Tripura, with PM Modi also addressing four rallies in which he urged people to pick "HIRA (H for highway, I for Internet way, R for roadways and A for airways) instead of Manik", using a word play between hira (diamond) and manik (gem).
BJP leaders say their strategy for the state was to pit the Manik Sarkar government against "Modi sarkar".
Working meticulously through the Left bastion, the BJP sent 42,000 workers and assigned one each for every 60 voters. In the last six months, each of these leaders met voters every fortnight.
The BJP was undeterred by Manik Sarkar's squeaky clean image; data has recently showed the 69-year-old to be India's poorest chief minister with assets worth around Rs. 26 lakh to his name. "It doesn't matter that the Chief Minister is clean, that he has only 1,600 in his pocket that is wife takes an auto-rickshaw. He presided over a corrupt government for so many terms," said Sunil Deodhar, the BJP's Tripura in-charge.
Sunil Deodhar, significantly, also handled PM Modi's campaign in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in 2014. The prime minister won from both Varanasi and Gujarat's Vadodara.
"Because of master-strategist Amit Shah and the help of Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ram Madhav, we are coming to power," Mr Deodhar said.
Describing the Tripura election as "epoch-making" in a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "The historic victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one. It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation."
The demolition of four-time Chief Minister Manik Sarkar's almost impenetrable fortress in Tripura is most alarming news for the opposition in the first of a series of polls this year.
For a long time after counting began in three states including Meghalaya and Nagaland, the Left and the BJP were locked in a neck-and-neck battle in 60-seat Tripura. As the BJP surged ahead, its Bihar leader Sushil Kumar Modi posted this update on social media: "CPM Tripura fort to crumble in next 1 hour."
The BJP and its alliance partner Indigenous People's Front of Tripura galloped ahead two hours after counting began. Soon, BJP workers wearing saffron caps and saffron holi colours were seen dancing and celebrating on the roads of Agartala.
Biplab Kumar Dev, 48, is emerging as the BJP's top pick for chief minister.
"It is a historic verdict. CPM gave a spirited fight but people have voted for poriborton, accepted our slogan of 'Chalo Paltai (let's change)," senior BJP leader Ram Madhav told reporters.
A CPM leader targeted Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). "We have already complained. The Election Commission is answerable," said CPM leader Suneet Chopra.
The BJP campaigned aggressively in Tripura, with PM Modi also addressing four rallies in which he urged people to pick "HIRA (H for highway, I for Internet way, R for roadways and A for airways) instead of Manik", using a word play between hira (diamond) and manik (gem).
BJP leaders say their strategy for the state was to pit the Manik Sarkar government against "Modi sarkar".
Working meticulously through the Left bastion, the BJP sent 42,000 workers and assigned one each for every 60 voters. In the last six months, each of these leaders met voters every fortnight.
The BJP was undeterred by Manik Sarkar's squeaky clean image; data has recently showed the 69-year-old to be India's poorest chief minister with assets worth around Rs. 26 lakh to his name. "It doesn't matter that the Chief Minister is clean, that he has only 1,600 in his pocket that is wife takes an auto-rickshaw. He presided over a corrupt government for so many terms," said Sunil Deodhar, the BJP's Tripura in-charge.
Sunil Deodhar, significantly, also handled PM Modi's campaign in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in 2014. The prime minister won from both Varanasi and Gujarat's Vadodara.
"Because of master-strategist Amit Shah and the help of Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ram Madhav, we are coming to power," Mr Deodhar said.
Tripura Verdict "An Epoch-Making One", Says PM Narendra Modi
-
After the impressive performance of the BJP and its allies in Tripura and Nagaland assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said people are reposing faith in the development oriented agenda of the NDA while rejecting negative and disconnected politics.
He said his party's historic victory in Tripura is "as much an ideological one".
In a series of tweets, PM Modi said that "time and again, election after election, the people of India are reposing their faith in the positive and development oriented agenda of the NDA. People do not have the time or respect for negative, disruptive and disconnected politics of any kind".
"It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence have prevailed over fear. We will provide Tripura the good government that the state deserves," he said.
He thanked the people of Nagaland for supporting BJP and its allies.
"I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit," he said.
He said his party's historic victory in Tripura is "as much an ideological one".
In a series of tweets, PM Modi said that "time and again, election after election, the people of India are reposing their faith in the positive and development oriented agenda of the NDA. People do not have the time or respect for negative, disruptive and disconnected politics of any kind".
"It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence have prevailed over fear. We will provide Tripura the good government that the state deserves," he said.
He thanked the people of Nagaland for supporting BJP and its allies.
"I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit," he said.
India, Vietnam Discuss Defence And Trade In Bilateral Meet
-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang today discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas of defence and trade.
The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Vietnamese president.
Their discussions focused on steps to further strengthen country's comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Mr Quang was also given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"PM @narendramodi welcomes Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on his first State visit to India at the Hyderabad House ahead of the bilateral talks. India and Vietnam enjoy warm and cordial relationship with common roots in history. #ActEastPolicy," Mr Kumar tweeted.
 |
The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Vietnamese president.
Their discussions focused on steps to further strengthen country's comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Mr Quang was also given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"PM @narendramodi welcomes Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on his first State visit to India at the Hyderabad House ahead of the bilateral talks. India and Vietnam enjoy warm and cordial relationship with common roots in history. #ActEastPolicy," Mr Kumar tweeted.
Counting Interrupted In Manik Sarkar's Constituency, CPM Hits Out At BJP
-
Top CPI(M) leaders approached the Chief Election Commissioner today to protest the stopping of counting in at least three booths of the Dhanpur constituency in Tripura, previously held by Manik Sarkar. According to leads, Mr Sarkar is set to win the seat again, but counting was interrupted by BJP agents, said the CPI(M).
"The BJP's counting agents did not sign on the control unit," said Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the CPI(M). "If someone voluntarily doesn't do that, then intervention should happen," he added.
According to Mr Yechury, the signatures of presiding officers and control agents from all other parties were present on the slip.
In a statement, the CPI(M) also alleged that BJP workers were heckling Manik Sarkar, who was still present at the counting station till 6:30 in the evening.
The Left party demanded immediate action by the Election Commission to ensure that counting is resumed.
Senior BJP leaders Vijay Goel, Piyush Goyal, JP Nadda and Prakash Javedekar were also seen entering the Election Commission of India office in central Delhi, but they did not confirm the purpose of their visit.
The BJP expanded its Northeast footprint today with a spectacular win in Tripura, ending the two-decade run of the CPM's Manik Sarkar as chief minister. The BJP, along with its regional ally the IPFT, is set to win 42 of Tripura's 60 seats The party on its own is leading in 35 seats; it had won no seat in 2013. The Left is ahead in 18, losing 33 from last time. A party needs 31 seats to win a majority. State BJP chief Biplab Kumar Deb, 48, is widely expected to be the BJP's pick for chief minister in Tripura.
"The BJP's counting agents did not sign on the control unit," said Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the CPI(M). "If someone voluntarily doesn't do that, then intervention should happen," he added.
According to Mr Yechury, the signatures of presiding officers and control agents from all other parties were present on the slip.
In a statement, the CPI(M) also alleged that BJP workers were heckling Manik Sarkar, who was still present at the counting station till 6:30 in the evening.
The Left party demanded immediate action by the Election Commission to ensure that counting is resumed.
Senior BJP leaders Vijay Goel, Piyush Goyal, JP Nadda and Prakash Javedekar were also seen entering the Election Commission of India office in central Delhi, but they did not confirm the purpose of their visit.
The BJP expanded its Northeast footprint today with a spectacular win in Tripura, ending the two-decade run of the CPM's Manik Sarkar as chief minister. The BJP, along with its regional ally the IPFT, is set to win 42 of Tripura's 60 seats The party on its own is leading in 35 seats; it had won no seat in 2013. The Left is ahead in 18, losing 33 from last time. A party needs 31 seats to win a majority. State BJP chief Biplab Kumar Deb, 48, is widely expected to be the BJP's pick for chief minister in Tripura.
Business Affairs
Trump administration delays decision on work authorisation of spouses of H-1B visa holders
-
The Trump administration has delayed its decision on termination of work authorisation for spouses of the H-1B visa holders, in a big relief to a significantly large number of Indian workers and their families.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a court submission this week said that it would not take a decision on terminating the work authorisation of H4 visa users, spouses of H-1B visa holders, till June as it needs time to review the economic impact of such a decision.
Since 2015, the spouses of H-1B, or high-skilled, visa holders waiting for green cards have been eligible to work in the US on H-4 dependent visas, under a rule introduced by the previous Obama administration.
The DHS was previously scheduled to take a call on it by February 28.
"Consistent with the Government's prior representations, DHS was working to issue an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making) in February 2018.
"However, in January 2018, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the component of DHS responsible for oversight of the H-4 visa programme at issue in this litigation, reevaluated the rule and determined that significant revisions to the draft proposal were necessary, DHS said in its fresh court submission.
It said the revisions required a new economic analysis which required an additional several weeks to perform.
"The changes to the rule and the revised economic analysis require revisions to the projected time-line for the NPRMs publication, and therefore cannot be issued in February, it said.
"Under the revised time-line, DHS anticipates submitting to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance the proposed rule in time for publication in June 2018," it said.
The extension of decision making process by four months comes as a temporary relief to the spouses of H-1B visas holders, a significantly large number of whom are Indian workers.
The H-1B programme attracts foreign specialised workers to come to the United States for employment, many of them from India and China.
"We are very hopeful. We want to believe that DHS is re-looking at this because of our efforts, Jansi Kumar, co-founder of the group Save H-4 EADs, told India-West, a local ethnic Indian newspaper from California.
"They have been very supportive as we tell them about our situation," said Kumar, noting that "members from both sides of the aisle have responded favourably to the organisation's concerns".
Such a court submission by DHS comes as part of an ongoing petition by 'Save Jobs USA', an organisation of IT workers who claim they lost their jobs to H-1B workers.
The organisation has filed a lawsuit against the decision of the previous Obama Administration to give work authorisation to the spouses of H-1B visa workers whose Green card applications have been approved.
An online petition has been launched urging the Congress not to cancel work authorisation of H-4 visas.
"Please do not cancel H4 EAD. Those who are applying for H4 EAD are contributing to American society instead of creating burdens," the online petition says.
"We are talented, highly skilled and experienced individuals. Why should we suffer because we are citizens-in-waiting for 8-15 years? You have agreed to make us citizens, treat us like one.
"Let us work till the broken immigration system is reformed. We are not a burden on social security or medicare. In fact, we contribute to the US growth. Why should we be discriminated against when you have accepted us for citizenship?" the petition reads.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a court submission this week said that it would not take a decision on terminating the work authorisation of H4 visa users, spouses of H-1B visa holders, till June as it needs time to review the economic impact of such a decision.
Since 2015, the spouses of H-1B, or high-skilled, visa holders waiting for green cards have been eligible to work in the US on H-4 dependent visas, under a rule introduced by the previous Obama administration.
The DHS was previously scheduled to take a call on it by February 28.
"Consistent with the Government's prior representations, DHS was working to issue an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rule Making) in February 2018.
"However, in January 2018, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the component of DHS responsible for oversight of the H-4 visa programme at issue in this litigation, reevaluated the rule and determined that significant revisions to the draft proposal were necessary, DHS said in its fresh court submission.
It said the revisions required a new economic analysis which required an additional several weeks to perform.
"The changes to the rule and the revised economic analysis require revisions to the projected time-line for the NPRMs publication, and therefore cannot be issued in February, it said.
"Under the revised time-line, DHS anticipates submitting to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance the proposed rule in time for publication in June 2018," it said.
The extension of decision making process by four months comes as a temporary relief to the spouses of H-1B visas holders, a significantly large number of whom are Indian workers.
The H-1B programme attracts foreign specialised workers to come to the United States for employment, many of them from India and China.
"We are very hopeful. We want to believe that DHS is re-looking at this because of our efforts, Jansi Kumar, co-founder of the group Save H-4 EADs, told India-West, a local ethnic Indian newspaper from California.
"They have been very supportive as we tell them about our situation," said Kumar, noting that "members from both sides of the aisle have responded favourably to the organisation's concerns".
Such a court submission by DHS comes as part of an ongoing petition by 'Save Jobs USA', an organisation of IT workers who claim they lost their jobs to H-1B workers.
The organisation has filed a lawsuit against the decision of the previous Obama Administration to give work authorisation to the spouses of H-1B visa workers whose Green card applications have been approved.
An online petition has been launched urging the Congress not to cancel work authorisation of H-4 visas.
"Please do not cancel H4 EAD. Those who are applying for H4 EAD are contributing to American society instead of creating burdens," the online petition says.
"We are talented, highly skilled and experienced individuals. Why should we suffer because we are citizens-in-waiting for 8-15 years? You have agreed to make us citizens, treat us like one.
"Let us work till the broken immigration system is reformed. We are not a burden on social security or medicare. In fact, we contribute to the US growth. Why should we be discriminated against when you have accepted us for citizenship?" the petition reads.
SFIO seeks information, documents from Fortis Healthcare
-
Fortis Healthcare today said it has received a notice from Serious Fraud Investigation Office asking for certain information and documents to be submitted by March 9.
The corporate affairs ministry has been looking into the affairs of Fortis Healthcare after reports about the financial irregularities emerged regarding the healthcare firm.
The company has received a notice from Serious Fraud Investigation Office, Ministry of Corporate Affairs seeking certain information and documents as mentioned therein to be submitted by March 9, 2018, Fortis Healthcare said in a BSE filing.
"The company is in the process of collating the said information and will be sharing the same in due course. The financial implication/ compensation/ penalty and quantum of claims has not been referred in the aforesaid letter and hence cannot be ascertained, " it added.
The development comes against the backdrop of reports that the Fortis Healthcare's promoters -- Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh -- allegedly took at least USD 78 million out of the company without any board approval about a year ago.
The SFIO, under the ministry, mainly probes white collar crimes.
Fortis Healthcare has also come under the lens of markets regulator Sebi, which has launched an investigation into the alleged regulatory lapses.
The corporate affairs ministry has been looking into the affairs of Fortis Healthcare after reports about the financial irregularities emerged regarding the healthcare firm.
The company has received a notice from Serious Fraud Investigation Office, Ministry of Corporate Affairs seeking certain information and documents as mentioned therein to be submitted by March 9, 2018, Fortis Healthcare said in a BSE filing.
"The company is in the process of collating the said information and will be sharing the same in due course. The financial implication/ compensation/ penalty and quantum of claims has not been referred in the aforesaid letter and hence cannot be ascertained, " it added.
The development comes against the backdrop of reports that the Fortis Healthcare's promoters -- Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh -- allegedly took at least USD 78 million out of the company without any board approval about a year ago.
The SFIO, under the ministry, mainly probes white collar crimes.
Fortis Healthcare has also come under the lens of markets regulator Sebi, which has launched an investigation into the alleged regulatory lapses.
US steel, aluminum import tariffs likely to hurt economies, warns IMF
-
The IMF has warned that President Donald Trump's decision to impose hefty tariffs on imported steel and aluminium is likely to cause damage to the US and its trading partners, urging all countries to "constructively" resolve trade disagreements.
Trump on Thursday said that he would impose a 25 per cent import tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium to protect US producers.
The import restrictions announced by the US president are likely to cause damage not only outside the US, but also to the US economy itself, including to its manufacturing and construction sectors, which are major users of aluminium and steel, International Monetary Fund spokesman Gerry Rice said, a day after Trump made the announcement.
IMF, he said, is concerned that the measures proposed by the US will, de facto, expand the circumstances where countries use the national-security rationale to justify broad-based import restrictions.
We encourage the US and its trading partners to work constructively together to reduce trade barriers and to resolve trade disagreements without resort to such emergency measures, Rice said.
The tariffs -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium -- cover two materials that are the lifeline of the construction and manufacturing sectors in the US.
The announcement angered key US allies -- Canada, the EU, Australia and Mexico.
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker vowed the bloc "will react firmly" to defend its interests.
Canada and Germany both termed the tariffs "unacceptable".
Trump has defended his decision, saying "trade wars are good".
He tweeted that the US was "losing billions of dollars on trade" and would find a trade war "easy to win".
In a tweet early on Friday, Trump said the US would "win big" in a trade war.
He later followed this up with further tweets, saying the US must "protect our country and our workers" and that the trade deficit left him with no choice on tariffs.
Trump on Thursday said that he would impose a 25 per cent import tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium to protect US producers.
The import restrictions announced by the US president are likely to cause damage not only outside the US, but also to the US economy itself, including to its manufacturing and construction sectors, which are major users of aluminium and steel, International Monetary Fund spokesman Gerry Rice said, a day after Trump made the announcement.
IMF, he said, is concerned that the measures proposed by the US will, de facto, expand the circumstances where countries use the national-security rationale to justify broad-based import restrictions.
We encourage the US and its trading partners to work constructively together to reduce trade barriers and to resolve trade disagreements without resort to such emergency measures, Rice said.
The tariffs -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium -- cover two materials that are the lifeline of the construction and manufacturing sectors in the US.
The announcement angered key US allies -- Canada, the EU, Australia and Mexico.
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker vowed the bloc "will react firmly" to defend its interests.
Canada and Germany both termed the tariffs "unacceptable".
Trump has defended his decision, saying "trade wars are good".
He tweeted that the US was "losing billions of dollars on trade" and would find a trade war "easy to win".
In a tweet early on Friday, Trump said the US would "win big" in a trade war.
He later followed this up with further tweets, saying the US must "protect our country and our workers" and that the trade deficit left him with no choice on tariffs.
India, Vietnam inks pacts on nuclear energy, trade, agriculture
-
India and Vietnam today resolved to work jointly for an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific along with an efficient and rules-based regional security architecture, seen as a message to China over its growing military expansion in the region.
After wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, the two strategic partners inked three pacts providing for cooperation in nuclear energy, trade and agriculture, besides deciding to boost ties in oil and gas exploration.
Modi said both sides expressed commitment for an open, efficient and rules-based regional architecture and to expand bilateral maritime cooperation further.
"We will jointly work for an open, independent and prosperous Indo Pacific region where sovereignty and international laws are respected and where differences are resolved through talks," Modi said in a media statement in the presence of the Vietnamese President.
In an apparent reference to the South China Sea dispute, the Vietnamese president said it supports India's multi-faceted "connectivity" with ASEAN and asserted that there must be freedom of navigation and over flight in the region. He said that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means.
Vietnam and several other ASEAN member countries have territorial disputes with China over the resource-rich South China Sea.
While India, the US and several other world powers have been pressing for resolution of the dispute on the basis of international law, China has been favouring a bilateral framework with respective countries.
"We reaffirm our close collaboration to support India to further its relations and multi-faceted connectivity with ASEAN attaching high importance to the maintenance of security, maritime safety and freedom of navigation and over flight, settlement of disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law including ULCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)," Quang said.
The Vietnamese president said it was important to respect the diplomatic and legal process in resolution of the dispute.
He said both sides also agreed to work closely to address regional security challenges including in the domain of maritime and cyber security.
On defence cooperation, which is on an upswing, the prime minister said both sides decided to cooperate in defence production and explore opportunities in transfer of technology.
During the talks, Modi said India and Vietnam have also "agreed" to deepen trade and investment ties in sectors like oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, agriculture and textiles.
He said the two sides will also look for trilateral partnership in oil and gas sector.
The three pacts signed after the talks between the two leaders will provide for cooperation in areas of nuclear energy, trade and agriculture.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Vietnamese president.
Their discussions focused on steps to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Quang was also given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
After wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, the two strategic partners inked three pacts providing for cooperation in nuclear energy, trade and agriculture, besides deciding to boost ties in oil and gas exploration.
Modi said both sides expressed commitment for an open, efficient and rules-based regional architecture and to expand bilateral maritime cooperation further.
"We will jointly work for an open, independent and prosperous Indo Pacific region where sovereignty and international laws are respected and where differences are resolved through talks," Modi said in a media statement in the presence of the Vietnamese President.
In an apparent reference to the South China Sea dispute, the Vietnamese president said it supports India's multi-faceted "connectivity" with ASEAN and asserted that there must be freedom of navigation and over flight in the region. He said that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means.
Vietnam and several other ASEAN member countries have territorial disputes with China over the resource-rich South China Sea.
While India, the US and several other world powers have been pressing for resolution of the dispute on the basis of international law, China has been favouring a bilateral framework with respective countries.
"We reaffirm our close collaboration to support India to further its relations and multi-faceted connectivity with ASEAN attaching high importance to the maintenance of security, maritime safety and freedom of navigation and over flight, settlement of disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law including ULCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)," Quang said.
The Vietnamese president said it was important to respect the diplomatic and legal process in resolution of the dispute.
He said both sides also agreed to work closely to address regional security challenges including in the domain of maritime and cyber security.
On defence cooperation, which is on an upswing, the prime minister said both sides decided to cooperate in defence production and explore opportunities in transfer of technology.
During the talks, Modi said India and Vietnam have also "agreed" to deepen trade and investment ties in sectors like oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, agriculture and textiles.
He said the two sides will also look for trilateral partnership in oil and gas sector.
The three pacts signed after the talks between the two leaders will provide for cooperation in areas of nuclear energy, trade and agriculture.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Vietnamese president.
Their discussions focused on steps to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Quang was also given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
US says it cannot confirm whether Nirav Modi is in America
-
The US government is aware of the media reports that diamond jeweller Nirav Modi is in the country but is unable to confirm them, a State Department official said on Friday.
Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.
"We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them," the spokesperson told PTI when asked about reports that the Indian businessman is in New York.
Asked if the department is providing any assistance to the Indian government in tracing Modi, the spokesperson said, "We refer you to the Department of Justice for questions on legal assistance to the Indian authorities in relation to their investigation of Mr. Modi".
The Department of Justice declined to comment on Modi.
Modi and his associates allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from PNB's Brady House branch in Fort area for overseas credit from other lenders.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have registered two FIRs each in this case.
Modi, his family, and Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, left the country in early January, much before the CBI received a complaint from the PNB.
On being asked by the CBI to join its investigation into the alleged fraud, Modi refused, saying he has "business abroad".
The CBI then directed him to contact the embassy of India in a country where he is staying so that his travel to India can be arranged.
A Look Out Circular (LoC), also known as a blue corner notice, has already been issued against Modi and Choksi to keep a tab on their entry at all land, air and sea ports in India.
Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.
"We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them," the spokesperson told PTI when asked about reports that the Indian businessman is in New York.
Asked if the department is providing any assistance to the Indian government in tracing Modi, the spokesperson said, "We refer you to the Department of Justice for questions on legal assistance to the Indian authorities in relation to their investigation of Mr. Modi".
The Department of Justice declined to comment on Modi.
Modi and his associates allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from PNB's Brady House branch in Fort area for overseas credit from other lenders.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have registered two FIRs each in this case.
Modi, his family, and Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, left the country in early January, much before the CBI received a complaint from the PNB.
On being asked by the CBI to join its investigation into the alleged fraud, Modi refused, saying he has "business abroad".
The CBI then directed him to contact the embassy of India in a country where he is staying so that his travel to India can be arranged.
A Look Out Circular (LoC), also known as a blue corner notice, has already been issued against Modi and Choksi to keep a tab on their entry at all land, air and sea ports in India.
General Awareness
Large Dams in India
-
India has over 1200 all-sized Dams and Reservoirs that are meant for several purposes including Hydro Electricity Generation, Irrigation. We are enlisting some of the large Dams in India to be remembered by candidates.
Some Facts about dams in India -
- Tehri Dam is By far India's Biggest in Terms of Height - 260.5 Metres, followed by Lakhwar Dam (204 Metres).
- By Length, Ukai Dam si Largest with length 4927 Metres, followed by Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (4865 Metres).
- Bandardhara Dam is India's First Dam, created in 1926 (Also called Wilson Dam).
Dam Completion Year River State Tehri Dam 2005 Bhagirathi Uttarakhand Lakhwar Dam Under Construction Yamuna Uttarakhand Idukki Arch Dam 1974 Periyar Kerala Bhakra Dam 1963 Satluj Himachal Pradesh Pakal Dul Dam Under Construction Marusudar Jammu & Kashmir Sardar Sarover Gujarat Dam Under Construction Narmada Gujarat Srisailam Dam 1984 Krishna Telangana Ranjit Sagar Dam 1999 Ravi Punjab Baglihar Dam 2009 Chenab Jammu & Kashmir Chemera I Dam 1994 Ravi Himachal Pradesh Cheruthoni Dam 1976 Cheruthoni Kerala Pong Dam 1974 Beas Himachal Pradesh Jamrani Dam 1990 Gola Uttarakhand Subansiri Dam 2014 Subansiri Arunachal Pradesh Ramganga Dam 1974 Ramganga Uttarakhand Nagarjuna Sagar Dam 1974 Krishna Telangana Kakki Dam 1966 Kakki Kerala Nagi Dam 1958 Nagi Bihar Salal Dam 1986 Chenab Jammu & Kashmir Sholayar Dam 1971 Sholayar Tamil Nadu Koyna Dam 1964 Koyna Maharashtra Idamalayar Dam 1985 Idamalayar Kerala Supa Dam 1987 Kali Nadi Karnataka Karjan Dam 1987 Karjan Gujarat Kulamavu Dam 1977 Kilivillithode Kerala Koteshwar Dam Under Construction Bhagirathi Uttarakhand Doyang Hep Dam Under Contruction Doyang Nagaland Rihand Dam 1962 Rihand Uttar Pradesh Indira Sagar Dam 2006 Narmada Madhya Pradesh Warna Dam 2000 Varna Maharashtra Bhatsa Dam 1983 Bhatsa and Chorna Maharashtra Pillur Dam 1967 Bhavani Tamil Nadu Upper Kodayar Dam 1972 Kodayar
tamilnadu
Jakham Main Dam 1986 Jakham (Mahi) Rajasthan Lower Ghatghar Dam 2007 Maharashtra Thenmala Dam 1986 Kallada Kerala Mattupetty Dam 1953 Palar Kerala Tungabhadra Dam 1953 Tungabhadra Karnataka Parbati Dam Under Construction Parbati Himachal Pradesh Chakra Dam 1985 Chakra Karnataka Bandardhara Dam 1926 Paravara Maharashtra Lower Vaitarna Dam 1954 Vaitarna Maharashtra Ukai Dam 1972 Tapi Gujarat Upper Aliyar Dam 1971 Aliyar Tamilnadu Aruna Dam Under Consruction Aruna Maharashtra Upper Bhavani Dam 1965 Bhavani Tamilnadu Podagada Dam 1996 Podagada Odisha
India has over 1200 all-sized Dams and Reservoirs that are meant for several purposes including Hydro Electricity Generation, Irrigation. We are enlisting some of the large Dams in India to be remembered by candidates.
Some Facts about dams in India -
- Tehri Dam is By far India's Biggest in Terms of Height - 260.5 Metres, followed by Lakhwar Dam (204 Metres).
- By Length, Ukai Dam si Largest with length 4927 Metres, followed by Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (4865 Metres).
- Bandardhara Dam is India's First Dam, created in 1926 (Also called Wilson Dam).
| Dam | Completion Year | River | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tehri Dam | 2005 | Bhagirathi | Uttarakhand |
| Lakhwar Dam | Under Construction | Yamuna | Uttarakhand |
| Idukki Arch Dam | 1974 | Periyar | Kerala |
| Bhakra Dam | 1963 | Satluj | Himachal Pradesh |
| Pakal Dul Dam | Under Construction | Marusudar | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Sardar Sarover Gujarat Dam | Under Construction | Narmada | Gujarat |
| Srisailam Dam | 1984 | Krishna | Telangana |
| Ranjit Sagar Dam | 1999 | Ravi | Punjab |
| Baglihar Dam | 2009 | Chenab | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Chemera I Dam | 1994 | Ravi | Himachal Pradesh |
| Cheruthoni Dam | 1976 | Cheruthoni | Kerala |
| Pong Dam | 1974 | Beas | Himachal Pradesh |
| Jamrani Dam | 1990 | Gola | Uttarakhand |
| Subansiri Dam | 2014 | Subansiri | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Ramganga Dam | 1974 | Ramganga | Uttarakhand |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Dam | 1974 | Krishna | Telangana |
| Kakki Dam | 1966 | Kakki | Kerala |
| Nagi Dam | 1958 | Nagi | Bihar |
| Salal Dam | 1986 | Chenab | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Sholayar Dam | 1971 | Sholayar | Tamil Nadu |
| Koyna Dam | 1964 | Koyna | Maharashtra |
| Idamalayar Dam | 1985 | Idamalayar | Kerala |
| Supa Dam | 1987 | Kali Nadi | Karnataka |
| Karjan Dam | 1987 | Karjan | Gujarat |
| Kulamavu Dam | 1977 | Kilivillithode | Kerala |
| Koteshwar Dam | Under Construction | Bhagirathi | Uttarakhand |
| Doyang Hep Dam | Under Contruction | Doyang | Nagaland |
| Rihand Dam | 1962 | Rihand | Uttar Pradesh |
| Indira Sagar Dam | 2006 | Narmada | Madhya Pradesh |
| Warna Dam | 2000 | Varna | Maharashtra |
| Bhatsa Dam | 1983 | Bhatsa and Chorna | Maharashtra |
| Pillur Dam | 1967 | Bhavani | Tamil Nadu |
| Upper Kodayar Dam | 1972 | Kodayar |
tamilnadu
|
| Jakham Main Dam | 1986 | Jakham (Mahi) | Rajasthan |
| Lower Ghatghar Dam | 2007 | Maharashtra | |
| Thenmala Dam | 1986 | Kallada | Kerala |
| Mattupetty Dam | 1953 | Palar | Kerala |
| Tungabhadra Dam | 1953 | Tungabhadra | Karnataka |
| Parbati Dam | Under Construction | Parbati | Himachal Pradesh |
| Chakra Dam | 1985 | Chakra | Karnataka |
| Bandardhara Dam | 1926 | Paravara | Maharashtra |
| Lower Vaitarna Dam | 1954 | Vaitarna | Maharashtra |
| Ukai Dam | 1972 | Tapi | Gujarat |
| Upper Aliyar Dam | 1971 | Aliyar | Tamilnadu |
| Aruna Dam | Under Consruction | Aruna | Maharashtra |
| Upper Bhavani Dam | 1965 | Bhavani | Tamilnadu |
| Podagada Dam | 1996 | Podagada | Odisha |
No comments:
Post a Comment