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Sun, 22 September 2019
We are aiming high, achieving higher: Modi
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23:42 We are aiming high, achieving higher: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid loud chants of his own name takes to the stage to address the Indian-American crowd at the NRG stadium.
Here's what he said:
>> This atmosphere is unprecedented & extraordinary, when you talk of Texas then everything is on a grand scale. I'm seeing history being made, and a new chemistry also
>> This event is called #HowdyModi, but I am no one, I am a common man working on the directions of 130 crore Indians
>> Our various languages are an important identity of our liberal and democratic society. For centuries our nation has been moving forward with dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects. Diversity is the foundation of our vibrant democracy
>> Today India is challenging the mindset of some people who believe that - nothing can change. Now we are aiming high and we are achieving higher
23:33 Tiger Triumph: India's new military exercise
While addressing the crowds at the NRG stadium, US President Donald Trump announced that India will be holding a new joint military exercise.
"India will hold joint military exercise Tiger Triumph... good name," said Trump.
Trump also spoke of the need to protect borders. "Both India and US understand to keep our countries safe, we have to secure our borders," said Donald Trump. "I want to thank a great man and a great leader Prime Minister Modi," he added.
23:25 India has never had better friend than me: Trump
US President Donald Trump addresses the 50,000 strong audience at the NRG Stadium in Houston at the Howdy Modi event.
Here are the highlights of what the US president said:
>> PM Modi, I look forward to working with you to make our nations more prosperous than ever before
>> India has never invested in the US like it is doing today and it is reciprocal, we are doing the same in India
>> India has never had better friend in a US president than me
>> Soon Indians will access to NBA Basketball. People will gather in Mumbai to watch first NBA game in India
>> Today we honour all of the brave American and Indian military service members who work together to safeguard our freedom. We are committed to protecting innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism
23:04 PM backs Trump, says 'Ab ki bar Trump Sarkar'
PM Modi greets Donald Trump as he starts his speech at the Howdy Modi event in Houston. "He was a household name even before he went to hold the highest seat in he US," Modi says while greeting the US president. "His name is familiar to every person on the planet. His name comes up almost every conversation in the world on global politics," he says.
"From CEO to commander in chief, from boardrooms to oval office, from studio to global stage. It is my honour and privilege to welcome here at this magnificent gathering," Modi says.
"He has already made the American economy strong again. He has achieved much for the US and for the world," Modi says. "We in India have connected well to him," he adds and says "Abki baar Trump Sarkar"
"This morning you can hear the the heartbeat of the two largest democracies. You can feel the strength and human bonds of two great nations," he says as he talks about the friendly relations between US and India. "You once introduced me to your family. Today, I introduce you to my family," Modi says while refering to the billions of Indians.
22:40 Trump arrives at NRG stadium for Howdy Modi
United States President Donald Trump arrives at the NRG stadium in Houston for the Howdy Modi event.
He was welcomed to the stadium by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The POTUS was scheduled to arrive at 9:20 pm (IST). However, he made a surprise to the coast guard to get briefing about the flood situation in Houston, which claimed five lives.
In a televised address he said the Prime Minister Modi is a highly respected man. "Indian loves me and that is why I am here. I have a lot of respect and great friendship with the Prime Minister," Trump said.
Organised by the non-profit Texas India Forum, the Howdy Modi event in Houston, with the tagline 'Shared Dreams, Bright Futures', will shine light on the tremendous contribution of Indo-Americans in United States and the strong and lasting partnership between the US and India.
22:26 Modi-Trump rally happening when Kashmir remains under lockdown: Sanders
US Senator and Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders said on Sunday that the Modi-Trump rally is happening in Houston at a time when Kashmir remains under lockdown.
"When President (Donald) Trump meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples," the 77-year-old leader said in an opinion piece in Houston Chronicle.
"However, there will be a deafening silence when it comes to a human rights crisis unfolding right before our eyes -- and that is unacceptable," he added.
Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on Saturday, Sanders said that he was "deeply concerned" about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to "speak out boldly" in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue.
India has categorically rejected any scope for third party mediation on Kashmir, saying it was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan - a position that has been backed by US President Trump who had recently offered to mediate.
-- PTI
22:01 Modi presented with Key to City of Houston
Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presents 'Key to City of Houston to PM Modi as a mark of respect, solidarity and long standing India-Houston relationship.
A few moments before that the PM was welcomed to the NRG stadium with chants of Modi, Modi and Har, Har Modi by the over 50,000 Indian-Americans who have attended the event.
The event will also be addressed by United States President Donald Trump. According to reports, Trump will be making a 30-minute-long speech.
21:51 PM arrives at NRG Stadium for Howdy Modi event
Amid raucous chants of 'Modi, Modi', the prime minister made a grand entrance at the NRG Stadium in Houston for the mega event dubbed Howdy, Modi.
Before coming on to stage, Junior US Senator for Texas, Ted Cruz addressing the crowds said: "India is the largest democracy on face of earth and America is proud to be your friend. Today is also a celebration of the Indian-American community in USA including in Texas. We say thank you to you for your incredible contributions."
21:35
PM Narendra Modi arrives at NRG stadium in Houston, to address gathering shortly
21:25 Won't be surprised if there is some announcement: US senator John Cornyn
"I won't be surprised if there is some announcement by President Trump today, hopefully we will be able to sort out the trade differences," US senator for Texas John Cornyn was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
21:04 It surely will be a great day: Modi to Trump
PM Narendra Modi in a tweet replied to Donald Trump saying, "It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon."
The PM's response came after the US president tweeted that he would be in Texas and that it was going to be a great day in Texas.
As per reports, 'Howdy Modi' is the largest event ever to be held for a foreign leader, other than the Pope.
Similarly, this is also the first time Trump will be addressing such a massive gathering of Indian Americans in one place, according to the organisers.
Furthermore, for those who are waiting for the main event, here's the full schedule:
- 9:20 pm: US President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will walk to the stage.
- 9:20-9:30 pm: Houston Mayor will welcome PM Modi and US President Trump.
- 9.39 -10:09 pm: Trump will speak at Howdy Modi.
- 10:15 pm onwards: PM Modi will speak at Howdy Modi event.
20:42 Empty stands at NRG?
While there are reports that over 50,000 people are expected to be at the NRG Stadium in Houston for the Howdy Modi event, this image tells a different story.
The entire section is empty, making one wonder if the event really has attracted the turnout, it says it has.
Photograph: Rediff.com
20:36 Will be a great day in Texas: Trump
Looking forward to address 'Howdy, Modi' rally in Houston, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and his "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a "good time" at the mega event.
"Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas!" Trump tweeted.
"We'll be going to Houston and we'll be at a very nice big stadium packed full of people with Prime Minister Modi," Trump said ahead of the mega event.
He (Modi) asked if I would go with him and I've accepted and We're going to have a good time," Trump said minutes before he boarded Marine One from the White House lawns. "I hear it's a tremendous crowd," he added.
Organised by the non-profit Texas India Forum, the event, with the tagline 'Shared Dreams, Bright Futures', will shine light on the tremendous contribution of Indo-Americans in United States and the strong and lasting partnership between the US and India.
The cultural programme preceding Prime Minister Modi's address, showcasing Indian-American artists from Texas and elsewhere, will portray how the community is woven into the larger tapestry of American life. It will involve broad-based community participation across the United States.
-- PTI
20:19 Howdy Modi Houston Event: 90-minute music, dance and multimedia show features around 400 artistes
The cultural programme preceding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, showcasing Indian-American artists from Texas and elsewhere, is portraying how the community is woven into the larger tapestry of American life.
It involves broad-based community participation across the United States.
The 90-minute music, dance, and multimedia show features close to 400 artists and community members from Texas and across the nation.
Image: Performers at the Howdy Modi event. Photograph: P Rajendran/Rediff.com
20:05 Howdy Modi event begins with kirtan singers
Reverberating with the chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Houston's NRG stadium is all jam-packed with enthusiastic India-American's as the event begins.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will be sharing the stage today to address over 50,000 Indian-Americans during the 'Howdy, Modi!' event which has been envisioned on the theme of "Shared Dreams, Bright Future" and would focus on strengthening the India-US relationship.
The mega event will witness leaders of the two largest democracies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, sharing a stage before the largest gathering ever -- over 50,000 Indian-Americans -- for an elected foreign leader visiting the US.
The roughly three-hour-long event is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US.
19:22 Trump to speak before PM Modi at NRG stadium
US President Donald Trump will be speaking before PM Modi at the Howdy Modi event.
US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a major, 30-minute speech on India and Indian Americans.
The US president joining Modi on stage in Houston "is a very clear indication of where the Trump administration stands when it comes to Pakistan", Shalabh Kumar from the Republican Hindu Coalition said.
Stating that Pakistan was planning to hold a protest against Modi in front of the NRG stadium on the Kashmir issue, Kumar claimed that it had been quashed to a great extent.
"This is a big slap on Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan," he said, adding that the US is now fully behind India on Kashmir in the aftermath of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution.
18:54 Trump sets off for Modi's mega Houston event
United States President Donald Trump has set off from Washington, DC to Houston to attend the Howdy Modi event at the NRG Stadium.
It was reported today that United States President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a major, 30-minute speech on India and Indian Americans at the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston.
Contrary to what was reported earlier, Trump, the 45th president of the United States, is no longer making a guest appearance or making a notional brief remark at the diaspora event.
He is also expected to be present in the audience during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address.
More than 50,000 Indian-Americans from across the country have registered for the "Howdy, Modi!" event, the largest-ever gathering of this minority but effluent ethnic community in the US.
Photograph: Steve Herman/The Voice of America/ANI
18:50 What you need to know about the location of the Howdy Modi event
As we inch closer to the mega Modi event in Houston, here's a little something about the NRG Stadium where the event is being held.
>> The NRG stadium in Houston has seen performances by Beyonce and Taylor Swift, Metallica and U2.
>> It is one of the largest football stadiums in the US
18:29 Bharat Mata ki Jai rings out at Howdy Modi event
Chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' resonate at Houston's NRG Stadium as Indians begin to arrive for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mega event, where US President Donald Trump will join him. "We are excited to see Modi, hear from him, and get words of wisdom from him because he is an inspiration for the country and people around the globe," an attendee said.
Trump is expected to deliver a major, 30-minute speech on India and Indian-Americans at the Howdy, Modi! event in the world's energy capital today, which US officials asserted would bring fresh energy in the long-lasting relationship between the two democracies. Contrary to what was reported earlier, Trump, the 45th president of the United States, is no longer making a guest appearance or making a notional brief remark at the diaspora event.
The event gives PM Modi a chance to energise his relationship with Indian-Americans who are active political supporters.
18:18 Imran reaches US, may raise Kashmir at UNGA
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached the US on Saturday on a "special aircraft" of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman.
"Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached the US. The seven-day visit is aimed at drawing the attention of the world towards what is happening in Kashmir," Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was quoted as saying.
Before arriving in the US, Khan was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue.
The cricketer-turned-politician is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September, where he is expected to raise the Kashmir issue.
United States President Donald Trump will meet Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, a day after he joins Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the mega "Howdy Modi" event in Houston.
17:59
India's Rahul Aware wins bronze in men's 61kg free-style category at the World Wrestling Championship in Nur Sultan
17:35 Modi visit to Houston backdrop for one of the largest LNG deals in US history
A visit to Houston by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the backdrop for one of the largest liquefied natural gas supply deals in US history.
Executives with Houston liquefied natural gas company Tellurian and Indias Petronet LNG signed a $2.5 billion deal in Modis presence during a private Saturday evening ceremony at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown in Houston's Galleria district.
Under the deal, Petronet pledged to invest $2.5 billion in Tellurians proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal in Lake Charles, in exchange for the rights to 5 million metric tons of LNG per year over the lifespan of the project.
In an exclusive interview with the Houston Chronicle, Tellurian board Chairman Charif Souki called the deal a win-win-win for the United States, India and the company.
17:28 Last minute prep underway for Howdy Modi event
People have started gathering outside the NRG stadium in Houston, Texas, to attend "Howdy Modi!" event.
One of the visitor says, "We are excited to see Modi, expect to hear from him and get words of wisdom from him because he is an inspiration for the country and people around the globe."
Over 50,000 Indian-Americans are expected at the event, which will see both -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump -- addressing the crowds.
The three-hour "Howdy, Modi!" event is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, with an impressive history of shows that starred Beyonce, Metallica, U2.
Image: The NRG Stadium ahead of the crowds entering for the Howdy Modi event. Photograph: P Rajendran/Rediff.com
17:02 Nadda meets Rahul Dravid in Bengaluru
Bharatiya Janata Party working president JP Nadda on Sunday met former cricketer Rahul Dravid at his residence in Bengaluru.
The meeting between Nadda and Dravid was a part of the BJP's campaign, 'Sampark Se Samarthan Abhiyan.' Nadda also met Chandrashekar Kambar, a Jnanpith award recipient as part of the BJP's ongoing nationwide campaign on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
"After meeting Dravid and Kambar, Nadda will participate in a programme organised in the memory of former Union Minister Ananth Kumar on his birth anniversary," Anil Baluni, BJP's national media convenor, said in a statement.
Dravid, also known as "Mr Dependable", is among five Indians to be inducted in the ICC's Hall of Fame. He had a huge role in shaping the future of Indian cricket as the head coach of India A and India U19 teams.
-- ANI
16:45 Modi-Trump talks will favour only US: Akhilesh
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday raised questions on the prospective outcomes of the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump and said that they will be skewed to benefit the US.
"The 'Howdy, Modi!' event is being overhyped. The real question is what will be the outcome of the talks between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump," Yadav said.
"It has been heard that the deal is going to include a proposal which will translate to imports of food items, electronics etc from the US. Our exports to the US will thus suffer and rupee will be further weakened against the dollar," he added.
Yadav further said that the US is wooing India because of its ongoing trade war with China.
"US faces threats on the economic front from China. This is the reason why it is appeasing the next biggest market in the world which is India," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday departed for a week-long visit to the United States with an aim to boost bilateral ties and present India as "a vibrant land of opportunities".
-- ANI
16:15 Zoya Akhtar 'thrilled and grateful' as 'Gully Boy' goes to Oscar
After Zoya Akhtar's popular web series 'Lust Stories' was nominated for the 2019 International Emmy, another of her directorial venture, 'Gully Boy', has been picked for the Oscar Awards.
"I am thrilled and very grateful that Gully Boy has been picked as India's official entry for the Oscars," the director said.
Zoya said, "This has been a great year and I am so overwhelmed with the response our work is getting. It's crazy to receive such news days after Lust Stories received a nomination for the Emmys."
Siddhant Chaturvedi who made heads turn with his performance in the film also expressed his gratitude.
"It is a big moment for me with back to back developments with 'Inside Edge' gettting nominated for the Emmys last year and now Gully Boy which has been nominated as India's official entry for the 92nd Annual Oscar Academy Awards," he said.
-- ANI
15:38 US chef prepares special NaMo thalis for Modi
A Houston chef has prepared a special menu for Prime Minister Narendra Modi which would be offered at the hotel in the United States where he is staying to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
While no special request has been made by the prime minister, Chef Kiran Verma would be preparing special NaMo thalis (plates) to serve PM Narendra Modi during his stay in the United States.
There will be two types of NaMo thali - NaMo thali mithaai and NaMo thali sewri. All the food will be prepared in desi ghee. The menu for PM Modi also has varieties of chutneys.
While the NaMo thali mithaai will have shrikhand, rasmalai, gajar ka halwa, badaam halwa, the NaMo thali sewri will have khichdi, kachori and methi thepla.
Chef Kiran says that food from different states and cities will be prepared for PM Narendra Modi. Chef Kiran Verma said that this was the first time she was cooking for PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi on Friday left for a seven-day long visit to the United States with an aim to boost bilateral ties. PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 27.
The prime minister's schedule includes multi-lateral engagements, interaction with the business community, bilateral meetings and also an address to the Indian diaspora at the "Howdy, Modi" event in Houston.
PM Modi's "Howdy, Modi" address will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at NRG Stadium.
15:22 Jaish facility in Balakot bombed by IAF jets in February is fully functional again
Almost seven months after Indian Air Force jets bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist facility in Pakistan's Balakot, the globally proscribed group has revived the complex, where it is training 40 jihadists to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India, in the garb of a new name to avoid international scrutiny, Hindustan Times has learnt.
Read the full story HERE
15:02 PM deserves respect when he represents India abroad: Tharoor
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is a strong critic of the Modi-led government, on Sunday said the prime minister deserves respect when he visits foreign countries as India's representative, but when he is in
the country, people have the right to question him.
On the row over a common language for India, the Lok Sabha MP from Kerala said he was in favour of a three-language formula (promoting multilingual communicative abilities).
"The prime minister deserves respect in foreign countries as (there) he is a representative of our nation. But when he is in India, we have the right to ask him questions," Tharoor said.
On the issue of one common language in the country, he said the BJP's ideology of promoting Hindi, Hinduism and Hindustan is "dangerous" for our country.
"We need to carry on the three-language formula," he said.
-- PTI
14:38 'Arrest of Kashmiri leaders not beyond 18 mnths'
Union minister Jitendra Singh has said the Centre won't keep Kashmiri politicians under house arrest for more than 18 months and also added that they are not under arrest, but are living as "house guests".
"Political leaders have been kept in VIP bungalows. We have even given them CDs of Hollywood movies. Gym facility has also been provided to them. They are not under house arrest. They are house guests," said Jitendra Singh.
He also added, "Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir will not remain under house arrest for more than 18 months."
A bunch of Kashmiri politicians, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been kept under house arrest since August 5 when the Home Minister Amit Shah moved to scrap Article 370 and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories.
It is close to two months now that the leaders have been locked in at separate locations without any mode of communication with the outside world.
Former J&K chief chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has been detained under the stringent Public Safety Act of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jitendra Singh also said, "PoK is ours and we are committed to restoring the boundaries of J&K. The Parliament has already passed a resolution on this in 1994."
14:11 Mehbooba Mufti's daughter's touching post on 'Daughter's Day'
After a gap of 46 days, the Twitter account of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti started sending out tweets on Friday with her daughter Iltija Mufti operating it with "due authorisation".
On Sunday, a touching post was put out to celebrate Daughter's Day.
The tweet read: "In normal circumstances, Id have bullied you into calling me your favourite daughter on #DaughtersDay. But these arent ordinary times. Its been 48 days since you were taken from us. Hardest are days when I dream of you & wake up with an agonising pain in my heart. Love you mum."
The post comes with a photo of a young Mufti with a child in her arms.
On Friday, Iltija Mufti at the India Today conclave said that ordinary Kashmiris look at India as an occupying force. "Kashmiris feel a deep sense of shock and betrayal. I dont know how you are going to undo the damage and the pain you have inflicted on the Kashmiri people," she said.
13:49 We see patriotism: Amit Shah on Art 370 move
Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday justified the decision of the Centre to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, saying Articles 370 and 35a were a hurdle in connecting the state with the entire country.
Addressing a rally in Mumbai, Shah also hit out at the Congress for opposing the decision to scrap Article 370 and divide the state into two Union Territories J&K and Ladakh.
Rahul Gandhi says Article 370 is a political issue. I would like to tell him that you have recently come to politics but three generations of the Jan Sangh and the BJP have laid down their life for Kashmir... Kashmir has been a political issue for the Congress but for us, it is a matter of patriotism, he said.
People would say Kashmir is an integral part of India but nobody said Maharashtra or Karnataka are an integral part of India. People would say this because they had to prove it. Today, I can proudly say that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Shah added.
The Union minister also expressed confidence that the BJP would sweep the Maharashtra polls, saying whatever happens, NDA government will be formed in Maharashtra with a three-fourth majority.
13:21 Muslims in India luckier than those in Islamic countries: Mark Tully
Muslims in India are much luckier than those in the Islamic countries as they can worship in any Islamic tradition here, says veteran journalist Mark Tully.
Citing an example, he says that in Delhi's Nizamuddin area, where he resides, there is the Tablighi Jamaat's headquarters and they are very strict and orthodox.
Next to it, there is the Sufi tradition where people pray at the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya and sing qawwalis, he adds.
India's spirit of tolerance is its strength which makes a harmonious environment for different religions to exist side by side, Tully is quoted as saying in the latest issue of The Equator Line magazine. The issue is titled Home and The World.
According to Tully, India is unique and is home to all the religions, well almost.
India has spirituality. As of now these religions are varied themselves. Muslims in India are much luckier than Muslims in the Islamic countries because in India they can worship in any Islamic tradition, he says.
Also in the issue is a piece by Tim Grandage, a Briton who came to Kolkata 32 years ago as a banking officer. He later gave up his job to set up a charity called Future Hope to work for slum children.
Grandage says he learnt a lot from these children.
The value of trust, care, opportunity, commitment, and of tolerance, of talking to others and listening too, of seeing a glass as half full and not half empty.
-- PTI
13:03 Trump to speak at Howdy Modi event at 9.30 pm
US President Donald Trump will address the Indian diaspora at the "Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" event at 9:30 pm in Houston on Sunday, according to the White House.
The mega event will witness leaders of the two largest democracies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, sharing a stage before the largest gathering ever -- over 50,000 Indian-Americans -- for an elected foreign leader visiting the US.
The roughly three-hour-long event is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, which has served as a venue for some of the most impressive events starring Beyonce, Metallica, to name a few.
The summit, with the theme of "Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" will highlight the contributions of Indian-Americans in enriching the American life for the last seven decades as well as the key role they have played in strengthening relations between the two nations.
-- ANI
12:30 You've suffered a lot: PM tells Kashmiri Pandits
A delegation of the Kashmiri Pandit community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston on Saturday and thanked him for the historic decision to revoke Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi acknowledged the hardships endured by the community following their exodus from their ancestral homeland back in 1989-1990 due to militancy. "You have suffered a lot, but the world is changing," said PM Modi. "We have to move ahead together and build a new Kashmir." "I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston," PM Modi tweeted following the interaction.
One of the members of the group kissed PM Modi's hand to thank him "on behalf of 7 lakh Kashmiri Pandits" for the move. The group assured the Prime Minister of their community's full support in building a peaceful and prosperous Kashmir.
"We thanked him on behalf of the 700,000 Kashmiri Pandits all over the globe for such a historic decision. We assured him that our community will work with the government to fulfil your dream for a Kashmir which is peaceful, full of growth where people are all happy," said Surinder Kaul, a member representing Kashmiri Pandit community.
The group presented a memorandum, requesting the PM to establish a task force or advisory council comprising of members from the community that would "bring together respected Kashmiri Pandit community leaders, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders both in India and abroad to advise and help in the development of a comprehensive plan to repatriate and reintegrate Kashmiri Pandits to the region".
It added that the community looks forward to working with the Indian government and the newly constituted Union Territories to bring inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of all, as well as to returning home in order to restore Kashmiri civilization's core values of peace, pluralism and religious freedom.
"The PM told us: 'You've suffered a lot together; we've to build new Kashmir'. We presented him with messages the community prepared for him. I presented a memorandum on behalf of the community. He gladly accepted that," Kaul added.
"When we talked of Article 370, he said there's a new breeze and we'll build a new Kashmir. We've hopes from the PM, we'll work with him and make Kashmir a paradise again," said Rakesh Kaul, a Kashmiri Pandit.
-- ANI
12:12 Petrol price jumps by Rs 1.59 after Saudi attack
Petrol prices have soared by Rs 1.59 a litre and diesel by Rs 1.31 in the last six days -- the most since daily price revision was introduced in 2017, as a massive strike at Saudi Arabian oil facilities jolted oil markets.
Petrol price was on Sunday hiked by 27 paise to Rs 73.62 a litre in the Delhi market -- the benchmark for national rates, according to a price notification by state-owned oil firms.
Price of diesel was increased by 18 paise to Rs 66.74 per litre in Delhi.
This is the sixth straight daily increase and has taken the cumulative price hike since September 17 to Rs 1.59 per litre in case of petrol and Rs 1.31 for diesel.
Global oil prices shot up the most since the Gulf war in the immediate aftermath of the unprecedented drone missile strikes on key oil facilities in Saudi Arabia that disabled 5 per cent of the global supply.
Oil prices have cooled since the spike on September 16 but remain on the edge.
Attackers using low-flying drones and cruise missiles knocked out 5.7 million barrels of production, or about 60 per cent of what Saudi Arabia currently produces.
It was the largest supply disruption in history.
On Monday, Brent oil futures soared 15 per cent. Analysts have warned that the style of the attacks on Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities may add a permanent risk premium to oil and gasoline prices.
While Saudi Arabia is saying it can quickly bring supply back online, experts say the shock to the global oil market will be felt for years.
India depends on Saudi Arabia for a fifth of its oil imports and has been in constant touch with Kingdom officials on securing its supplies.
Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday spoke to Saudi Arabia's new oil minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman to discuss the supply plan.
Saudi Arabia, according to Pradhan, has assured India of meeting all its committed oil supplies. Saudi Arabia, which is India's second-largest oil supplier, sells close to 2 million tonnes of crude every month.
Of this, 1.2-1.3 million tonnes of supplies for September have already been taken and the rest too has been assured.
However, Saudi has sought deferment of some LPG supplies, but they have assured to make up for all the quantities, Indian Oil Corp (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh said, adding any shortfall can be bought from Qatar.
Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has already tendered for import of LPG in October, possibly to make up for the shortfall from Saudi Arabia.
India buys around 2,00,000 tonnes of LPG every month from Saudi Arabia.
Industry sources said Saudi Arabia has cut throughput at its refineries to meet its crude oil supply commitments.
India imports 83 per cent of its oil needs, with Saudi Arabia supplying a fifth of the purchases. Saudi Arabia is its second-biggest supplier after Iraq.
It sold 40.33 million tonnes of crude oil to India in 2018-19 fiscal, when the country had imported 207.3 million tonnes of oil. China, South Korea, Japan and India are the biggest takers of the Saudi oil in Asia, with China and Japan leading the pack at an average of 900-1,100 kilo barrels per day each.
India could be most exposed as its reserves are the lowest. -- PTI
12:06 Kamal Haasan's MNM not to contest Oct 21 bypolls
Dubbing the October 21 bypolls to two assembly segments in Tamil Nadu as a 'corrupt political drama' by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and a 'power struggle', between them, Makakl Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Sunday said his party would not contest the byelections.
The Haasan-led party, which its electoral debut in the Lok Sabha polls months ago and secured the third slot in a number of seats, said it does not want to be part of 'this corrupt political drama in the name of byelections to Nanguneri and Vikravandi'.
In a statement in Chennai, party president Kamal Haasan said 'it is very apparent that the byelections will be nothing more than a power struggle between the ruling party and the one which governed earlier to retain their power and positions they have'.
The actor-politician said MNM is rapidly working towards getting the support of the people of Tamil Nadu and 'to form the government in 2021, thereby removing the old, redundant political parties and their corrupt counterparts to provide a good governance which the people deserve'.
On Saturday, DMK chief M K Stalin had announced said his party would seek re-election from Vikravandi and its ally Congress from Nanguneri, and also Kamaraj Nagar in Puducherry.
Vikravandi and Nanguneri seats fell vacant in June and May this year respectively. DMK's K Rathamani, who represented Vikravani died, while H Vasantha Kumar of the Congress, who was the Nanguneri MLA, resigned from his post in May following his election to the Lok Sabha from Kanyakumari constituency.
V Vaithilingam of Congress, who represented Kamaraj Nagar, resigned after he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Union Territory. -- PTI
11:15 Saint community to expel Chinmayanand
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the organisation of Hindu saints and ascetics, has called a meeting of all the Akharas at Haridwar on October 10 to expel Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union Minister Swami Chinmayanand from the community.
According to sources, he will remain ousted from the saint community unless acquitted by the court.
It is pertinent to mention that a month after a law student levelled charges of rape against Chinmayanand, he was arrested on Friday by Uttar Pradesh police.
He was charged with an offence not amounting to rape, stalking and criminal intimidation.
He was remanded to 14-days judicial custody by a local Court at Shahjahanpur.
As per police, Chinmayanand has accepted 'all evidence' that have come up against him.
The matter came to the fore when the girl went missing on August 24 after putting up a Facebook post alleging that a person from 'sant samaj' threatened to kill her and her kin.
She did not name Chinmayanand then.
She was tracked down in Rajasthan six days later and produced before the Supreme Court the same day after a direction from the apex court.
The apex court then directed setting up an SIT to probe the matter. -- ANI
11:11 AI plane hits air turbulence, damaged; passengers safe
An Air India plane carrying 172 passengers suffered 'minor' damages after it hit air turbulence on Friday on the way to Kochi from Thiruvananthapuram, but landed safely, an official said on Saturday.
No injury to any passenger or crew has been reported, he said, adding Air India's safety department has carried out a detailed investigation.
"Air India's Delhi-Trivandrum-Kochi flight A1467 hit air turbulence when it was on the way to Kochi from Trivandrum. Though no injury has been reported, the A321 aircraft suffered minor damages. It was grounded immediately after landing for inspection. Due to this, the return flight was delayed by nearly four hours," the official said, adding an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, sources in the airline said that on September 17 also, an Air India New Delhi-Vijaywada plane with 174 passengers hit severe bad weather.
When contacted, an Air India spokesperson said the matter was not reported to the airline. -- PTI
10:41 Modi surprises dignitaries at Houston airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi keeps an eye for cleanliness even outside India, showing to the world that he practises what he preaches.
On his arrival at the George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston on Saturday for the 'Howdy, Modi' community event, the prime minister was presented with a bouquet of flowers by an American dignitary, receiving him along with United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla and other senior officials.
A flower fell off the bouquet and to everyone's surprise, Modi bent down and picked it up himself.
The prime minister will be awarded the 'Global Goalkeepers Award' at the Lincoln Centre by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for leadership in the field of sanitation through the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'.
He will be recognised for 'the progress India is making in improving sanitation, as part of its drive toward achievement of the UN sustainable development goals', according to the Gates Foundation, which has pointed out that globally, sanitation-related diseases kill nearly five lakh children annually.
Over 10 crore toilets have been built in India since the launch of the Swachh Bharat programme on October 2, 2014.
"The Swachh Bharat Mission can serve as a model for other countries around the world that urgently need to improve access to sanitation for the world's poorest," a source said. -- PTI
10:33 Will ensure that no one is harassed because of religion: Shah on NRC
Allaying apprehensions over any country-wide National Register for Citizens exercise, Amit Shah said on Saturday that it will be ensured that nobody is harassed because of their religion, according to Muslim outfit Jamiat Ulma-e-Hind, which met the Union Home Minister in New Delhi.
A joint delegation of Jamiat Ulma-e-Hind Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind called on Shah at his residence and issued a statement later.
The home minister said the government was 'ready to speak to all Muslim organisations with an open heart'.
According to the statement, Jamiat Ulma-e-Hind General Secretary Mehmood Madani told Shah that they might have differences with the government on several issues but they are with it on all matters of national interest.
Shah assured the delegation that there will be no impact on Kashmiri culture because of the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution, the statement said.
Madani told Shah that 'attempts are being made to harass Muslims in Assam' through NRC exercise in the state, and the home minister's statement that NRC would be updated across the country is being presented as a 'threat', the statement said.
It said that Shah responded by saying, "Nobody should be scared about NRC. Regarding Assam, we have said we will provide free legal aid to the people who have been excluded from the final NRC list."
"As far as implementing NRC across the country is concerned, name me one country where this exercise has not taken place. We will make sure nobody's citizenship is impacted because of their religion," the statement Shah as saying. -- PTI
09:53 Pak national arrested near IB in Jammu
A 20-year-old Pakistani national was arrested on Saturday after he intruded into this side from the International Border (IB) in Jammu, officials said.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Mukesh Singh confirmed the arrest of Basharat Ali, a resident of Sialkot in Pakistan.
Ali had managed to sneak into this side from Pakistan and reached Chandu Check village of the R S Pura sector, where he was caught by some villagers and handed over to police, the officials said.
They said Ali was unarmed and immediately whisked away by police.
"He is being questioned," the IGP said when asked about the motive for his sneaking into the country. -- PTI
09:45 Baloch, Sindhi, Pashto groups to seek PM's help
Representatives of Sindhi, Baloch and Pashto groups have gathered in Houston to hold a demonstration in front of the NRG stadium on Sunday to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump for gaining freedom from Pakistan.
Scores of members of the Balochi American, Sindhi American and Pashto American communities landed in Houston on Saturday from various parts of the US to hold the first-of-its-kind demonstration in America, wherein they will collectively urge the leaders of India and the United States to help them get freedom from Pakistan.
Members of these groups alleged on Saturday that the Pakistani establishment was carrying out gross violation of human rights against their communities.
"We demand freedom from Pakistan. India and the US should help us in the same way as India had helped the people of Bangladesh in 1971," Nabi Baksha Baloch, the US representative of the Baloch National Movement, told PTI.
"We are here to request Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to support our cause. There has been gross violation of human rights against the Baloch people by the Pakistani government," he said.
More than 100 Sindhi Americans arrived in Houston on Saturday.
They are planning to gather outside the NRG stadium, where the 'Howdy Modi' event is scheduled to be held on Sunday, with the hope that their posters and banners of freedom will catch the attention of Modi and Trump.
"This is a historic rally by the leaders of the free world -- the largest and oldest democracies. We the people of Sindh want freedom from Pakistan. Just like India supported for the freedom of Bangladesh in 1971, we want a separate nation for the people of Sindh. Pakistan is a theocratic country," Zafar Sahito, from the Jeay Sindh Mutahida Muhaz, said. -- PTI
IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits in Houston. Photograph: Courtesy @PMOIndia/Twitter
09:32 PM Modi's meeting with CEOs 'fruitful': MEA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a 'fruitful' meeting with CEOs from the energy sector on the first day of his week-long US visit in Houston on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
It added that the meeting focussed on working together for energy security and expanding mutual investment opportunities between India and the United States.
'Getting straight to business. PM @narendramodi just concluded a fruitful interaction with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting in #Houston. Discussion focussed on working together for energy security and expanding mutual investment opportunities between India & US,' MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.
Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had posted on Twitter a couple of photographs of Modi's meeting with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of some of the top oil companies based in the US.
'Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector,' the PMO tweeted.
The prime minister is scheduled to address over 50,000 Indian-Americans at the 'Howdy, Modi' event on Sunday, in which he will be joined by United States President Donald Trump.
The event at the sprawling NRG football stadium here will be the largest gathering ever for an elected foreign leader visiting the US, other than the Pope. -- PTI
08:38 Rs 67 lakh in cash seized in Mumbai after poll announcement
Within hours of the model code of conduct coming into force in Maharashtra, the police seized Rs 67 lakh in cash from a south Mumbai locality on Saturday.
On a tip-off, a special squad of city police raided a shop in Popalwadi area on Saturday evening, an official said. The squad recovered Rs 67 lakh in cash from the shop, which was handed over to the income tax department for further inquiry, he said.
Assembly Elections will be held in Maharashtra on October 21, the Election Commission had announced earlier on Saturday.
08:35 NIA searches suspect's home in TN's Ansarulla case
The NIA on Saturday said it has conducted a search at the residence of a man in Tamil Nadu for his alleged association with a terrorist gang which conspired, collected funds and made preparations to carry out terror attacks in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule.
Diwan Mujipeer, a resident of Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, was associated with the activities of terrorist gang Ansarulla, officials said in a statement.
Three mobile phones, four SIM cards and one memory card, besides a number of incriminating documents have been seized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The seized material would be submitted to the Special Court and subjected to forensic examination, they said.
Mujipeer is being examined for his role in the crime, the officials said.
The Tamil Nadu Ansarulla case was registered on July 9 this year against 16 accused from Tamil Nadu, besides their associates under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, they said.
The accused, while being in India and the UAE, had conspired and conducted consequent preparations to wage war against the Government of India by forming the terrorist gang Ansarulla, the officials said.
The accused and their associates had also collected funds as part of preparations to carry out terror attacks in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule in the country, they said.
Sixteen accused were arrested in the case during July this year and searches were conducted at four locations on July 13 and at 14 locations in Tamil Nadu on July 20, they added.
08:32 Karnataka too slashes penalties for traffic violations
Yielding to public demand, the Karnataka government on Saturday announced a cut in penalties for traffic violations under the amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.
The government issued a notification revising the fines that need to be collected for various traffic violations.
There has been severe criticism to the 'hefty fine' from sections of the public, with many arguing that the government should first provide good road infrastructure.
Some sections opposed the move to slash the amount, saying there was a drastic improvement in motorists following the rules after hefty penalties were imposed.
Fines have been slashed for various violations. For driving at excessive speed, the fine has been reduced from Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and light motor vehicles (LMVs) while the penalty for the rest has been reduced from Rs 4,000 to Rs 2,000.
Fine for violation of safety measures for motorcycle riders and pillion riders has been reduced from Rs 1,000 to Rs 500, while penalty for not wearing protective headgear and failure to use safety belts and seating of children has been reduced from Rs 1,000 to Rs 500.
For driving an uninsured vehicle the fine earlier was Rs 2,000 for the first offence, Rs 4,000 for second and subsequent offence, which has now been reduced to Rs 1,000 for two- and three-wheelers, Rs 2,000 for LMVs and Rs 4,000 for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and others.
For driving vehicles exceeding permissible weight, the fine has been reduced to Rs 5,000 for overloading and Rs 2,000 for every additional tonne of excess load together with the liability to pay charges for off-loading of the excess load. Earlier it was Rs 20,000 and Rs 2,000 for every additional tonne of excess load together with the liability to pay charges for offloading of the excess load.
Using vehicles without permit/violation of permit conditions the fine earlier was Rs 10,000 for the first offence, Rs 10,000 for the second and subsequent offence. It is now Rs 5,000 for the first offence, Rs 10,000 for the second and subsequent offence.
08:25 Babri case: CBI court summons Kalyan on Sep 27
A special CBI court in Lucknow on Saturday issued summons to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BJP leader Kalyan Singh, directing him to appear before it on September 27 in connection with the Babri Masjid demolition case.
The court is conducting the trial of accused persons, including BJP leaders L K Advani, M M Joshi, Uma Bharti and others for allegedly conspiring to demolish the mosque at the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.
Taking note of the information given by the members of the bar association that Singh's term as Rajasthan governor expired in the first week of this month, special judge S K Yadav passed the order on a pending application that the CBI had moved on September 9.
After serving a full five-year term as governor, the 87-year-old leader, who was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister when Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, rejoined the BJP on September 9.
The court had taken up the application and asked the CBI to produce papers that the term of Singh as the governor has expired.
The Central Bureau of Investigation had then sought time to produce the papers, saying it did not receive any documents from its headquarters.
On the information given by the members of bar association, the court issued the summons to Singh for appearing before it on Friday. Moving the application, the CBI pleaded that Singh was chargesheeted in 1993.
It further pleaded that the Supreme Court had in April 2017 said Singh could not be brought in as an accused to face trial due to the constitutional immunity granted to governors under Article 361 of the Constitution.
The top court had, however, allowed the CBI to move for summoning of Singh as an accused as soon as he ceased to be the governor.
All the accused are on bail in the case, which is being conducted on a day-to-day basis, on the directions of the apex court.
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