Suresh Prabhu addressing Interactive Forum between Small and Medium Enterprises of India and Russia

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, said that Russia has been a long-standing and time-tested partner of India and relations with Russia have always been of trust, understanding, and reciprocity.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Yonsei University in Seoul.

The President of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Moon Jae-in, First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jung-sook, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, were present on the occasion.

The Digital India Awards under the ambit of National Portal organized by National Informatics Centre (NIC) have emerged over the years as a credible platform to recognize the digital presence and e-Governance efforts of various Government institutions across the country.

Your Excellency,

Yunmo Sung, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy,

Distinguished Business Leaders,

Friends,

A very good afternoon. I am delighted to meet you all today in Seoul.

1. At the invitation of Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Republic of India Shri Narendra Modi, and under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia paid his first State visit to India from 19-20 February 2019, where he was received at the airport by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

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Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that the Agricultural Science Congress marks the confluence of researchers, intellectuals, creativity and the custodians of global food security.

Commerce Minster meeting Saudi Arabian business delegation

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, met a Saudi business delegation in New Delhi today. The Saudi delegation was led by KamelS.

With an aim to improve nutritional choices and enhance dietary diversity of India, the NITI Aayog, in collaboration with National Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research on Diets (NCEAR-D), UNICEF India and Lady Irwin College, organised a National Workshop on “Promoting Healthy Diets Through Local Food Systems” in New Delhi today.

I am visiting the Republic of Korea at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in. This will be my second visit to the Republic of Korea and my second Summit meeting with President Moon.

We had the pleasure of receiving President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Mrs. Kim Jung-sook in India in July last year.

During his visit to South Korea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Moon Jae-in.

Prime Minister also will be conferred with the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize during a ceremony. 

Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had announced the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with this prestigious Prize in October last year.

The award recognizes PM Modi's dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development.

During his visit, Prime Minister will be gifting a sapling of the Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae.

PM will  also unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University which is one of the premier universities of South Korea.
 

Putting India's stand at the ICJ at Hague, in the Netherlands, India's counsel, Harish Salve said, Pakistan's three attempts to derail proceedings in the ICJ have failed.

Salve also strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case and urged the court to draw a redline in this regard.

India pleaded that Pakistani military court's ruling be annulled and Jadav be freed.

Singh, who was not keeping well for a month and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, breathed his last on Tuesday, his family said. The last rites will be performed at 3 pm on Wednesday at the Lodhi Road crematorium. Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a towering figure of Hindi literature and gave it new direction through his literary criticism.

Born on July 28, 1926 in Varanasi's village Jiyanpur (now in Chandauli), Singh completed his MA and PhD in Hindi literature from the Banaras Hindu University. Singh shaped literary criticism in Hindi. His notable writings include "Chhayavaad", "Itihas Aur Alochana", "Kahaani Nayi Kahaani", "Kavita Ke Naye Pratimaan", "Dusri Parampara Ki Khoj". He also worked as a professor in his alma mater BHU as well as Jodhpur University and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Singh served as the editor of two Hindi magazines, Janyug and Alochana. 

Robert Vadra, husband of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, reached ED office in New Delhi Wednesday morning for questioning. 

The case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds.

Vadra was questioned by the ED in the same case earlier this month. He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the agency.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said energy and environment are the areas of concern in today's era of rapid technological development. He was addressing the International Conference and Exhibition on Energy and Environment in New Delhi. 

He urged the policymakers to come up with actionable ideas on environmental issues. President Kovind sad, the government is committed to providing power to citizens at affordable rates. 

The President said, India made a number of commitments at the Paris Climate conference including lowering the emissions intensity by 2030.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, the government is according highest importance to clean energy as it is the precursor of sustainable energy. 

He said, India is growing at a faster pace, therefore, access to clean energy and water is a must. 

In her inaugural remarks at the Aero India 2019, the 12th edition of Asia's premier air show at the Yelahanka air base, Sitharaman made a strong pitch for 'Make in India" and referred to a slew of initiatives taken by the government, including permitting 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Defence manufacturing.

Explaining the possibilities in the aero space and defence sectors, she said the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)s could find joint venture partners so that the production could be scaled up and they could have a captive market and could export from India. She also noted that during the last four years and the current financial year, 150 contracts worth about Rs 1,27,500 crores have been signed with the Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for the armed forces.

The five-day mega event began on a sombre note, a day after two aircraft of Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force (IAF)'s aerobatics team, collided mid air, killing a pilot and injuring two others who ejected to safety.
The biennial event, which would showcase India's air defence prowess, would also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances and contracts.

Besides the Tejas, the HTT-40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft), first indigenously upgraded Hawk Mk132- named as Hawk-i, Civil Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH),Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are scheduled to fly in the air show.

Also, aerobatic teams like India's Sarang (ALH-Dhruv) and UK-based Yakovlevs are expected to enthrall the audience.
On static display would be HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive CareUnit).
The Sukhoi SU-30, Rafale, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and the mighty B-52 Stratofortress bomber would be part of the air show.
The Aero India official website said a total of 61 aircraft would be on display and 403 exhibitors would be part of the show.
CEO's round table, drone Olympics, startup manthan and women's day (to celebrate women achievers) are some of the highlights of Aero India-2019.

Separately, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino expressed "strong support" for India and asked Pakistan to "punish anyone responsible" for the February 14 attack. 

The suicide attack has led to an escalation of tension between India and Pakistan and Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be "wonderful" if the two South Asia neighbours get along.

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have a comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question.

"That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," Trump said.

At a separate news conference, the State Department Deputy Spokesperson said the US has been in close communication with the Indian government "to express not only our condolences but our strong support".

"We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible," Palladino said. In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the US has also been in contact with Pakistan, he said. 

Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor, John Bolton, has supported India's right to self-defense. 

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, Bolton, and the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe havens. 

The CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. 

The two sides will also hold delegation level talks. Several agreements are expected to be signed following the talks between the two leaders. 

The Crown Prince was accorded ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Wednesday morning. 

Speaking to the media, the Crown Prince said that he wants the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia to be maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. He also expressed confidence that the leadership of the two countries can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. They discussed ways to add momentum to the relationship in various fields including trade, investment, defence, security, and regional cooperation. 

The Crown Prince will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind this evening. The Crown Prince, who is also the Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and leading Saudi businessmen. 
  
 In recent years, there has been significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. The bilateral trade was 27.48 billion dollars during the last financial year 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia, India’s 4th largest trading partner. 

Saudi Arabia contributes significantly to India’s energy security needs by supplying about 20 percent of crude requirements to India. 

Speaking on the birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas. He was a social reformer part of the Bhakti movement who stood for the empowerment of the deprived sections.

Sant Ravidas was born in the 15th century in Varanasi.

Lakhs of his followers from Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and UP visit Sant Ravidas Janam Sthan Mandir to offer prayers on his birth anniversary every year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too paid a visit to the temple in February 2016.

He said Guru Ravidas envisioned an India where there is no discrimination and that everyone is taken care of. PM Modi said his government has worked on this principle in the last four-and-a-half years for the betterment of the people and the country's development. He hoped that the teachings of great saints inspire the young generation.

Briefing media in Srinagar on an encounter in Pinglena area of the district, the commander of the 15th Corps, Lt General K S Dhillon said the JeM leadership was controlled by Pakistan and its spy agency ISI.

He said Kamran, the top commander of the JeM which carried out the attack on the CRFP convoy in Lethpora area of Pulwama on the 14th of this month has been eliminated.

He said the role of those involved in the attack is being investigated. General Dhillon informed that the injured CRPF jawans are doing well. He appealed to parents in the Valley to ask their children involved in militancy to surrender.

 "We have eliminated the top commander who carried out the Pulwama attack," Dhillon said.

3 JeM terrorists were killed in a 16-hour encounter in Pinglan in Pulwama district, about 12 km from the site of the February 14 attack. An Army major and five others were also killed. 

The first blast was caused by a bomb planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region. A motorcycle bomb detonated after ambulances arrived at the scene of the first explosion. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack so far. Idlib, the last major part of Syria still outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is held by an alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

All eyes will be on  Raffale aircrafts which  will make their flying display . A full dress rehearsal was held at the Yelahanka Air base in Bangalore on Monday.

This five-day event will combine a major trade exhibition of the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows.

Aero India will provide an unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry. Besides giving a fillip to the domestic aviation industry it would further the cause of Make in India.

Among the 43 French companies that have so far registered to participate in the airshow are Dassault Aviation, Dassault Systemes, Airbus, French Air Force and Thales. Dassault Aviation is the manufacturer of the Rafale aircraft for which India has inked a deal with France for supply of 36 aircraft .

The second largest foreign representation is from USA with 27 companies taking part in the Aero India 2019. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are among those who have confirmed their participation.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are expected to showcase their aircraft as they are among the six global companies who have responded to the IAF's Request for Information (RFI) for 110 multi-role fighter. 

RBI governor Shaktikanta Das told the media  that he will meet the heads of public and private sector banks on feb 21st to discuss the pass over of the interest rate cut it had announced to borrowers. 

On the issue of merger of banks Jaitley called for the need for fewer and mega banks that are strong. In addition to associated banks of the SBI work is on for the merger of the Bank of Baroda, dena Bank and Vijaya Bank.

Reserve Bank said it will give Rs 28,000 crore to the government as interim dividend. This is the second successive year that the Reserve Bank will be transfering an interim surplus. The central bank transfers its surplus amount to the government, under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934.

He said there is a need to take decisive step against terrorism at global level. The Prime Minister said that  Pulwama Terror Attack shows that now time has come to firmly and decisively deal with terrorism.

At the delegation level talks.. both the leaders reviewed progress in areas of commerce and Science & Technology. Later India and Argentina signed 10 agreements and MoUs in S&T, culture & tourism, IT, agro-chemical and pharma sector & explored new avenues of cooperation.

Agreement was also signed between the public broadcasters of both the nations. Prime minister said this will give a boost to cultural exchange between India and Argentina and will also augur well for tourism promotion well.. He expressed gratitude to Argentinian President for extending co-operation on international fora..He also thanked President Macri for development in agriculture to fight the challenges of climate change.

Argentinian President Mauricio Macri strongly condemned the terror attack in Pulwama...He also extended his condolences to the victims of the attack... 

Briefing media after the meeting, Sushma Swaraj said, the MoUs include setting up of Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, Cooperation in Housing and Human Settlement, Reciprocal facilitation of procedures for issue of Business Visa and Cooperation in Youth Matters. 

In a series of tweets, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, both countries agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism to develop a comprehensive approach to combat the menace, including cross- border terrorism, terrorist financing and recruitment of terrorists. 

He said, Sushma Swaraj and her Moroccan counterpart discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in a number of areas, including defence and security, counter-terrorism and trade and investment.

Sushma Swaraj reached Rabat on her maiden visit to Morocco from Bulgaria yesterday. She is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen ties with these countries and expand avenues of cooperation. She also handed over toNasser Bourita a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed to the country's King Mohammed VI.

Sushma Swaraj began the second leg of her tour today with an important meeting with Prime Minister of Morocco Saadeddine Othmani. 

Senior Advocate, Harish Salve represented India and Kulbhushan Jadhav's case in ICJ. In his presentation, Harish Salve said that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful. He also said that there is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool.

Earlier, making the opening arguments at the International Court, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Deepak Mittal said Pakistan violated the Vienna Convention while hoping that the court will ensure justice in the case.

Jadhav, 48, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on farcical charges in 2017. India moved the ICJ in May the same year against the verdict.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18, 2017 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

Pakistan violated the Vienna Convention by not giving consular access to Jadhav.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to action at a joint press conference with Argentian President Mauricio Macri. Yet another indication that India will make perpetrators of Pulwama terror attack pay a heavy price.

India has been hitting back measure by measure since the Pulwama attack on Thursday. The latest retaliation was the killing of Kamran, the Jaish-e-Mohammad commander who masterminded the attack on the CRPF convoy.

He and two more terroristS were killed in an encounter with security forces. Based on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in Pinglena area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

A cordon and search operation was launched jointly by Police and security forces on Sunday night in the area. As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party.

In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gun shot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently , four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries.

A Head Constable was also martyred in the encounter.  The martyred security personnel have been identified as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Hawaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Hari Singh, Sepoy Ajay Kumar....and Head Constable Abdul Rashid.

DIG South Kashmir Amit Kumar was injured in the encounter. In retaliatory fire, two terrorists were killed and their bodies retrieved.

Top official sources confirmed that Kamran was a conspirator of the convoy attack. The second terrorist has been identified as Hilal Ahmed Naik alias Rashid a local terrorist.

Even as the encounter was underway, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the forces for their high morale.

The Northern Army Command tweeted....saluting the valour of the braves martyred in the Pulwama encounter.

@NorthernComd_IA

'#ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave officer and soldiers & offer deepest condolences to the families' ...

With India continuing its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan...Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh has said that Pakistan has been isolated internationally after the Pulwama terror attack...

He said any war-like or punitive action.... must be planned...which is a cold act ..not done in haste...

Calling for patience and support for forces...he pointed to how even Osama Bin Laden was not killed in a day despite the fact that USA had known he was hidden in Pakistan...

The Pulwama encounter on Monday was yet another answer by India to the worst terror attack in the Valley last Thursday....

India has already withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status from Pakistan.

It has increased basic customs duty on all products imported by India from Pakistan to 200%...withdrawn security cover and other govt facilities to separatists in the Valley....and is preparing to present a dossier to Paris-based Financial Action Task Force to blacklist Pakistan over terrorism funding....

Pakistan is currently on the FATF grey list.

Being put on the black list will further hit Pakistan's struggling economy.

India is taking punitive measures against Pakistan...in a build up to an effective retaliation by the security forces....to the Pakistani provocation.

39-year old Gayle is the second most capped Windies player with 284 matches as well as the second highest run-scorer with 9,727 runs. He is behind only West Indies legend Brian Lara - who has 10,405 runs from 299 matches.

Gayle has the most centuries by any West Indian in ODI till now, with 23, as well as the highest score of 215 that he scored in the previous ICC World Cup against Zimbabwe.

Gayle is also handy with the ball, picking up 165 wickets.

The World Cup will be held in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

The two countries are expected to ink a number of agreements in various fields.

The President of Argentina arrived New delhi on Sunday. His visit takes place during 70th year of the diplomatic ties between India and Argentina.

The Argentinian President will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind later in the day.