Now, Mumbai on target list for post-Brexit enhanced trade with UK
New Delhi, Jan 30 "Tomorrow at 11 pm the UK will leave the EU. The countdown is on," tweeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the stage is set finally from United Kingdom's exit from European Union.
"India and Britain have a strong and growing trade and investment relationship that delivers jobs and prosperity in both countries. Brexit creates opportunities to boost that even further," British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said here on Thursday.
"The UK has the capability, shared focus and unrivalled ties to be India’s closest European partner; our task is to now take that partnership to the next level".
It may be mentioned that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged improved partnership with India during his election campaign trail last year.
Mumbai is now among the 18 famous and well known global cities named to be part of the new trade and economic partnership drive by the British government after its exit from EU.
The EU Parliament on Wednesday voted for Britain's exit from the EU.
On 1 February, the new trade campaign will launch in 18 cities across 13 countries outside the EU, as the UK seeks to deepen relationships with future global partners, the British government has said.
Besides Mumbai in India, the other cities on the UK's list for enhanced trade include Canada (Toronto), China (Shanghai, Hong Kong), Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney), Brazil (Sao Paulo), Japan (Tokyo), Mexico (Mexico City), Singapore (Singapore), South Africa (Johannesburg), South Korea (Seoul), Turkey (Istanbul), UAE (Dubai) and US (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago).
New Delhi, Jan 29 In a crucial diplomatic victory for the Modi government, there will be "no voting" on the EU resolution on CAA on Thursday.
Expelled by JD(U), now Janata Dal (S) may enlist Prashant Kishor's services
New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) A day after his expulsion from Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United), national vice-president, poll strategist-cum politician Prashant Kishor reportedly got feelers from Janata Dal (S) led by former PM HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.
Sources said here that former Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, who is not quite happy with party's electoral performance in 2018 assembly polls and Lok Sabha polls in 2019, is now likely to meet Mr Kishor.
Mr Kishor heads I-PAC Impact - which has tag line 'reshaping participatory democracy' - and is at present extending its services to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Mr Kishor, who is credited for helping BJP win the 2014 general elections, lately agreed to help Trinamool Congress of Mamata Banerjee.
I-PAC also helped Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress party in the past.
JD(S) failed to open account in 2019 general elections and former PM Mr Deve Gowda also lost elections.
In 2018 April-May polls, the JD(S) had finished a poor third winning only 37 seats although Mr Kumaraswamy came to power as Chief Minister with the support of the Congress.
Mr Kishor and another senior JD(U) leader Pavan Varma were expelled from the ruling party in Bihar on Wednesday after they separately slammed Nitish Kumar over JD(U)'s stance on Citizenship Amendment Act.
Rao's party colleague and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi was not far behind calling the former Congress president an 'arrogant' person.
"Rahul Gandhi is in fact synonymous with arrogance....There cannot be a more arrogant person than Rahul Gandhi who tore down the ordinance brought by his own party's government led by (Prime Minister) Dr Manmohan Singh," he told reporters answering questions.
He also said senior party leaders and chief ministers of Congress party have to wait for long hours to seek an appointment Mr Gandhi.
Mr Rao said: "Who does Rahul Gandhi stand for....Ask anyone and they will say, Rahul Gandhi stands for Sharjeel Imam, he stands with Umar Khalid. He stands with Zakir Naik and he stands with Hafiz Saeed and Burhan Wani and Imran Khan. The list is endless".
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister's reference was the much talked about episode at a Meet-the- press programme in Delhi when Rahul Gandhi had blasted the then Congress-led UPA government-initiated ordinance that sought to nullify a Supreme Court order on disqualifying convicted MPs and MLAs.
Rahul Gandhi had said such ordinance should be "torn and thrown out".
Earlier on Thursday, at a party workers' rally in Wayanad in Kerala, Congress leader Mr Gandhi said: "......Narendra Modi and Nathuram Godse believe in the same ideology. There is no difference. Except Narendra Modi doesn't have guts to say he believes in Godse".
"Today an ignorant, uninformed man is trying to challenge the idea of India. He is so full of anger that he does not know what India's strength is. His (Modi's) ideology is the same as Godse's," the Congress leader said.
Several other BJP leaders flayed Mr Gandhi for his remarks.
BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya in Kolkata said: "Rahul Gandhi should first say what is his ideology and in which ideology he believes in. Nobody takes Rahul Gandhi seriously".
India in touch with 600 Indians in Hubei province of China: MEA
New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Government of India has established contact with over 600 Indians across the Hubei province in China and are individually ascertaining their willingness to be 'repatriated'.
MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters here on Thursday that the Indian government has been conducting a regular review on the situation arising out of the outbreak of Corona virus in China.
"We have put out regular updates on the arrangements which are being made. You are aware that we have made a formal request to the government of China for bringing back Indian nationals from the Hubei province in two flights. We are awaiting for the necessary approval from the Chinese side," he said.
He expressed hope that this will be granted soon.
"Meanwhile, we have established contact with over 600 Indians across the province and are individually ascertaining their willingness to be repatriated. Our Mission in Beijing is working round-the-clock on the ground to work out the necessary logistics".
The MEA spokesman further said: "Arrangements are being put in place for people to travel to the airport. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad. We appreciate the support extended by the Government of China and other Ministries in the Government of India in putting this process together".
Meanwhile, MEA spokesman announced that Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa will be on a State Visit to India from February 8 to 11 on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
There will be delegation level talks between two Prime Ministers and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will call on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister will also travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Tirupati.
The visit is in continuation of the tradition of high-level exchanges between India and Sri Lanka, Mr Kumar said.
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajpaksa also had visited India in November 2019 immediately after his election victory.
Talks on for Trump's visit, but no details yet, says MEA
New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said talks through diplomatic channels are on between the Indian government and the US administration on possible visit of President Donald Trump, but nothing further could be stated at this juncture.
"Normally about the visit (of President Trump), we will announce from here. You are aware that we are engaged with the US side through diplomatic channels to work out the dates. I would not like to comment any further," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters here.
He was asked to comment on remarks made by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani that the US President Trump will come (to India) in February and will also visit the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad in Gujarat in February this year.
Addressing an election meeting in the capital on Wednesday late evening, Mr Rupani had said:
"In the entire Asia, the Sabarmati river has become the cleanest river which was ensured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prominent leaders like Japanese PM (Shinzo Abe) and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have visited the riverfront.....US President Donald Trump will also come (to India) in February and visit the riverfront".
Of course, there has been no official announcement of Mr Trump's visit from either side yet.
The possibility of the visit in February is not ruled out entirely.
Answering questions, MEA spokesman Mr Kumar also said that the newly enacted Citizenship law
is 'internal' matter of India.
".....but however, we will continue to engage with Members of European Parliament, other EU stakeholders and European Parliament," he said asserting that CAA is an ''internal matter of India and that the CAA has been adopted through due process and through democratic means".
In a crucial diplomatic victory for the Modi government, it was announced in Brussels that there will be "no voting" on the EU resolution on CAA.
Government of India sources said here on Wednesday evening that: "Friends of India prevailed over the Friends of Pakistan in the European Parliament".
"Strenuous efforts of outgoing British MEP, Shaffaq Mohammed to have a Resolution passed by the European Parliament against India on the penultimate day before Brexit were defeated," the source had further said.
"We have noted EU Parliament's decision to not put to vote a resolution on CAA on Thursday," he said.
The MEA spokesman further said: ''We have noted European Commission's opinion that EU Parliament's views don't represent the official position of the EU.''
New Delhi, Jan 30 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has tough task in presenting her first 'full' Budget on February 1 as immense pressure has been mounted on her including from RSS affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh to take steps to garner higher investment, strike balance with higher allocation for Jammu and Kashmir and ensure better climate for small businesses to thrive.
"We want a Budget which will create atmosphere for small and medium businesses to prosper," a ruling party leader said here highlighting the issues those figured at the pre-budget consultation held by Ms Sitharaman, her deputy MoS Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials.
Sources said there have been lobbying for scrapping of the long-term capital gains tax on investment in equity or equity-oriented funds.
A section of party leaders and also the newly created Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have pressed before the central government for generous funding to help the new administration under Lt Governor G C Murmu undertake the path of development braving 'challenging situations'.
"In J&K, private sector employment has to be given a boost. A new work culture has to be brought which is people-centric and development oriented," a party leader told UNI.
The sources said another RSS-affiliated organisation Swadeshi Jagran Manch has also made its suggestions to the Finance Ministry counseling on steps, it feels the government should take to help SMEs and also oppose policies under which airports lands are being 'leased out'.
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the labour wing of RSS also has spoken on these lines.
It is worth mentioning that organisations like SJM had since 2019 strongly opposed RCEP, a free trade agreement and also has been critical of the 'push' to help China-based Huawei major joining the 5G trial in India.
"The BJP-led government will have to live up to the expectations of people, in particular the youth in J&K, who have pinned high optimism about their future in the new set up," the source said.
The BJP leaders and those in Sanghparivar groups have made it clear to the government that initiatives already taken for putting J&K on the path of progress and development since August 2019 will have to be given 'further impetus' in this year's Budget as J&K has come under direct administration of the central government.
The UT administration has also maintained, according to sources, that the finances of J&K have to be put on a 'sound footing' and for this, generous central support is essential.
The upcoming budget - both the central proposals for fiscal 2020-21 and J&K Budget are likely to 'deliver' on assurance given to the people of J&K during bifurcation of the erstwhile state on higher economic development in the region.
Finance Minister Sitharaman will present the Union budget on February 1, the Jammu and Kashmir budget could be presented either the same day or later.
As there is no legislature in J&K, the UT Budget will have to be presented and passed by both Houses of Parliament in the Budget session getting underway on Friday.
In general sense, it has been suggested by BJP sources that the Finance Minister is expected to announce a plan in the budget to invest Rs 105 trillion in infrastructure over the next five years.
It may be mentioned that earlier this month, the Finance Minister had launched a National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), unveiling projects worth Rs 102 trillion, to boost economic growth and help the economy reach the 5-trillion dollars target by 2025.
Among various suggestions, the Finance Ministry has been also advised to take steps so that there are 'reduced cost in financial transactions'.
Several foreign investors have in the past complained over that the fact that companies have to cough out 15 per cent dividend distribution tax on declared dividends, and investors pay another 10 per cent tax on receiving more than Rs 10 lakh dividend in a financial year.
Another Sangh-affliate body Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) has been demanding that adequate steps have to be taken so that the MSME sector can overcome some of the 'inherent disadvantages' as against the large-scale industries in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
This Sangh affiliate forum held a major conclave in Nagpur wherein 2000 small and medium industry players from across India attended and key leaders, including Commerce and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, also had graced the meet.
LUB has also voiced its concerns on newly worked out Defence Industrial Corridor in northern states.
The sources also said that the LUB has got active in Karnataka lately and has been working in at least 25 districts in the southern BJP-ruled state.
New Delhi, Jan 30 "Tomorrow at 11 pm the UK will leave the EU. The countdown is on," tweeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the stage is set finally from United Kingdom's exit from European Union.
"India and Britain have a strong and growing trade and investment relationship that delivers jobs and prosperity in both countries. Brexit creates opportunities to boost that even further," British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said here on Thursday.
"The UK has the capability, shared focus and unrivalled ties to be India’s closest European partner; our task is to now take that partnership to the next level".
It may be mentioned that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged improved partnership with India during his election campaign trail last year.
Mumbai is now among the 18 famous and well known global cities named to be part of the new trade and economic partnership drive by the British government after its exit from EU.
The EU Parliament on Wednesday voted for Britain's exit from the EU.
On 1 February, the new trade campaign will launch in 18 cities across 13 countries outside the EU, as the UK seeks to deepen relationships with future global partners, the British government has said.
Besides Mumbai in India, the other cities on the UK's list for enhanced trade include Canada (Toronto), China (Shanghai, Hong Kong), Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney), Brazil (Sao Paulo), Japan (Tokyo), Mexico (Mexico City), Singapore (Singapore), South Africa (Johannesburg), South Korea (Seoul), Turkey (Istanbul), UAE (Dubai) and US (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago).
No voting on EU resolution against CAA, diplomatic win for India
New Delhi, Jan 29 In a crucial diplomatic victory for the Modi government, there will be "no voting" on the EU resolution on CAA on Thursday.
Government sources said here on Wednesday evening that: "Friends of India prevailed over the Friends of Pakistan in the European Parliament today".
"Strenuous efforts of outgoing British MEP, Shaffaq Mohammad to have a Resolution passed by the European Parliament against India on the penultimate day before Brexit were defeated," the source said.
About 600 lawmakers in the 751-member European Parliament moved six resolutions against the newly enacted CAA in India saying its marked a dangerous shift in India's citizenship regime.
The government of India has categorically maintained that: "CAA is a matter internal to India and has been adopted through a due process through democratic means".
"We expect that our perspectives in this matter will be understood by all objective and fair-minded Members of European Parliament," the government source said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday wrote a letter to the President of European Parliament, David Maria Sassoli, registering protest over a joint motion for resolution that has been introduced on CAA.
"....as members of the Inter Parliamentary Union all members should respect the sovereign processes of fellow parliaments, Mr Birla stated in his letter," a source has told UNI.
Mr Birla asserted that it was "inappropriate for any legislature to pass judgement on another".
Union Law Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also said on Monday that it is "high time" the European Union lawmakers also needed to be 'objective' vis-a-vis targeting of Hindu and Sikh girls in Pakistan.
"Have my esteemed friends of European Parliament sought to raise a voice over the victimisation of Hindu and Sikh girls in Pakistan? It is high time they also need to be objective," Mr Prasad has told reporters here.
Answering questions at a media briefing, Mr Prasad, however, said the BJP-led government believes in engagement and thus the Ministry of External Affairs will take up the matter in that spirit.
"It is an internal matter, we believe in engagement. Left parties had also sought this resolution. Our MEA will engage with them and explain the position," Mr Prasad has said.
India has said that the CAA is strictly an internal matter of India and the new law only seeks to help persecuted religious minorities in three neighbouring countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and will never deprive citizenship to any section of India.
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India-EU free trade talks may be re-launched during March Summit
New Delhi, Jan 28 (UNI) The stalled free trade agreement negotiations could be revisited during the India-European Union Summit in March, the visiting Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said here on Tuesday.
At an interactive session here, Mr Asselborn also said that the foreign ministers of the European Union have 'emphasised' on the importance of Asia for Europe and to have stronger ties with India.
According to an MEA release here, Mr Asselborn, who is one of the longest serving Foreign Ministers in Europe, has had close associations with the Indian leadership and has visited India four times.
Mr Asselborn held talks with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and both the leaders reviewed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed ways to further strengthen the ties, including in the areas of trade and economic cooperation, space, political and strategic relations.
The EU will host its 15th Summit with India on March 13, 2020 in Brussels, with a view to strengthen its Strategic Partnership with India.
India is also a key partner for the EU to address global challenges and to jointly promote the rules based multilateral order.
Both Dr Jaishankar and the visiting dignitary agreed to further intensify "high level political contacts".
The crucial talks were held within days after about 600 lawmakers in the 751-member European Parliament moved six resolutions against the newly enacted CAA in India saying its marked a dangerous shift in India's citizenship regime.
"Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar explained me his position and I think that if we are able to have a discussion for instance on what is happening with this bill in Assam," the visiting dignitary said.
European Parliament in effect does not formally possess 'legislative initiative' power - which is the prerogative of the European Commission.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has written to European Parliament President David Maria Sassoli opposing the move to allow anti-India resolutions.
India has said that the CAA is strictly an internal matter of India and move only helps persecuted religious minorities in three neighbouring countries and will never deprive citizenship to any section of India.
Speaker Birla registers protest with Prez of European Parl on anti-CAA resolution
New Delhi, Jan 27 In a major move vis-a-vis the role of elected Parliament in assertive diplomacy, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday wrote a letter to the President of European Parliament, David Maria Sassoli, registering protest over a joint motion for resolution that has been introduced on CAA.
"....as members of the Inter Parliamentary Union all members should respect the sovereign processes of fellow parliaments, Mr Birla stated in his letter," a source told UNI.
Mr Birla asserted that it was "inappropriate for any legislature to pass judgement on another".
The Speaker informed Mr Sassoli that this Act provides for granting easiest citizenship to those who have been subjected to 'religious persecution' in India's immediate neighbourhood and the new Act is not aimed at "taking away" citizenship from anybody.
He further informed that Resolution to frame new Citizenship law was passed only after due deliberation by both Houses of Indian Parliament.
Earlier in the day, Union Law Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said it is "high time" the European Union lawmakers also needed to be 'objective' vis-a-vis targeting of Hindu and Sikh girls in Pakistan.
"Have my esteemed friends of European Parliament sought to raise a voice over the victimisation of Hindu and Sikh girls in Pakistan? It is high time they also need to be objective," Mr Prasad told reporters here.
Answering questions at a media briefing, Mr Prasad, however, said the BJP-led government believes in engagement and thus the Ministry of External Affairs will take up the matter in that spirit.
"It is an internal matter, we believe in engagement. Left parties had also sought this resolution. Our MEA will engage with them and explain the position," Mr Prasad said.
Expelled by JD(U), now Janata Dal (S) may enlist Prashant Kishor's services
New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) A day after his expulsion from Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United), national vice-president, poll strategist-cum politician Prashant Kishor reportedly got feelers from Janata Dal (S) led by former PM HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.
Sources said here that former Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, who is not quite happy with party's electoral performance in 2018 assembly polls and Lok Sabha polls in 2019, is now likely to meet Mr Kishor.
Mr Kishor heads I-PAC Impact - which has tag line 'reshaping participatory democracy' - and is at present extending its services to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Mr Kishor, who is credited for helping BJP win the 2014 general elections, lately agreed to help Trinamool Congress of Mamata Banerjee.
I-PAC also helped Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress party in the past.
JD(S) failed to open account in 2019 general elections and former PM Mr Deve Gowda also lost elections.
In 2018 April-May polls, the JD(S) had finished a poor third winning only 37 seats although Mr Kumaraswamy came to power as Chief Minister with the support of the Congress.
Mr Kishor and another senior JD(U) leader Pavan Varma were expelled from the ruling party in Bihar on Wednesday after they separately slammed Nitish Kumar over JD(U)'s stance on Citizenship Amendment Act.
BJP leaders blast Rahul for his comparing of PM Modi with Godse
New Delhi, Jan 30 The ruling BJP on Thursday joined issue with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his comparison of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Mahatma Gandhi's killer Nathuram Godse and said the Wayanad MP has acquired qualities of a 'traitor'.
"Rahul Gandhi is standing with all those who want break up of India, therefore he must be ashamed that today he has acquired the kind of qualities to be called a traitor," BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narasimha Rao said here.
Rao's party colleague and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi was not far behind calling the former Congress president an 'arrogant' person.
"Rahul Gandhi is in fact synonymous with arrogance....There cannot be a more arrogant person than Rahul Gandhi who tore down the ordinance brought by his own party's government led by (Prime Minister) Dr Manmohan Singh," he told reporters answering questions.
He also said senior party leaders and chief ministers of Congress party have to wait for long hours to seek an appointment Mr Gandhi.
Mr Rao said: "Who does Rahul Gandhi stand for....Ask anyone and they will say, Rahul Gandhi stands for Sharjeel Imam, he stands with Umar Khalid. He stands with Zakir Naik and he stands with Hafiz Saeed and Burhan Wani and Imran Khan. The list is endless".
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister's reference was the much talked about episode at a Meet-the- press programme in Delhi when Rahul Gandhi had blasted the then Congress-led UPA government-initiated ordinance that sought to nullify a Supreme Court order on disqualifying convicted MPs and MLAs.
Rahul Gandhi had said such ordinance should be "torn and thrown out".
Earlier on Thursday, at a party workers' rally in Wayanad in Kerala, Congress leader Mr Gandhi said: "......Narendra Modi and Nathuram Godse believe in the same ideology. There is no difference. Except Narendra Modi doesn't have guts to say he believes in Godse".
"Today an ignorant, uninformed man is trying to challenge the idea of India. He is so full of anger that he does not know what India's strength is. His (Modi's) ideology is the same as Godse's," the Congress leader said.
Several other BJP leaders flayed Mr Gandhi for his remarks.
BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya in Kolkata said: "Rahul Gandhi should first say what is his ideology and in which ideology he believes in. Nobody takes Rahul Gandhi seriously".
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| Parliamentary Drama !! |
India in touch with 600 Indians in Hubei province of China: MEA
New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Government of India has established contact with over 600 Indians across the Hubei province in China and are individually ascertaining their willingness to be 'repatriated'.
MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters here on Thursday that the Indian government has been conducting a regular review on the situation arising out of the outbreak of Corona virus in China.
"We have put out regular updates on the arrangements which are being made. You are aware that we have made a formal request to the government of China for bringing back Indian nationals from the Hubei province in two flights. We are awaiting for the necessary approval from the Chinese side," he said.
He expressed hope that this will be granted soon.
"Meanwhile, we have established contact with over 600 Indians across the province and are individually ascertaining their willingness to be repatriated. Our Mission in Beijing is working round-the-clock on the ground to work out the necessary logistics".
The MEA spokesman further said: "Arrangements are being put in place for people to travel to the airport. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad. We appreciate the support extended by the Government of China and other Ministries in the Government of India in putting this process together".
Meanwhile, MEA spokesman announced that Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa will be on a State Visit to India from February 8 to 11 on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
There will be delegation level talks between two Prime Ministers and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will call on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister will also travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Tirupati.
The visit is in continuation of the tradition of high-level exchanges between India and Sri Lanka, Mr Kumar said.
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajpaksa also had visited India in November 2019 immediately after his election victory.
Talks on for Trump's visit, but no details yet, says MEA
New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said talks through diplomatic channels are on between the Indian government and the US administration on possible visit of President Donald Trump, but nothing further could be stated at this juncture.
"Normally about the visit (of President Trump), we will announce from here. You are aware that we are engaged with the US side through diplomatic channels to work out the dates. I would not like to comment any further," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters here.
He was asked to comment on remarks made by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani that the US President Trump will come (to India) in February and will also visit the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad in Gujarat in February this year.
Addressing an election meeting in the capital on Wednesday late evening, Mr Rupani had said:
"In the entire Asia, the Sabarmati river has become the cleanest river which was ensured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prominent leaders like Japanese PM (Shinzo Abe) and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have visited the riverfront.....US President Donald Trump will also come (to India) in February and visit the riverfront".
Of course, there has been no official announcement of Mr Trump's visit from either side yet.
The possibility of the visit in February is not ruled out entirely.
Answering questions, MEA spokesman Mr Kumar also said that the newly enacted Citizenship law
is 'internal' matter of India.
".....but however, we will continue to engage with Members of European Parliament, other EU stakeholders and European Parliament," he said asserting that CAA is an ''internal matter of India and that the CAA has been adopted through due process and through democratic means".
In a crucial diplomatic victory for the Modi government, it was announced in Brussels that there will be "no voting" on the EU resolution on CAA.
Government of India sources said here on Wednesday evening that: "Friends of India prevailed over the Friends of Pakistan in the European Parliament".
"Strenuous efforts of outgoing British MEP, Shaffaq Mohammed to have a Resolution passed by the European Parliament against India on the penultimate day before Brexit were defeated," the source had further said.
"We have noted EU Parliament's decision to not put to vote a resolution on CAA on Thursday," he said.
The MEA spokesman further said: ''We have noted European Commission's opinion that EU Parliament's views don't represent the official position of the EU.''
Sitharaman faces tough task dealing with investment & push for Kashmir development
New Delhi, Jan 30 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has tough task in presenting her first 'full' Budget on February 1 as immense pressure has been mounted on her including from RSS affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh to take steps to garner higher investment, strike balance with higher allocation for Jammu and Kashmir and ensure better climate for small businesses to thrive.
"We want a Budget which will create atmosphere for small and medium businesses to prosper," a ruling party leader said here highlighting the issues those figured at the pre-budget consultation held by Ms Sitharaman, her deputy MoS Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials.
Sources said there have been lobbying for scrapping of the long-term capital gains tax on investment in equity or equity-oriented funds.
A section of party leaders and also the newly created Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have pressed before the central government for generous funding to help the new administration under Lt Governor G C Murmu undertake the path of development braving 'challenging situations'.
"In J&K, private sector employment has to be given a boost. A new work culture has to be brought which is people-centric and development oriented," a party leader told UNI.
The sources said another RSS-affiliated organisation Swadeshi Jagran Manch has also made its suggestions to the Finance Ministry counseling on steps, it feels the government should take to help SMEs and also oppose policies under which airports lands are being 'leased out'.
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the labour wing of RSS also has spoken on these lines.
It is worth mentioning that organisations like SJM had since 2019 strongly opposed RCEP, a free trade agreement and also has been critical of the 'push' to help China-based Huawei major joining the 5G trial in India.
"The BJP-led government will have to live up to the expectations of people, in particular the youth in J&K, who have pinned high optimism about their future in the new set up," the source said.
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| Blogger Dev |
The BJP leaders and those in Sanghparivar groups have made it clear to the government that initiatives already taken for putting J&K on the path of progress and development since August 2019 will have to be given 'further impetus' in this year's Budget as J&K has come under direct administration of the central government.
The UT administration has also maintained, according to sources, that the finances of J&K have to be put on a 'sound footing' and for this, generous central support is essential.
The upcoming budget - both the central proposals for fiscal 2020-21 and J&K Budget are likely to 'deliver' on assurance given to the people of J&K during bifurcation of the erstwhile state on higher economic development in the region.
Finance Minister Sitharaman will present the Union budget on February 1, the Jammu and Kashmir budget could be presented either the same day or later.
As there is no legislature in J&K, the UT Budget will have to be presented and passed by both Houses of Parliament in the Budget session getting underway on Friday.
In general sense, it has been suggested by BJP sources that the Finance Minister is expected to announce a plan in the budget to invest Rs 105 trillion in infrastructure over the next five years.
It may be mentioned that earlier this month, the Finance Minister had launched a National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), unveiling projects worth Rs 102 trillion, to boost economic growth and help the economy reach the 5-trillion dollars target by 2025.
Among various suggestions, the Finance Ministry has been also advised to take steps so that there are 'reduced cost in financial transactions'.
Several foreign investors have in the past complained over that the fact that companies have to cough out 15 per cent dividend distribution tax on declared dividends, and investors pay another 10 per cent tax on receiving more than Rs 10 lakh dividend in a financial year.
Another Sangh-affliate body Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) has been demanding that adequate steps have to be taken so that the MSME sector can overcome some of the 'inherent disadvantages' as against the large-scale industries in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
This Sangh affiliate forum held a major conclave in Nagpur wherein 2000 small and medium industry players from across India attended and key leaders, including Commerce and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, also had graced the meet.
LUB has also voiced its concerns on newly worked out Defence Industrial Corridor in northern states.
The sources also said that the LUB has got active in Karnataka lately and has been working in at least 25 districts in the southern BJP-ruled state.
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