Tag: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Gaganyaan to take Indian astronaut to space by 2022, says PM Narendra Modi

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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An Indian astronaut, be it a man or a woman, will go on a space odyssey by 2022 on board ‘Gaganyaan’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day address from Red Fort.

He said when India celebrates 75th year of Independence in 2022, “and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter” will undertake a manned space mission on board ‘Gaganyaan’ “carrying the national flag”.

#MyIndiaMyPride — In 2022, when we will celebrate 75th year of Independence, we are dedicated to send people of the country to space. We will launch Gaganyan. We will become the 4th country in the world to take people to space: PM @narendramodi #IndependenceDayIndia | #ID18 pic.twitter.com/I4OcUJebNB

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2018

Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar probe. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation in October 2008 and operated until August 2009.

Mangalyaan is another Indian space project. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan, is a space probe orbiting Mars since September 24, 2014.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Dignitaries fight humidity with hand-crafted tribal fans at I-Day function at Red Fort

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Colourful fans hand crafted by tribal artisans offered relief to the dignitaries, including foreign diplomats and politicians, braving high humidity levels during the Independence Day function at the historic Red Fort.

An overcast sky with high relative humidity was a perfect recipe for a typical sultry morning in the national capital.

At 5:30 AM, humidity was 72 percent, the Met department said. It was 88 per cent a couple of hours ago.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times when delivering the Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.

The bamboo-made fans crafted by artisans from the Mahali tribe of West Bengal, were provided to the invitees, including ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and other VVIPs.

A thousand hand-crafted fans were procured by the Defence Ministry from the Tribal Affairs Ministry’s agency TRIFED, as part of the government’s efforts to popularise tribal products.

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) functions under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, to develop marketing of tribal products.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Government’s ambitious healthcare scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat’ to be launched on September 25

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that his government will launch an ambitious healthcare scheme on September 25 this year which will benefit 50 crore citizens of the country.

In his last Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort ahead of the next Lok Sabha election, he said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan (Ayushman Bharat) will be launched on September 25 on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.

“The healthcare initiatives of the government will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians,” he said.

“It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare.”

The ambitious Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) aims to provide a coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually, benefiting more than 10 crore poor families.

The scheme aims to target poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban workers’ families, 8.03 crore in rural and 2.33 crore in urban areas, as per the latest Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, and will cover around 50 crore people.

Asserting that technology will play a crucial role in the implementation of the programme, he said in four to six weeks, testing of these technology tools under the scheme will start.

He said the Swachh Bharat Mission will enable lakhs of children in leading healthier lives.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils health mission scheme; India to send manned mission to space by 2022

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a manned mission to space by 2022 and unveiled Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan.

An Indian astronaut, be it a man or a woman, will go on a space odyssey by 2022 on board ‘Gaganyaan’, Modi said in his Independence Day address.

“In space technology, we have dreamt something, our scientists have dreamt something. And I am happy to announce that by 2022, the 75th Independence year, we are planning a manned space mission,” Modi said.

This seems to be PM Modi’s ‘JFK moment’ as he announced that India will become the fourth nation to send a man to space.

On May 25, 1961, US president John F Kennedy announced before a special joint session of Congress the dramatic and ambitious goal of sending an American safely to the Moon before the end of the decade. A number of political factors affected Kennedy’s decision and the timing of it.

The Prime Minister unveiled Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan and said it will be launched on September 25 this year. “It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable healthcare,” Modi said.

The healthcare initiatives of the centre will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians, Modi said, adding that it is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare.

On Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said that the government will continue to follow the path of ‘Insaniyat, Jamuriyat and Kashmiriyat’ for peace envisioned by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He also said that efforts are on to hold early polls for local bodies and panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir to help strengthen democratic institutions there.

This is the Prime Minister’s fifth and the last Independence Day speech before the general elections next year.

Setting the stage for the 2019 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech pitched for social justice as well as the achievements of his government.

Highlights from the speech:

• Modi started his Independence Day speech by saluting the women of India and tribal children who unfurled the National flag on Mount Everest.
•  “India has registered its name as one of the largest global power. And after such an achievement, we are celebrating the Independence Day today. I salute Army personnel and other forces who sacrifice their lives to protect India’s national flag,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
• This year the country has witnessed a good monsoon but at the same time there has been parts in India which were affected by floods. Modi said, adding “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in these floods,” Modi added.

#MyIndiaMyPride — The recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the bill to create an OBC Commission: PM @narendramodi #IndependenceDayIndia | #ID18

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/fWm3uTwlpT pic.twitter.com/kY7HmAqD4T

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2018

• On his government’s achievement, Modi spoke about village electrification and construction of toilets. “Remember where we were then, where we are now. Penetration of optical fiber and internet in rural India would have taken decades, if we had progressed in the same speed as was in 2013,” he said.
• “Indians did not just elect a government, they went ahead and participated in nation building,” PM Modi said.
• On Minimum Support Price (MSP), Modi added that after years of files circulating in government offices, our government finally put MSP in place.

#MyIndiaMyPride — Who did not want the GST to be passed, yet it was pending for years. Last year GST became a reality. I want to thank the business community for the success of the GST: PM @narendramodi #IndependenceDayIndia | #ID18 pic.twitter.com/NDSzBQAHSv

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2018

• He continued on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and Benami Property Act, saying that no one had the courage to enforce it but we did it. One Rank One Pension (OROP) policy was also put into practice when our jawans were struggling.
• “From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are all set for record economic growth,” Modi said.

#MyIndiaMyPride — World always believed that India means policy paralysis or delayed reforms, but now it has changed to reform, perform and transform. We were counted among fragile 5, but now we are a multi-trillion dollar investment destination: PM #IndependenceDayIndia | #ID18

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2018

• On the occasion of 72nd Independence Day, PM Modi announce manned mission to space in 2022. “India is proud of our scientists, who are excelling in their research and are at the forefront of innovation. In the year 2022 or if possible before, India will unfurl the tricolour in space,” he added.

PM @narendramodi announces the launch of Gaganyaan, says before 2022, an Indian man will be put in space. When done, India will be the 4th country in the world to put a man in space. #IndependenceDayIndia #ID18#LIVE Updates:https://t.co/ZuoxoXj7Ve

— News18.com (@news18dotcom) August 15, 2018

• Modi said, India has become a ray of hope for people believing that global warming is a threat and a cause of environmental concern and that the country is heading international solar alliance.
• “The world earlier viewed India as a country hit by policy paralysis, delayed reforms, now it sees it as a multi-trillion dollar investment destination,” Modi said, adding that his government also took the bold measure of announcing the minimum support price for grains at 1.5 times the cost to farmers.

#MyIndiaMyPride — 13 crore Mudra loan, 4 crore people take loans for the first time — this itself presents a changed and new India: PM @narendramodi #IndependenceDayIndia | #ID18

LIVE UPDATES:https://t.co/JRYKcXCSY8

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2018

• “With a ‘Beej Se Bazar Tak’ approach, the government is bringing reforms to the agriculture sectors and aims to double farmer incomes by 2022, Narendra Modi said from Red Fort.
• PM Modi on Clean India: World Health Organisation (WHO) has just released a report that states that India’s Swachh Bharat program has saved the lives of 3 lakh children.
• PM Modi announces Jan Aarogya Abhiyan: The Prime Minister announced that 100 crore families will get Rs 5 lakh of health insurance under the Jan Aarogya Abhiyan which will be started along with Ayushman Bharat program.

#MyIndiaMyPride — The healthcare initiatives of the government will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is important to ensure that we free the poor of India from poverty so that they can afford healthcare: PM @narendramodi #IndependenceDayIndia | #ID18 pic.twitter.com/jWSP8bSZgs

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 15, 2018

• Talking about the developments on Ujjwala and Saubhagya Yojana, PM Modi said, “As significant as economic growth, is dignity of the individual. Our schemes are enhancing the dignity of fellow Indians.”

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Over 70 lakh jobs created in formal sector last year, says Narendra Modi

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Calling the opposition claims on rising unemployment a “political gimmick”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that over 70 lakh jobs were created in the formal sector alone in the last one year.

Based on Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) data, more than 45 lakh formal jobs were created between September 2017 to April 2018, Modi said in an email interview with Times of India published on Sunday.

“According to our study based on the EPFO data, more than 70 lakh jobs were created in the formal sector alone last year.”

Attacking the opposition, he said that rather than the so-called failure of this government to create jobs, “I believe the shortcoming lies in the absence or lack of a streamlined database of jobs.

“Naturally, in the absence of information, our opponents will exploit this situation and blame us for not creating jobs”.

Modi also called the opposition’s claim of rising unemployment a “propaganda”.

“If you look at claims made by the state governments, Bengal says it created 68 lakh jobs and the previous Karnataka government claimed it created 53 lakh jobs, are we saying that all the country’s jobs are being created in some states and that other states and the country as a whole are not creating jobs? This propaganda on jobs by the opposition is nothing but a political gimmick,” he said.

Modi said that informal sector accounts for around 80 percent of all jobs and creation of jobs in the formal sector has a spin-off effect on job creation in the informal sector.

“There are close to three lakh village-level entrepreneurs who run common service centres across the country and create employment. More than 12 crore loans have been given under MUDRA Scheme,” he said.

Modi said that in the last four years there has been massive construction activities like roads, railways or housing, all these generate jobs.

“All reports, whether national or international, show that poverty in India is on the decline. Can we think of such a possibility without people having jobs?” he asked.

Asserting that tourism provides maximum employment, Modi said that the country’s tourism sector has been growing rapidly with foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2017 registering a growth of 14 percent over 2016.

Airlines are adding new aircraft on a monthly basis and the number of mobile manufacturing units in this country increased to close to 120, he claimed.

“These alone have generated 4.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other leaders mourn Karunanidhi’s death

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his anguish over the death of DMK President M. Karunanidhi.

In a series of tweets, Modi said: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. He was one of the senior most leaders of India.

“We have lost a deep-rooted mass leader, prolific thinker, accomplished writer and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and the marginalized.

“Kalaignar Karunanidhi stood for regional aspirations as well as national progress. He was steadfastly committed to the welfare of Tamils and ensured that Tamil Nadu’s voice was effectively heard,” Modi said.

My thoughts are with the family and the countless supporters of Karunanidhi Ji in this hour of grief. India and particularly Tamil Nadu will miss him immensely. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/7ZZQi9VEkm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2018

Modi said he had the opportunity of interacting with Karunanidhi on several occasions. “His understanding of policy and emphasis on social welfare stood out. Firmly committed to democratic ideals, his strong opposition to the Emergency will always be remembered.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami  expressed his grief over the death of DMK President M. Karunanidhi by saying that he was anguished on hearing about the demise of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a very senior politician and a leader of the DMK for 50 long years.

மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு.எடப்பாடி கே.பழனிசாமி அவர்களின் இரங்கல் செய்தி – 7.8.2018 pic.twitter.com/NXEV9jZxUZ

— Edappadi K Palaniswami (@CMOTamilNadu) August 7, 2018

Karunanidhi fought for social justice, the Chief Minister said. His death is a great loss to the state. He offered his condolences to the late leader’s family members.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday described the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M. Karunanidhi as “a great loss to the nation”.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader said he will fly to Chennai on Wednesday to pay his tributes to the DMK stalwart who died on Tuesday evening at age 94.

“Feel very sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. It is a great loss to the nation,” Kejriwal tweeted.

Feel v sad to hear about the demise of this great leader. May his soul rest in peace. Its a great loss to the nation. https://t.co/fymujgcmMI

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 7, 2018

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday mourned the death of DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi, saying the country has lost one of its greatest sons.

“Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell Kalaignar. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, DMK and family. India mourns your loss,” Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle.

A former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi, 94, died on Tuesday evening at the Kauvery Hospital.

Today India lost one of its greatest sons. And Tamil Nadu lost its father figure. Farewell @Kalaignar89. My deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu, @arivalayam, @mkstalin, @KanimozhiDMK and family. India mourns your loss

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 7, 2018

His passing away marks an end of an era, said Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Pained to learn about the sad demise of Dr. M. Karunanidhi. His passing away is an irreparable loss to country and to the state of Tamil Nadu and marks end of an era. I convey my heartfelt condolences to members of his bereaved family and his supporters across the country.

— Sumitra Mahajan (@S_MahajanLS) August 7, 2018

A seasoned leader who dedicated himself in service to the poor and needy, said Rajnath Singh.

The demise of Kalaignar Karunanidhi is a monumental loss to India’s political landscape. His contribution to the Tamil society and the Tamil Nadu state will always be remembered. My heartfelt tributes to Kalaignar Karunanidhi and condolences to the bereaved family.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 7, 2018

A leader loved by millions in and outside Tamil Nadu, said Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Deepest condolences to the family and supporters of Shri M. Karunanidhi ji as his earthly sojourn comes to a close. He was a leader loved by millions both in and outside Tamil Nadu for his contribution towards the society at large. May his soul rest in peace.

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 7, 2018

A black day in my life, said Rajnikanth.

என்னுடைய கலைஞர் மறைந்த இந்த நாள் என் வாழ்நாளில் நான் மறக்க முடியாத ஒரு கருப்பு நாள்.

அவருடைய ஆன்மா சாந்தி அடையட்டும்

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) August 7, 2018

A nation has lost a veteran politician, said Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh.

Saddened by the news of death of Shri Karunanidhi. In his death not just Tamil Nadu and his DMk party but the nation has lost a veteran politician. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 7, 2018

Not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu but for the entire country, said PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti.

His passing away is not only a major loss to Tamil Nadu but for the entire country. He was an outstanding leader who was passionately devoted to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. Deepest condolences to @mkstalin ji and the familiy. 2/2

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) August 7, 2018

A legend in his lifetime, said National Conference Leader Omar Abdullah.

A legend in his lifetime, counted amongst the giants of the political landscape of India #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi ji has left a void not just in his home state of Tamil Nadu but in the entire country that will never be filled. My condolences to his family & Tamils the world over.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 7, 2018

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Nissan close to settling dispute with India over unpaid incentives

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Cabinet clears amendments to GST laws

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Cabinet today approved GST laws amendments which included hiking threshold limit for availing composition scheme dealers to Rs 1.5 crore, among other things. The government will now table amendments to the Central GST law, Integrated GST law, Compensation Cess law in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

GST laws amendments have been cleared,? an official source said after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In all, there are 46 amendments, which among other things, will allow employers to claim input tax credit on facilities like food, transport and insurance provided to employees under any law.

It also provides for modification of reverse charge mechanism, separate registration for companies having different business verticals, cancellation of registration, new return filing norms and issuance of consolidated debit/credit notes covering multiple invoices.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

BJD walks out as Lok Sabha begins debate on no trust motion against Modi government

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members walked out of the Lok Sabha on Friday as the House began a debate on a no-confidence motion moved by the opposition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the discussion on the no trust motion would continue for the entire day and the vote would take place at 6 PM.

She said the House would also skip lunch.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge sought more time from the Speaker saying 38 minutes allotted for his party leaders to address the Lok Sabha was not enough.

He also sought more time for the members of Trinamool Congress, Left parties and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

“This is a very important motion. The country is watching us to know what we have to say and how the government is going to respond. Don’t limit the time. There are precedents when no-confidence motions have been debated for two, three or even five days. Therefore if you sum up in five hours, it is not justified,” Kharge said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar responded, saying Kharge is a senior leader but needed to understand that “in one-day cricket era, there was no need to play a test cricket match for five days”.

The BJD, which has 19 members in the Lok Sabha after the resignation of Kendrapara MP Baijyant Jay Panda, then walked out.

Its leader Bhartruhari Mahtab said injustice had been done to Odisha in the last 14 years and the BJP government at the Centre has failed to safeguard the interests of the state.

“In the last 14 years, the BJD has witnessed that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) for 10 years and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for four years have done injustice with Odisha. And this discussion is not going to help Odisha. So we are not going to participate,” Mahtab said.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an estranged ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government, moved the no-confidence motion on Wednesday, which was admitted by Mahajan.

The no-confidence motion has the support of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

The ruling NDA, however, enjoys a comfortable majority in the House. The BJP which leads the ruling combine has 273 members in the House that has an effective strength of 533, excluding the Speaker.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow