Tag: Narendra Modi

  • Moneycontrol exclusive: PM Narendra Modi on G20, global affairs, economy, and more

    Moneycontrol exclusive: PM Narendra Modi on G20, global affairs, economy, and more

    Mumbai: In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol days before India readies to host the G20 Leaders Summit, PM Narendra Modi spoke at length on global issues, India’s growth prospects and its role in G20 and the overall economy.

    In an hour-long conversation at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg office with Network 18 editors (Network18’s editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, Network18 chief content officer Santosh Menon, Network18 managing editor (digital) Karthik Subbaraman, Moneycontrol’s chief content & strategy officer Javed Sayed), the prime minister also shared his views on inflation and the dangers of freebies.

    Talking about the India growth story, the prime minister said, “India’s growth is not only good for Indians but also for the world. India’s growth is clean and green growth. India’s growth is being achieved with a human-centric approach that can be replicated in other countries too. India’s growth helps further the interests of the Global South.”

    It’s the prime minister’s first interview to a digital-only publication in his second term. The full interview will be published on Moneycontrol.com at 7:30 am on Wednesday 6 September.  

    Sharing his views on India’s role in the G20, the prime minister said that India has been advancing the interests of the developing world, including the interests of nations not represented in the G20, such as the countries of the African Union.

    “Perhaps for the first time in the history of G20, the troika is with the developing world—Indonesia, India, and Brazil. This troika can amplify the voice of the developing world, at a crucial time when there are increased tensions due to global geopolitics.”

    The prime minister said that India has been proactive in finding solutions for global issues and the same is also reflected in the country’s agenda for G20. “When we laid out our agenda for the G20, it was welcomed universally, because everyone knew that we would bring our proactive and positive approach to help find solutions for global issues.”

    Prime minister Modi also said that the world is now convinced that India will play a larger role in shaping the global future.

    “When global leaders meet me, they are filled with a sense of optimism about India due to the efforts of 140 crore Indians across various sectors. They are also convinced that India has a lot to offer and must play a larger role in shaping the global future. This has also been witnessed in their support for our work through the G20 platform.”

    Talking about the G20 events and conferences that took place across the length and the breadth of the country in the last few months, the Prime Minister said, “Our democratization of the G20 Presidency is our investment in the capacity building of the people, especially youth, of various cities across the country.”

    Asked about India’s guiding principle for engaging with the world, the prime minister said it was no different from what his government followed at home.” We have followed the approach of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas in our country over the last 9 years…. This is our guiding principle in global relations as well.”

    Talking about the problem of heightened inflation globally and its impact on India and countries of the Global South, prime minister Modi said, “As far as India is concerned, we have taken a number of steps to control inflation. Even in the face of adversities and global dynamics, India’s inflation was two percentage points lower than the global average inflation rate in 2022. Yet, we are not resting at that and are continuing to make pro-people decisions to boost ease of living. For example, recently on Raksha Bandhan, you saw how we reduced the prices of LPG for all consumers.”

    Sharing his views on debt vulnerabilities and damage to the economy from freebies, “The long-term implications of such policies destroy not only the economy but also society. The poor pay a heavy price. Yet again, the good thing is that people are becoming increasingly aware of the problem,” the prime minister said.

    “In this information age, news about the debt crisis in one country is travelling to many other countries. People are analysing the situation and awareness is spreading. This is helpful for other countries to take precautionary steps to avoid a similar situation in their own countries, with the people’s support. In our own country too, on multiple platforms, I have spoken about the need to be alert against financially irresponsible policies,” he added.

    The prime minister said that India’s political stability is the main reason why every sector could see deep reforms which led to stronger economic prospects for the country. “Due to this political stability, every other sector could see deep structural reforms. The economy, education, social empowerment, welfare delivery, infrastructure – I can keep on mentioning sectors that have seen reforms.”

  • Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s exclusive interview on LPG price cut on News18 India

    Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s exclusive interview on LPG price cut on News18 India

    Mumbai: News18 India’s managing editor Kishore Ajwani conducted an exclusive interview with union minister of petroleum & natural gas and housing and urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri. The interview centered around the government’s decision to reduce the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for domestic use by Rs 200 per cylinder, as announced by union minister Anurag Thakur. This reduction amounts to an 18 per cent decrease in the cost of a 14.2-kg cooking gas cylinder. The interview unveiled significant insights into the context, rationale, and implications of this decision.

    Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri began by addressing questions about the timing of prime minister Modi’s decision to lower LPG prices. He asserted that the opposition’s concerns regarding the timing need not overshadow the significance of the decision itself. Stressing the democratic nature of the government, the minister underscored that the decision was taken in honour of the upcoming Rakshabandhan festival, symbolising the government’s commitment to the welfare of India’s sisters.

    Highlighting the transformative journey of access to LPG, Puri illuminated the evolution from a time when 45 per cent of India’s population lacked LPG access before 2014. This stark reality has evolved into a commendable achievement, with the total number of LPG connections growing from 14 crore to 32 crore in 2023, he added. The ‘Ujwala Yojana’ scheme stands out as a cornerstone of this achievement, benefiting 9 crore 60 lakh beneficiaries who receive a direct 200 rupee subsidy. Minister Puri further revealed that even those not covered by the scheme would now enjoy a reduced cylinder price of 900 rupees from the earlier 1100 rupees, while Ujwala Yojana beneficiaries would be entitled to LPG cylinders at an astonishingly affordable 700 rupees. Future plans to expand the Ujjwala Yojana by approximately 75 lakh connections underscore the government’s resolute mission to ensure universal LPG access.

    When queried about the potential reduction of petrol and diesel prices, the union minister responded with an emphasis on fair comparisons. He raised questions concerning non-BJP states’ reluctance to reduce VAT in response to the central government’s reduction of central cess. The minister detailed a pattern of global petrol and diesel price increases, contrasting it with India’s remarkable feat of reducing petrol prices by five per cent and diesel prices by 0.28 per cent over the past two years.

    He then engaged in a state-by-state analysis, drawing attention to the difference in petrol and diesel prices between BJP and non-BJP states. The significant variance in VAT rates painted a compelling picture, with petrol prices differing by up to 11.85 rupees and diesel prices by 10.67 rupees.

    Expanding the horizon, he embarked on an international comparison spanning neighbouring countries. He referred to the data showcasing India’s praiseworthy position of reducing petrol prices by five per cent while its neighbours experienced notable increases, ranging from 24.91 per cent to 50.56 per cent. Even on the global stage, the USA encountered a substantial 43.33 per cent rise in petrol prices, in stark contrast to India’s reduction. Similarly, Germany and France, as major G20 countries, witnessed price increases of 18.56 per cent and 22.56 per cent respectively.

    The discourse extended to diesel prices, revealing India’s 0.28 per cent reduction against Sri Lanka’s 87.25 per cent surge and the USA’s 36.70 per cent increase. Puri also highlighted the government’s visionary steps in reducing LPG cylinder prices, benefitting each citizen by 200 rupees and Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries by 400 rupees, a testament to prime minister Modi’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

    Addressing concerns about election-driven motives, he firmly articulated that elections are inherent to India’s democratic fabric and are independent of policy decisions. The LPG price reduction, a gesture of benevolence to women, aligned with the broader initiatives of women’s empowerment, extended maternity leave, and the abolition of triple talaq.

    The union minister also delved into the challenges posed by “Oil bonds,” underscoring the consequences of past financial decisions and the government’s resolute approach under prime minister Modi’s leadership.

    The interview explored other dimensions of governance, including urban pollution and upcoming events. Puri’s insights provided a comprehensive understanding of the government’s vision, its accomplishments, and the commitment to India’s progress.

  • Dr S Jaishankar’s most significant interview to NDTV’s editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia

    Dr S Jaishankar’s most significant interview to NDTV’s editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia

    Mumbai: As India gears up for the grand finale of a successful G20 presidency, External Affairs minister S Jaishankar sat down for an engaging and in-depth conversation with NDTV editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia at NDTV’s G20 Conclave. In a room full of diplomats, foreign policy watchers and senior NDTV journalists, minister Jaishankar described India’s G20 Presidency as a game-changer. He said the country that commands respect today in the world is India. The minister added that under the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi, India has taken G20 out of the conference rooms to the people. Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence of an outcome at the Summit.

    On the latest China irritant of putting out a map claiming Aksai chin as its territory, the Minister said that this is China’s old habit. Describing the move as absurd, Dr Jaishankar said that India today is very clear about what territories it needs to defend. He reiterated that the area is an integral part of India.

    In the same vein, the minister spoke of Pakistan, saying that no one invests in a ‘losing stock’. Dr Jaishankar also called the abrogation of article 370 one of the most significant achievements of the Modi Government and asked naysayers to go to Lal Chowk in Srinagar to see the difference for themselves. He hit out at previous governments for playing politics over Kashmir.

    With India emerging as the voice of the Global South, the minister said that India has forwarded its agenda at G20. He said that India is the bridge between the North, South, East & West, today.

    Praising PM Modi, the External Affairs minister said that he is a very curious person and has deep knowledge of global politics. He said that Prime Minister Modi’s single-line message to President Putin, that now is not the time for war, conveyed the world’s sentiment.

    Dr Jaishankar described the success of Chandrayaan-3 as an example of India’s credibility and capability. He said that everyone at the BRICS Summit lauded the success as a collective achievement.

    Responding to a question asked by the Australian High Commissioner to India, Mr. Phillip Green, on whether the world would go back to the times of Mahabharata and be bipolar, he said that multi-polarity is here to stay. No one country can call the shots anymore.

  • IHW’s fourth Bharat Nutrition week with MasterChef Shipra Khanna as ambassador

    IHW’s fourth Bharat Nutrition week with MasterChef Shipra Khanna as ambassador

    Mumbai: Nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy and strong society and a non-negotiable component of health that needs to be ensured at all costs. To create awareness of the key role that a nutritious diet plays in ensuring overall well-being, the IHW Council has been celebrating a unique week-long initiative Bharat Nutrition Week, instituted in line with prime minister – Shri Narendra Modi’s flagship overarching scheme of holistic nourishment Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission, NNM)and Bharat Poshan Month,in September every year.

    The fourth edition of Bharat Nutrition Week – India’s biggest good food and nutrition awareness national movement, along with its Mission Ambassador–MasterChef Shipra Khanna will amplify the vision of a nutritious and healthy India. The first week of September will witness a flurry of engaging and interactive activities centred around the theme of healthy and nutritious food.

    Speaking on the occasion Master Chef Shipra Khanna said, “Good food and healthy eating is a cause that I firmly believe in, initiatives like this can play a pro-active role in making people realize the imperative role that nutrition plays for a healthy body and mind and motivate them to switch towards a healthier lifestyle.”

    While The Good Food Show and Healthy Khayega India will engage with social media influencers, top nutritionists and chefs, to promote healthy food practices and recipes among the urban and rural population of the country. Bharat Poshan Premier Quiz, another interesting and much sought-after activity under the aegis of the Bharat Nutrition Weekend supported by Artist For Her, will involve school kids, pan India for the largest virtual nutrition quiz that is sure to raise the adrenaline rush while also imparting relevant knowledge on good food, nutrition, hygiene and inculcating healthy eating practices.

    Amidst an escalating burden of non-communicable diseases in the country coupled with a rise in the double form of malnutrition, advocating for good food is the need of the hour. According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-21, around 23 per cent of Indians are obese and thus suffer from a multitude of health disorders because of the condition. Bharat Nutrition Week is a campaign that aims to address these problems through holistic nutrition education and to create mass awareness about the significance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

    Discussing the importance of nutrition, IHW Council CEO Kamal Narayan said, “A balanced and nourishing diet forms the foundation of a sound mind, body and soul while ensuring favourable cognitive and physical development. Social health campaigns like the Bharat Nutrition Week, create lasting influence, fostering awareness and meaningful shift towards nutrition by cultivating healthy dietary habits amongst all, echoing the government’s ambitious and timely Rashtriya Poshan Maah’s objective of good food and nutrition for all.”

  • Business Today’s G20 special issue: Exclusive interview with PM Modi

    Business Today’s G20 special issue: Exclusive interview with PM Modi

    Mumbai: Business Today’s G20 Special Issue is out! In this issue, find an exclusive interview with prime minister Narendra Modi who talks in detail about his hopes and vision for India’s G20 presidency, the areas in which he believes the country is making a difference, the impact of India’s G20 ecosystem, and more.  

    As the G20 president for the year, India has emerged as the driving force for a wide range of issues that need immediate attention from global leaders, who will converge in New Delhi to attend the G20 heads of state and government summit in September. At the summit, India will be looking to build a global consensus on a host of issues under the leadership of prime minister Modi. In that context, the prime minister said in the interview, “The G20 group is being looked at as a ray of hope by the world and the ground for this is being laid during India’s presidency of G20.” He goes on to add that India, by inviting the African Union to the G20 during its presidency, has laid the foundation for inclusivity. He also holds forth on the country’s digital public infrastructure, and that “Technology has helped India achieve targeted welfare delivery.”

    Apart from the prime minister’s interview, the special issue—centred on India’s G20 presidency—also has interviews with G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, chief coordinator for India’s G20 presidency. Besides these, the issue includes stories on key takeaways for India Inc. from India’s G20 presidency; how the country is showcasing its digital prowess, such as its digital public infrastructure, to the world; and how India is aiming to foster a global start-up ecosystem, among others.  

    The issue also has columns by thought leaders such as K.V. Kamath, Janmejaya Sinha, Vinod Dham, Sangita Reddy, Ritesh Agarwal and Dilip Oommen on what the G20 presidency means and the road ahead.

  • Exclusive interview on Chandrayan 3 landing with minister Anurag Thakur on News18 India’s “Aar Paar”

    Exclusive interview on Chandrayan 3 landing with minister Anurag Thakur on News18 India’s “Aar Paar”

    Mumbai: News18 India’s flagship show “Aar Paar,” hosted by renowned journalist Amish Devgan, recently secured an exclusive interview with Anurag Thakur, the esteemed minister of sports, youth affairs, and minister of information and broadcasting. The interview delved into the remarkable success of Chandrayan 3, the latest lunar mission, which has garnered global acclaim for its cost-effectiveness and achievements.

    Chandrayan 3, hailed as the world’s most cost-efficient and successful lunar mission, has once again positioned India as a pioneering force in space exploration. Under the BJP government’s visionary leadership, the nation’s space endeavours have witnessed exponential growth, with a remarkable increase in space missions from a mere 1.2 during the UPA government to an impressive 5.2 missions annually.

    The latest achievement in the form of Chandrayan 3 marks another significant milestone following the success of the Mangalyan mission. A noteworthy record was set with the simultaneous launch of 104 satellites, a testament to India’s capabilities and determination in the space sector. The government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has led to the emergence of numerous startups, contributing to the nation’s technological advancement.

    The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, has exhibited unwavering faith in the nation’s scientists and has been instrumental in ushering in a new era for the Indian space sector. Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized that this government’s policies have opened unprecedented opportunities, effectively transforming dreams into tangible realities.

    In response to questions about political credit-taking, minister Thakur highlighted the intelligence of the Indian citizenry, stating that they are discerning enough to differentiate between genuine efforts and opportunistic claims. He underscored the government’s commitment by revealing a budget allocation 2.5 times greater than that of the UPA government, a clear testament to the administration’s dedication to advancing space exploration.

    Minister Thakur acknowledged the significant role played by the country’s scientists in the Chandrayan 3 mission and emphasized that the success was a collective endeavour. He expressed his view that while the opposition may adopt a psychology of seeking credit, the BJP government focuses on delivering practical results that transform aspirations into accomplishments.

    The interview also touched upon the topic of National Awards, further illustrating the government’s dedication to honouring outstanding contributions across various fields.

    The “Aar Paar” exclusive interview provided a comprehensive insight into India’s remarkable journey in space exploration under the BJP government’s leadership. minister Anurag Thakur’s candid responses shed light on the dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit that drive India’s accomplishments in the space sector.

  • Moneycontrol launches #BullishOnIndia campaign

    Moneycontrol launches #BullishOnIndia campaign

    Mumbai: Moneycontrol, India’s leading markets and finance platform, has launched the ‘Bullish On India’ campaign to showcase India’s rising economic might, as it emerges stronger from the pandemic amid a sluggish world economy.

    The campaign aims to analyse the key drivers of India’s economic growth while fostering awareness about the unparalleled potential the nation offers at a time of a global economic slowdown.

    ‘Bullish On India’ will put a spotlight on India’s vast economic landscape to provide investors, businesses, and readers with comprehensive insights into the factors propelling India’s growth trajectory. With detailed analysis of macroeconomic factors like manufacturing, demography, economy, markets and India’s rising stand in the global leadership, ‘Bullish on India’ has been presented as a data backed campaign that underlines India’s resilient economic growth in a world grappling with recession.

    The platform has also launched an eBook which evaluates the main factors influencing India’s economic growth while raising awareness of the unprecedented potential the country has to offer.

    With the nation set to become the third largest economy soon, the campaign captures various facets of India’s growth story through a unique editorial series, which will see contributions from leading names from finance and policy.

    The campaign has also drawn applause from both India Inc and the government.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi reacting to Moneycontrol’s ‘Bullish on India’ campaign on 19 August called India’s economy a beacon of hope amidst global challenges. He remarked that the future holds promise, due to the nation’s steadfast determination.

    He also emphasised how important it is to continue on this upbeat path and ensure the well-being of the country’s 1.4 billion people.

     

     

    Congratulating Moneycontrol on launching the #BullishOnIndia campaign, minister of commerce and industries Piyush Goyal said, “Optimism is in the air and spirits are high, there is a newfound confidence in India. Thank you, Moneycontrol for your support to this optimism. I am an optimist, I believe each one of you is equally optimistic, equally confident, equally ready, and willing to fulfil your duties to make India the global superpower, make India amongst the top three economies of the world, and ensure that every Indian has a better future. Our generations ahead will remember this generation as the people who created the India story.”

     

     

  • “India’s economy is a shining beacon of hope in these challenging times,” says PM Modi in a post on Moneycontrol’s #BullishOnIndia campaign

    “India’s economy is a shining beacon of hope in these challenging times,” says PM Modi in a post on Moneycontrol’s #BullishOnIndia campaign

    Mumbai: Tweeting on the recently launched Moneycontrol Bullish on India campaign, prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India’s economy is a shining beacon of hope in these challenging times. 

    In his post on social media platform X (earlier known as Twitter), the prime minister wrote, “India’s economy shines as a beacon of hope in these challenging times. With robust growth and a resilient spirit, the future looks promising. Let us keep this momentum and ensure prosperity for 140 crore Indians.”

    Moneycontrol, India’s leading markets and finance platform, recently launched the campaign ‘Bullish On India’ to showcase India’s economic resilience and growth potential in various critical sectors. It aims to analyse the key drivers of India’s economic growth while fostering awareness about the unparalleled potential the nation offers at a time of a global economic slowdown. 

    ‘Bullish On India’ will put a spotlight on India’s vast economic landscape to provide investors, businesses, and readers with comprehensive insights into the factors propelling India’s growth trajectory. With a detailed analysis of macroeconomic factors such as manufacturing, demography, economy, markets and India’s rising stand in the global leadership, ‘Bullish on India’ has been presented as a data-backed campaign that underlines India’s resilient economic growth. 

    Various adversities have shaken economies worldwide in the past few years. However, India is standing tall, retaining its stature as the ‘world’s fastest-growing major economy’. With the nation set to become the third-largest economy in the coming years, the campaign captures various facets of India’s growth story through a unique editorial series, which will see contributions from leading names from all walks of life. 

     

  • India can be the post-production hub of the world: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    India can be the post-production hub of the world: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    Mumbai: “International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has become a platform for film directors from all over the world to showcase their work. I am sure that India will become a hub for co-production, post-production, film shooting, content, and also for the technology partners,” said the union minister for information & broadcasting and youth affairs & sports Anurag Thakur, during the inauguration ceremony of the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa.

    Thakur added that his vision is to make India the most sought-after destination for film shoots and post-production, backed by the talent of our people and the innovation of our industry leaders.

    The minister went on to say that his vision for IFFI isn’t limited to a single event, but rather what IFFI should be when India celebrates its 100th year of independence, when we switch from Amrit Mahotsav to Amrit Kaal. “We aim to make India a powerhouse of content creation, especially regional cinema, by scaling up regional festivals. India can be the post-production hub of the world by leveraging the immense tech talent amongst our skilled youth,” he added.

    “For the first time, gala premieres of Indian, global, and OTT films will be held at IFFI, including the premiere of the fourth season of the globally acclaimed series Fauda, which features some of the biggest Israeli stars in the world today. I would also like to share that the next season of this show will also be launched at IFFI,” Thakur added.

    The minister further congratulated celebrated Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura for winning the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award this year. He also announced that the Indian Film Personality of the Year award will be conferred to South Indian actor Chiranjeevi.

    While sharing the achievements, Thakur pinpointed the importance of the Film Bazaar, which is being organised on the sidelines of IFFI. “For the first time, IFFI has augmented the scope of the ‘Film Bazaar’ by introducing ‘Country Pavilions,’” he added.

  • DoT extends PLI Scheme for telecom and networking products to 42 beneficiaries

    DoT extends PLI Scheme for telecom and networking products to 42 beneficiaries

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Communications has approved 42 companies, including 28 MSMEs, under the PLI Scheme for telecom and networking products, providing a significant boost to prime minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Design-led manufacturing will build a strong ecosystem for 5G.  

    17 companies have applied for an additional 1 per cent incentive under design-led manufacturing criteria. These 42 companies have committed Rs 4,115 crores in investment. This is expected to generate additional sales of Rs 2.45 lakh crores and create more than 44,000 new jobs over the course of the scheme.

    The Union budget for FY’22-23 announced a design-led PLI Scheme for telecom and networking products in order to build a strong domestic value chain.  

    It provided an additional 1 per cent incentive on top of the existing incentives for products designed and manufactured in India. The design-led PLI scheme was launched in June 2022, and applications were invited from design-led manufacturers and others to take advantage of the incentive under the PLI Scheme for five years beginning on 1 April.

    Existing PLI scheme companies for telecom and networking products were allowed to add more products and apply for the design-led PLI scheme. They also received the advantage of extending their 5-year PLI Scheme period by one year. This opportunity to shift their first year was taken advantage of by 22 companies, including 13 new applicants.  

    The enthusiastic response from domestic and global manufacturers to the concrete steps taken by the Government of India to encourage telecom equipment manufacturing demonstrates the Government’s strong confidence in its initiatives. India is on track to become a design and manufacturing center for telecom and networking equipment.

    The approved applicants under the PLI Scheme for telecom and networking products are Alphion India , Candid Optronix, Coral Telecom, Design and Manufacturing Vista Electronics , Ehoome IOT, Elcom Innovations, Frog Cellsat, GDN Enterprises , GO IP Global Services ,GX India, Huber + Suhner Electronics, Kaynes International Design & Manufacturing , Lekha Wireless Solutions, Matrix Comsec, Netlink ICT, Netweb Technologies, Panache Digilife, Priyaraj Electronics,Samriddhi Automations ,Sansap Technology , Sixth Energy Technologies , Skyquad Electronics and Appliances Private Limited, Surbhi Satcom Private Limited, Synegra EMS, Systrome Technologies, Tecniqua India, Tianyin Worldtech India , Vihaan Networks , Dixon Electro Appliances, HFCL, ITI ,Neolync Tele Communications, Syrma SGS Technology, Tejas Networks , VVDN Technologies, Commscope India , Flextronics Technologies (India), Jabil Circuit India, Nokia Solutions and Networks India, Rising Stars Hi-Tech , Samsung India Electronics and Sanmina-Sci India.