PM celebrates International Yoga Day in Chandigarh – participates in mass Yoga demonstration, addresses and mingles with people at Capitol Complex

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participating in the mass yoga demonstration at the Capitol Complex, Chandigarh, on the occasion of the 2nd International Day of Yoga – 2016, on June 21, 2016.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today celebrated the second International Day of Yoga at Chandigarh, where he joined approximately 30,000 participants in a mass Yoga demonstration. 

Addressing the gathering at the iconic Capitol Complex, the Prime Minister said that today, people in all parts of the country have connected with Yoga. He said that the world has come forward to support the idea of International Day of Yoga. He added that all sections of society too, have come together in this endeavour. 

The Prime Minister said that the International Day of Yoga is a day linked to good health, and it has become a mass movement. He said that Yoga is not about what one will get, but it is about what one can give up. He said that with zero budget, Yoga provides health assurance, and does not discriminate between rich and poor. 

The Prime Minister called for focus in the next one year, on how to mitigate diabetes through Yoga. He said that to honour those who are working to popularize Yoga, two awards will be instituted, one at the national level, and the other at the international level. 

The Prime Minister walked amidst, joined, and mingled with the participants of the mass Yoga demonstration. 

FDI reforms: PM says India most open economy

New Delhi, June 20 (PTI) Launching the second set of sweeping reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it makes India the most open economy in the world for FDI and would give boost to employment as part of efforts to transform the country.

He said amendments in FDI policy would promote ease of doing business as there will now be 100 per cent FDI under government approval route for trading, including e-commerce for food products manufactured or produced in India.

"Govt radically liberalizes FDI regime with the objective of providing major impetus to employment & job creation," Modi said in a tweet.

"Key reform decisions were taken at a high level meeting chaired by the PM, which makes India the most open economy in the world for FDI," he said.

The government, after a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, announced the second wave of FDI reforms allowing 100 per cent inflows in civil aviation and food processing sectors while easing norms in defence and pharmaceuticals.

"In two years, Govt brings major FDI policy reforms in several key sectors... India now the most open economy in the world for FDI; most sectors under automatic approval route," Modi said in tweets.

"Today's FDI reforms will give a boost to employment, job creation & benefit the economy," the Prime Minister said in a series of tweets with hashtag '#TransformingIndia'.

He said with liberalisation of FDI regime, there have been more inflows to contribute to growth of investment, incomes and employment.

"India rated as Number 1 FDI investment destination by several international agencies...India records highest ever FDI inflows at US$ 55.46 billion in financial year 2015-16," he said.

Prime Minister to lead the world in celebrating the Second International Day of Yoga on June 21st

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the Second International Day of Yoga celebrations in the country and across the globe by participating in a mass Yoga demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh on the morning of 21st of June. 

The function will begin at 6.30 am and will include 45 minutes of Yoga protocol demonstration. Over 35 thousand people are expected to participate in the event at Capitol Complex, Chandigarh while ten thousand more will perform at 100 different venues in the city of Chandigarh. The emphasis this year will be on participation of Divyangs, youths and people from weaker sections of the society. 

Reputed Yoga institutions will participate in the International Day of Yoga by leading the demonstration functions across the country. Yoga demonstrations will also be organized at several places in the national and state capitals. Similar events have been planned at all district headquarters in the country in association with prominent Yoga institutions of the country. 

In the National Capital Territory Delhi, the main events organized by Ministry of AYUSH and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will be at Connaught Place, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park and Talkatora Garden. Union Minister for Urban Development, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri Najeeb Jung and Member of Parliament Smt Meenakashi Lekhi will participate in the Yoga demonstrations in Delhi. Other major Yoga events that will take place in Delhi will be in Dwarka, Rohini and Yamuna Sports Complex. 

Over 173 Indian missions across the world are also organizing Yoga demonstrations to spread awareness for International Yoga Day. Besides the main event on the Yoga Day, several Indian missions have organized a series of curtain raiser events in various parts of the world to spread Yoga awareness. 

In his remarks at the International Conference on Yoga for Holistic Health organized on the Yoga Day last year, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had described Yoga as a "state of mind" (avasthaa), as opposed to being a commodity or a system (vyavasthaa). Remarking on the importance of Yoga Day being celebrated simultaneously across the world, the Prime Minister had added that the solidarity being expressed through Yoga, in the coming together with brothers and sisters in other countries, brings our hearts and minds closer. 

A theme song for International Day of Yoga, named ‘Yog Geet’ has been released this year in addition to the Yoga Protocol of forty five minutes. This song is of 3 minutes and 15 seconds in Hindi language. The song is written and produced by DeerajSaraswat and Sh. Gandhar T.D. Jadhav and Ms. Gatha Jadhav have given their voice to the song. Music has been composed by Sh. Sumanto Ray. 

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has taken up the initiative 'Yoga Olympiad' with participation from school children from government schools in order to promote Yoga. 

International Day of Yoga was organized successfully in India and throughout the world for the first time last year, after United Nations General Assembly, in December 2014, declared 21st of June as International Day of Yoga. Last year’s mass demonstration of Yoga protocol at Rajpath in Delhi had entered the Guinness Book of World Records for largest number of participants learning Yoga at a single venue (over 35 thousand) and also for participants from most number of countries (84). 

Launch of Korea Plus

Strengthening India – Korea Relations

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurating the office of Korea Plus, in New Delhi on June 18, 2016.

The Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Mr. Joo Hyunghwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy, Government of the Republic of Korea, today, launched Korea Plus, a special initiative to promote and facilitate Korean Investments in India.

An MOU for establishing Korea Plus was earlier signed between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Govt. of the Republic of Korea and Invest India, the National Investment Promotion & Facilitation Agency of India in January 2016. This MOU came as an outcome of the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to South Korea in May 2015.

The launch took place in the presence of Mr. Cho Hyun, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, officials of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Invest India team and several Korean Business delegates.

Korea Plus, operationalized on June 18, 2016 comprises of a representative from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy, Government of the Republic of Korea and representative from Korea Trade Investment and Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and three representatives from Invest India.

The mandate of Korea Plus covers the entire investment spectrum including supporting Korean enterprises entering the Indian market for the first time, looking into issues faced by Korean companies doing business in India and policy advocacy to the Indian Government on their behalf. Korea Plus will act as a mediator in arranging meetings, assisting in public relations and research/evaluation and provide information and counselling in regard to Korean companies’ investing in India.

India and the Republic of Korea relations have made great strides in recent years and Korea Plus will act as a catalyst in making these relations even more robust. 

Rajan says no to second term; Industry terms it nation's loss

 Mumbai/New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Buffetted by political attacks coupled with unending speculation over his continuance, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Saturday said no to a second term in the post, a surprise decision the industry and opposition parties termed as nation's loss.

Ruing that his work on containing inflation and cleaning up books of the banks was "yet to be completed", Rajan said, "While I was open to seeing these developments through, on due reflection, and after consultation with the government, I want to share with you that I will be returning to academia when my term as Governor ends on September 4, 2016." 

Speculation has been rife over whether Rajan, former IMF Chief Economist known to have predicted the 2008 global financial crisis, would get a second term after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy launched a no-holds barred attack on him recently accusing him of destroying economy with his hawkish stance on interest rates.

Swamy had also questioned whether Rajan was "mentally, fully Indian" as he holds a US Green Card, among other allegations.

53-year-old Rajan, who took charge as RBI Governor in September 2013 with a three-year term, had also ruffled feathers in the saffron camp with his outspoken views on issues like intolerance and his remarks about India being 'one-eyed king in the land of blind'.

While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called for restraint in public criticism in the wake of Swamy's attacks, BJP President Amit Shah said the newly-nominated MP's remarks were his personal opinion.

Answering questions on another term for Rajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that this "administrative subject" should not be an issue of interest to the media and it "will come up only in September".

In his letter to colleagues, 53-year-old Rajan, appointed by the previous UPA Government in September 2013, said he "will, of course, always be available to serve my country when needed".

Decision of Rajan, who was called a rockstar central banker, immediately set off speculation about his successor and the impact it could have on stock and bond markets when they open on Monday morning.

Jaitley, who had earlier steadfastly refused to discuss in public the issue of a second term for Rajan, welcomed his decision saying he respects it and said the government appreciates his good work.

A decision on successor to Rajan would be announced shortly, he said. .

UK backs India's NSG bid; offers 'firm support'

 London, Jun 17 (PTI) British Premier David Cameron has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the UK's "firm support" for India's NSG membership bid, a boost to the country ahead of the nuclear trading club's crucial meeting next week.

Cameron confirmed Britain's backing for India's membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in a telephone call to Modi yesterday.

A Downing Street spokesperson said, "The Prime Minister spoke to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about India's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a group of nuclear supplier countries that works together to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons." 

"The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK would firmly support India's application. They agreed that in order for the bid to be successful it would be important for India to continue to strengthen its non-proliferation credentials, including by reinforcing the separation between civil and military nuclear activity," the spokesperson said.

The two leaders also took stock of UK-India ties in their telephonic conversation.

"They agreed that the UK-India relationship was going from strength to strength, including through the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and wife Kate)," the spokesperson said.

India's case for NSG membership is also being strongly pushed by the US, which has written to other members to support India's bid at the plenary meeting of the group expected to be held in Seoul on June 24.

While majority of the elite group backed India's membership, China along with New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria were opposed to India's admission.

China maintains opposition to India's entry, arguing that it has not signed Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

China wants NSG membership for its close ally Pakistan if NSG extends any exemption for India.

India has asserted that being a signatory to the NPT was not essential for joining the NSG as there has been a precedent in this regard, citing the case of France.

The NSG looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.

India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support for its entry. The NSG works under the principle of consensus and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.

India believed its own independence was incomplete so long as its brethren in Africa continued to suffer oppression by foreign masters, says President

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the President of the Republic of Namibia, Mr. Hage Geingob, at the delegation level talks, at State House, in Windhoek, Namibia on June 16, 2016.

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the members of Parliament of the Republic of Namibia today (June 16, 2016) in Windhoek. 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the India-Namibia relationship has been built on the firm foundation of mutual trust and understanding. Our two nations are bound by our common experience of colonial rule and the struggle of our people for freedom. India believed that its own independence was incomplete so long as its brethren in Africa continued to suffer oppression by foreign masters. India was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the leaders and people of Namibia in their liberation struggle. We were among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN. It was India that inscribed on the agenda of the UN General Assembly in 1946 the problem of colonial oppression and racial discrimination in South Africa and Namibia. The first ever SWAPO Embassy abroad was established in New Delhi in 1986 and it was this move by India that started the chain of diplomatic recognition by other countries and the inevitability of Namibia’s independence. Diplomatic relations with independent Namibia were established right from the moment of its independence. 

The President said Namibia’s commitment to democracy and the success of its national reconciliation programme has made it a role model for Africa. We, in India, admire Namibia's transformation into a vibrant, peaceful and fast progressing nation. We appreciate the vision of President Geingob in introducing the 'Harambee Prosperity Plan'. India stands ready to extend any assistance that Namibia may require for achieving the 'Harambee Prosperity Plan's socio-economic objectives. India would also be happy to partner with Namibia in the implementation of "Vision 2030" through inclusive development and capacity building. 

The President said India remains committed to a strong development partnership with Namibia in the South-South framework. We will continue to extend all possible assistance for human resource development and capacity building in Namibia. India’s expertise in IT and digital technologies, agriculture and dairy development can be utilized to further cement our economic partnership. We look forward to more students and officials from Namibia coming to India, availing the scholarships and training programmes offered by our Government. 

Founding President of Namibia Sam Nujoma also attended the address of President Mukherjee to the joint session of the Namibian Parliament. 

Sensex slumps 201 points on global weakness

Mumbai, Jun 16 (PTI) Fresh global economic worries once again reflected in Indian stocks with benchmark Sensex staggered to slump 200.88 points to finish 26,525.46 after bank of Japan kept the monetary-easing policies unchanged and Brexit worries.

The overnight hefty short-covering gains amid SBI merger consent with subsidiaries as well as new aviation policies approved by cabinet were shortlived as investor sentiment once-again back to tenterhooks following revival of fresh global uncertainties.

The BOJ inaction on stimulus after its two-day monetary-policy review led Asian markets tumble across the region, with Japan Nikkei 225 index falling 3.05 per cent lower.

While European equities rattled following US Federal Reserve trimmed the year-2016 growth forecast 2 per cents from 2.2 per cent after its two-day huddle, even as the central bank signalled slower approach on raising interest rates, in the midst of Brexit concerns.

US Chairwomen Janet Yellen statement Britain June23 referendum on whether the country will stay in the EU was a factor to look for with vulnerabilities in the global economy remain.

The domestic stock momentum characterized weakness relating global downtrend, though recovered from its over 400 points downfall during intra-day owing to bouts of stock specific value buying and Metal segment, while recapturing over 200 points during the close.

The BSE Sensex opened lower at 26,686.03 and tanked to low of 26,314.91 before ending at 26,525.46, showing a loss of 200.88 points or 0.75 per cent. Yesterday the gauge had gained 330.63 points.

The 50-issue NSE Nifty also dropped 65.85 points or 0.80 per cent to conclude at 8,140.75.

Barring Metal counters, selling was led by Telecom, Banks, Capital Goods, Finance, Industrials, Realty and Energy sectors. While secondline including midcap and smallcap shares also incurred losses. .

Thai PM arrives; to hold talks with Modi tomorrow

New Delhi, June 16 (PTI) Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha arrived here today on a three-day visit with an aim to depeen bilateral cooperation in areas of trade and investment, defence, security and tourism.

Chan-o-Cha will have extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow during which both sides are likely to explore ways to expand maritime security cooperation, deal with threat of terrorism and boost trade.

There are indications that both leaders will discuss the situation in the South China Sea.

The Thai Prime Minister is accompanied by his spouse Naraporn Chan-o-cha and a high-level delegation comprising several cabinet ministers, senior officials and a 46-member business delegation.

Chan-o-Cha's, who arrived on his first visit here as Prime Minister, was received at the airport by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.

"India's excellent relations with Thailand are an important and integral component of India's strategic partnership with ASEAN. India's 'Act East' policy is complemented by Thailand's 'Look West' policy in bringing the two countries closer," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Modi will host lunch in honour of his Thai counterpart tomorrow. The Thai PM will also call on Vice President M Hamid Ansari.

Chan-o-Cha is expected to deliver a speech at the business event hosted by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM on 17 June. The India- Thailand Joint Business Forum will hold its first meeting during the visit and make recommendations for boosting trade ties between the two countries.

He will visit Bodhgaya on Saturday before returning to Thailand.

"India and Thailand have strong economic synergies and the diversifying profile of growing bilateral trade and investment reflects the growth and maturity of the interaction between the two economies," said MEA.

Issues related to the proposed Free Trade Agreement between the two countries are likely to figure in talks. The volume of current annual bilateral trade between the two countries is nearly USD 8 billion and both sides are keen to expand it further.

Earlier Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had paid a State visit to India in January 2012 and was the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations.

Maritime security cooperation between the two countries countries in the Indian Ocean is already "very strong", said Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Preeti Saran, adding ways to further enhance it may be explored during the talks.

Thailand has shown interest in joint ventures in defence production and procurement of defence platforms from India.

My visit to Africa is part of India’s grand strategy towards Africa, says President

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inspecting the Guard of Honour, on his departure from the Abidjan International Airport, Cote d’Ivoire on June 15, 2016.The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed a Business Forum organized by the Centre for Promoting Investments into Côte d'Ivoire and the Confederation of Indian Industry yesterday (June 15, 2016) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said his visit to Africa was part of a grand strategy towards Africa. The Vice President of India recently visited Morocco and Tunisia. The Prime Minister would be visiting some other countries in Africa shortly. 

The President reminded that India during the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi last year announced concessional credit of 10 billion US dollars to African countries over a five year period - along with grant assistance of 600 million U.S. dollars. The Prime Minister of India has initiated number of measures such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India etc. which open up new areas of cooperation among nations, particularly developing countries. 

The President said India and Cote d’Ivoire are exploring new areas of friendship, cooperation and investment. A regional office of EXIM Bank has been opened in Abidjan which will facilitate the process. 

At the Business Forum event, exchange of two MoUs also took place. The first MoU was between CII and CEPICI to enhance cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce of the two respective countries. The other MoU was between the private companies Tata from India and Sutra from Cote d’Ivoire to reinforce the existing transport fleet by import of 500 buses manufactured by Tata.