G20 LIVE Updates: G20 nations can undertake skill mapping at global level, says PM Modi

12:57 (IST)

G20 LIVE Updates

G20 nations can undertake skill mapping at global level, says PM Modi

G20 nations can conduct global skill mapping, identify gaps that need to be filled, and play a significant role in fostering research and innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

During a virtual presentation to the G20 Education Ministers meeting in Pune, he emphasised the need of striking the correct balance between the benefits and challenges presented by technology.

The G20 ministers will formally adopt the conclusion documents during the conference, which will mark the completion of months of debate inside the education working group track. These result documents will serve as a road map for the worldwide community, directing concerted measures to achieve inclusive and high-quality education for all students.

"G20 countries can undertake skill mapping at the global level and find gaps that need to be plugged. Digital technology serves as an equalizer and promotes inclusivity. It is a force multiplier in increasing access to education."

12:54 (IST)

Manipur Violence LIVE Updates

Two soldiers sustained minor injuries after armed miscreants resorted to unprovoked firing in West Imphal

Two soldiers were injured in the morning hours of June 22 when armed miscreants opened fire on them in N Boljang, Imphal West Distt. Both troops are in good health. According to Spear Corps, Indian Army, one INSAS light machine gun was recovered during the first search.

12:31 (IST)

Delhi Protest LIVE

Law and order situation is normal, says Deputy Commissioner of Police (East)

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), the law and order situation is normal, and there is currently no traffic disturbance.

"The grill (of the temple) has been removed peacefully. Law and order situation is normal, and there is no traffic disruption as of now," says Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Amrutha Guguloth. pic.twitter.com/9ZJ06StbHV

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2023

12:14 (IST)

President Murmu LIVE News Updates

President Droupadi Murmu presents the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2022 and 2023 to nurses

At Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu honoured Nurses with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2022 and 2023.

12:13 (IST)

Amul LIVE News Updates

A look back at the legacy of Sylvester daCunha, the man behind Amul’s 'Utterly Butterly' girl

The creator of the eternal Amul girl, Sylvester daCunha, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday night.

He was in his 80s and is survived by his wife Nisha, their son, and ad-master Rahul daCunha. He was the late Gerson daCunha’s (advertising genius) brother, according to IANS.

Leaders from all spheres of society sent their condolences and prayers, especially Amul, the largest dairy company in India.

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12:00 (IST)

Delhi Protest LIVE

Large number of people protest against the removal of a portion of a temple in Delhi's Mandawali area

Locals and police clash during a protest against the removal of a section of a temple in Delhi's Mandawali neighbourhood. Several demonstrators were apprehended.

VIDEO | Scuffle breaks out between locals and police amid protest against authorities' move to remove portion of a temple in Delhi's Mandawali. Several protesters were detained. pic.twitter.com/A4wc2pTo5E

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2023

11:40 (IST)

Karnataka LIVE Updates

Karnataka CM discusses rice supply issue with HM Amit Shah

On Wednesday night, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss food supply to the state for its 'Anna Bhagya' plan, which distributes an additional 5 kg of rice for each member of BPL families.

According to the Chief Minister's office, Siddaramaiah reminded Shah at the meeting that the Centre's policies was impeding the provision of food for the needy. Shah stated that he will meet with Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal to examine the matter.

The "courtesy call" meeting in New Delhi is Siddaramaiah's first with the Union Home Minister since becoming chief minister.

According to the statement by CMO, Siddaramaiah opined that "the Centre's new policy is against the Food Security Act, it will directly affect two times meals of the poor, hence it will be good if the policy of not supplying foodgrains to the states is changed."

"Shah, in turn, told the chief minister that he will discuss with Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal in this regard on Thursday morning," it added.

11:13 (IST)

Karnataka LIVE Updates

Rice supply to Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah says Shah to take up matter with food ministry

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that he will take up the matter of delivering rice to Karnataka for its 'Anna Bhagya' plan with the Ministry of Food.

On Wednesday night, Siddaramaiah met with Shah and discussed the problem of food supply to the state for its plan, which distributes an additional 5 kg of rice for each member of BPL families.

"I have brought to his (Shah) notice that FCI had agreed to supply rice to the state and even issued a letter. However, the same was denied the next day. It looks like the issue was politicised. I have said that we should not indulge in the politics of enmity," Siddaramaiah told reporters here before leaving for Bengaluru.

Shah has told him that he will discuss the matter with the relevant government and get back to him.

In addition to the rice issue, the chief minister requested that the Union Home Minister allocate two battalions of the Indian Reserve Police to the state.

10:53 (IST)

China Gas Leak Explosion LIVE Updates

31 killed in massive explosion at barbecue restaurant in China

According to government media, at least 31 people were murdered and seven more were injured when a major cooking gas explosion blasted through a barbecue restaurant in northern China on Thursday.

The explosion occurred about 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday on a popular street in Yinchuan's Xingqing District, caused by a leak of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the working area of a barbecue restaurant, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

The explosion killed 38 people, with 31 confirmed dead, and seven others, including one in critical condition, needing medical care, according to the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee of the governing Communist Party of China (CPC).

10:40 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi thanks US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden for hosting him at White House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting him at the White House on Wednesday (local time). PM Modi stated that they had a "great conversation" on a variety of topics.

I thank @POTUS @JoeBiden and @FLOTUS @DrBiden for hosting me at the White House today. We had a great conversation on several subjects. pic.twitter.com/AUahgV6ebM

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 22, 2023

10:27 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

India's PM Modi to join Biden in rare press conference, questions limited

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give comments and accept questions from media during the Indian leader's state visit, which a senior White House source described as a "big deal."

Aside from the occasional interview, Modi seldom takes questions from the media. He has not given a single news conference in India since taking office over nine years ago. He gave a news conference in May 2019 but never accepted questions.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the White House understands the press conference is a "big deal."

"We are just grateful that Prime Minister Modi is participating in a press event at the end of the visit," Kirby said. "We think that's important and we're glad he thinks that's important too."

The format of the press conference will include one question from the U.S. press and one from an Indian journalist, Kirby said.

09:57 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi gifts sandalwood box, green diamond to US President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first state visit to the United States, presented a handcrafted sandalwood box with 'das danam' to US President Joe Biden and a lab-grown green diamond to First Lady Jill Biden on Wednesday (local time).

The presents were exchanged at the White House at a private dinner given by Joe and Jill Biden for Prime Minister Modi.

A master artisan from Jaipur, Rajasthan, constructed the exquisite sandalwood box handed to US President Joe Biden. Officials claimed the sandalwood from Mysore, Karnataka, features elaborately carved flora and animal motifs.

The box contains a silver statue of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the most revered of all gods. The idol was created by a fifth-generation silversmith family from Kolkata.

PM Modi gifts sandalwood box with 'Das Danam' to President Biden, lab-grown 7.5 Carat green diamond to US First Lady #FPWorld pic.twitter.com/KuLIUwjNwF

— Firstpost (@firstpost) June 22, 2023

09:04 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

"I believe it's India's time to shine": CEO of Applied Materials after meeting PM Modi

Gary E. Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials, stated after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is India's moment to drive tremendous progress and shine.

Dickerson said, "I deeply believe this is India's time to shine. We will be announcing soon an innovation centre in India that will focus on innovation in equipment. We have very high confidence that working together with India, we can create tremendous success."

Recognising India as a reliable partner, he praised the country's remarkable ability, which is valued by many countries across the world.

08:43 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Congress takes dig at PM Modi

The Congress Party has mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi's bust at the United Nations headquarters.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that despite Prachar Mantri's "maximum hypocrisy, minimum sincerity" and efforts to legitimise the Godse ideology, Gandhiji will continue to inspire us to fight to save the Republic, preserve the Constitution, and protect democratic institutions, values, and modes of governance.

He made the remarks while responding to a tweet by the Prime Minister Modi.

08:32 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

After years of strengthening ties, US-India partnership deep, expansive, says Jill Biden

According to First Lady Jill Biden, the US-India cooperation is deep and expansive following years of deepening ties as the two countries cooperatively confront global concerns.

She also gave the journalists a sneak peek at the cuisine for the State Dinner she and US President Joe Biden are hosting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"With this official State Visit, we are bringing together the world's oldest and the world's largest democracies," Jill Biden said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of President Biden and the First Lady.

Jill Biden said that "after years of strengthening ties, the US-India partnership is deep and expansive as we jointly tackle global challenges. But our relationship isn't only about governments".

07:40 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi receives warm welcome by members of Indian diaspora in Washington DC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted warmly at the Hotel Intercontinental Willard in Washington, DC.

As cries of 'Vande Mataram' resonated across the neighbourhood, the Indian diaspora greeted him.

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07:38 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

PM Modi invites Micron to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged American chipmaker Micron Technology to expand semiconductor production in India, citing the country's competitive advantages across the product's supply chain.

He also invited Applied Materials to India to work on process technologies and sophisticated packaging.

Modi emphasised the possibility of the company's partnership with academic institutions in India to generate a competent workforce during his meeting here with President and CEO of Applied Materials Gary E Dickerson.

"The prime minister invited Micron Technology to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India," a ministry of external affairs statement said.

07:34 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Modi invites US students to India

During his first official visit to Washington, D.C., Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited American students to study in India while having a meeting with First Lady Jill Biden.

Hundreds of US professors are already in India as part of a technology relationship, according to Modi.

07:33 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Modi flexes India’s cultural reach on Yoga Day

Praising yoga as "a way of life," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did postures ranging from cobra to corpse in front of a global gathering at the United Nations headquarters on Wednesday, kicking off the public phase of his tour to the United States.

Modi paused and bowed to a statue of the slain Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi before making a few brief words about how yoga was an all-ages, portable practise open to all religions and cultures. A checkerboard of made-in-India yoga mats covered the U.N.'s expansive north lawn.

“It is a very old tradition, but like all ancient Indian traditions, it is also living and dynamic,” Modi said. “Yoga is truly universal."

07:23 (IST)

PM Modi in US LIVE Updates

Modi accorded ceremonial welcome, guard of honour upon arriving at Washington

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met with a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, DC, despite the rain.

To commemorate his arrival, the national anthems of both nations were played at the airbase. PM Modi was presented with a bouquet by two young children.