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Telangana BJP leader Raja Singh courts controversy for 'vote for BJP or face bulldozer' remark. In a video, the BJP MLA stated 'thousands of bulldozers on way to up, on YogiJi's orders'. Telangana BJP leader warned saying post-election, areas that didn't back Yogi Adityanath will be identified.

cross-posted from: https://lemy.lol/post/22033139

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Advocate Shadan Farasat, for the EGI, said the implementation of the FCU run by the government would ensure that only the Centre would have monopoly over the truth.

cross-posted from: https://lemy.lol/post/21993478

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While Judaism is excluded despite never having any conflict with them.

Why the same excuse which is used to exclude muslims and Jews is not used to exclude Christians?

Are they afraid of western retribution? What is the logic behind keeping Christianity but excluding Judaism?

There are plenty of Christian countries for Christians to go to just like muslims. So, why include Christians?

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Courtesy HWNews

Terrorists shot at and injured three laborers in South Kashmir’s Shopian on the evening of 13 July, marking the first attack on laborers from outside Jammu and Kashmir in the Valley this year.

The injured trio, who come from Bihar and were engaged as construction workers, were rushed to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar for treatment. They suffered serious bullet wounds and were in critical condition. One of the kin of the injured informed that the individuals were the natives of Bihar.

The victims have been identified as Anmol Kumar, Heeralal, and Pintoo who are residents of District Supaul in Bihar. The police reacted promptly after hearing gunshots in the Gagan neighborhood and the entire area has been cordoned off with the help of the army. Furthermore, an extensive search has been initiated to apprehend the perpetrators.

Altaf Thakur, the state spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, denounced the assault on the defenseless non-local workers. He stated, “This reflects the frustration, inhumanity, and cheapness of terrorists involved in the gruesome attack on three non-local laborers who had gone to buy grocery items. Urge police to track those involved in the gruesome act and punish them sternly. Praying for the speedy recovery of all three injured men.”

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) trial court in Kerala’s Ernakulam has pronounced a life sentence for three of the six Popular Front of India (PFI) cadres convicted a day ago in the 2010 case of attempted murder of a professor by chopping off his palm, the agency said on Friday.

The court pronounced its judgment on Thursday awarding life sentence to Sajil, Najeeb and MK Nazar along with fine of Rs 50,000 each. Other three convicted on Thursday are MK Nausha, PP Moideenkunu and PM Ayoob. They were sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The court also ordered compensation of Rs 4,00,000 to be given to the victim from the fine amount collected.

All the six accused had been convicted under Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act. They were found guilty of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and carrying out terrorist acts.

The National Investigation Agency is still hunting for chargesheeted accused Savad, who was part of the barbaric attack and is currently absconding, and is also a cadre of the banned PFI.

The accused had conspired to kill Professor TJ Joseph by chopping off his right palm over his alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammed in a question paper prepared for the Malayalam examination for B. Com students in Newman College, Thodupuzha in Kerala’s Idukki district.

The accused had deemed the question as provocative and had carried out the barbaric daylight attack on the professor in the presence of his family members on July 4, 2010, said the NIA.

The accused had attacked the professor while the family was returning from church after the Sunday morning mass. The assailants had also hurled a bomb to terrorise the public and escape from the scene.

Kerala Police had, on January 10, 2011 filed a chargesheet against 27 accused persons.

Subsequently, the NIA took over the case and, following extensive investigations and large number of raids, arrested and chargesheeted another 20 accused, in a classic example of 360 degree investigation by the agency.

NIA’s investigation has been focused on uncovering the various facets of the conspiracy and bringing every single conspirator and criminal to face the consequences of his terror and criminal acts in the court of law, while concurrently bringing some solace, succor and closure to the victim’s family.

In April 2015, the NIA special court had convicted 13 accused persons.

From the Article:

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has announced that the Ministry will ensure the supply of free Doordarshan DTH connections in far-flung areas in villages at the Indo-China border. He has also said that better mobile connectivity to residents of these remote villages will be ensured soon and the Government is committed to ensure better all-round connectivity to these areas.

The minister said this during an interaction he had with the villagers at Karzok Village of Ladakh, around 211 kilometres from Leh.

It is notable that to achieve the goal of reaching out to the people living in far-flung and border areas, the government has proposed to distribute 1.5 lakh free DTH connections in villages in border areas through the platform of DD “FreeDish”.

Asserting that the Government is committed to the development of border villages, Minister Thakur assured the local villagers that their demands for better digital connectivity and road connectivity, enhancing tourism infrastructure, sports infrastructure and improved Jal Jeewan Mission will also be implemented on a priority basis.

As part of the Government’s vibrant village programme, the Union Minister embarked on a comprehensive three-day tour to Leh-Ladakh, during which he stayed in Karzok village, held meeting with UT and District officials to review Central/State Government Schemes and distribution of Sports equipment at Karzok. He also interacted with the ITBP jawans at Karzok platoon post located about 15,000 feet above sea level on Indo-China Border.

Aiming to assess the reach of various projects and schemes of the Government and also gain first hand understanding of the challenges faced by the residents in remote border village on Indo-China border, the Minister held close interaction with the local villagers and also administrative officials.

Accompanied by a team of officials and local representatives, union minister Anurag Thakur interacted with local villagers in Kharnak and Samad among others and listened to their concerns and aspirations. At Kharnak, he inaugurated the PMGSY road connecting the highway of Dadh Kharnak.

The Minister discussed issues related to solar power, drinking water, housing for 32 households, cycling track, artificial lake, and tourism subsidy. Besides, border security, development of roads, mobile towers, wildlife issues, inclusion in the Vibrant Village Program, settlement of nomads at one area.

During one of his interactions with locals, the Minister asserted that after the formation of UT a lot of development has taken place in Ladakh such as direct funding, 24-hour electricity, installation of solar plant, ultra-mega solar plant worth Rs 21000 crore, increased livelihood opportunity, and sanction of 375 mobile tower in Leh.

Further, the Minister added that every household in the remote area of Changthang region has been provided with water supply through Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

Thakur unveiled plans for future initiatives that would further enhance the development of Changthang and surrounding villages. These initiatives include upgrading infrastructure for better connectivity, and promoting eco-tourism to leverage the region’s natural beauty. He assured the villagers that the government would provide all necessary support and resources to implement these plans effectively.

The concerted effort of Modi Government would lead to increased tourism development in Changthang, Anurag Thakur added.

During his visit to Puga Residential School, Thakur interacted with the students and played volleyball exhibition match in high spirits. Further, District Youth Services and Sports Department distributed sports equipment and kits. The equipment was distributed in the school of Karzok as well. Also, the Minister played table tennis in cell phone/mobile light.

At Chumur, he interacted with the Jawans and also spoke to the villagers about their issues primarily around road connectivity, telecom, JJM, among others. Executive Engineer PWD apprised the minister that a 7 km stretch is already proposed for the village and DPR is ready.

Additionally, while interacting with the jawans of the 37th ITBP Post, Anurag Thakur spoke about the reforms undertaken by the Government to provide all facilities for the forces posted at the border such as improved combat wear, armament, Make in India initiative and pensions, etc.

The visit to vibrant village Changthang signifies a significant step towards empowering rural communities, uplifting their living standards, and fostering sustainable development in the region. With dedicated efforts and a collaborative approach, the government aims to create vibrant and self-reliant villages that will contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity.

From the Article:

On Thursday (July 14), Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed members of the Indian diaspora at the La Seine Musicale centre in the western suburbs of Paris in France.

At the very onset of his address, PM Modi emphasised, “Away from the country, when I hear the call of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, it feels as if I have come home. Wherever we Indians go, we definitely create a mini India.”

He added, “Be it climate change, global supply chain, terrorism, extremism, India’s experience in dealing with every challenge is proving helpful to the world.”

“The land of India is witnessing a big change. The command of this change lies with the citizens of India, with the sisters and daughters of India, with the youth of India. Today the whole world is full of new hope and new hope towards India,” he emphasised.

PM Modi said, “I came out of my home with a resolve. Every part of me and every moment of time is dedicated to my countrymen.”

India’s success story

PM Modi pointed out that India is the ‘mother of democracy’ and the country is a ‘model of diversity’. While speaking about India’s economic success story, he said, “You will be filled with pride knowing that India has become the world’s 5th largest economy in 10 years.”

“Today the world believes that it will not take long for India to become a 5 trillion economy,” he added. PM Modi also spoke about the report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), wherein it congratulated India for lifting 415 million people out of poverty in the past 15 years.

While speaking about the G20 Summit, he said, “Today, the world is moving towards new world order. The capability and the role of India is changing fast. At this time, India is the President of the G20 group. It’s for the first time, in a country’s Presidency, that more than 200 meetings are being held across the country.”

UPI revolution in India

“Today 46% of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India. I also challenge you that when you come to India next time, come without keeping a single penny in your pocket and just download the UPI app on your mobile phone. You can travel all over India and live without cash,” he emphasised.

PM Modi applauded India’s 24/7 banking service and direct benefit transfer, which has brought about a massive social transformation in the country.

“In France, an agreement has been made for the use of India’s UPI…It will be started from the Eiffel Tower, and now Indian tourists would be able to make payments in Rupees, through UPI, at Eiffel Tower,” he announced.

Enhanced bilateral relations with France

PM Modi informed that owing to enhanced bilateral ties with France, the post-study visa for Indian students has been increased to 5 years from 2 years.

“Very few people know that India and France are working on archaeological missions for a long time. It’s expanded from Chandigarh to Ladakh. Digital infrastructure is another sector that strengthens the ties between India and France,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also heaped praise on French footballer, Kylian Mbappe. “He is superhit among the youth in India. Mbappe is probably known to more people in India than in France,” he was heard saying.

The Indian Prime Minister also thanked the French government for paying respect to the Indian soldiers, who fought for the country over 100 years ago.

He said that he was the first member of a French cultural centre, named Alliance française in Ahmedabad, when it opened 40 years ago.

Invest in India and tourism

PM Modi also congratulated the ISRO scientists for the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 space mission. He also urged the world to come and invest in India.

During his address, the Indian Prime Minister called upon the Indian diaspora to encourage French citizens to visit India and discover the richness of the country.

22-two-year-old Vaishali Rameshbabu is somewhat annoyed at how long it’s taking her to become a Grandmaster (GM), the highest title offered to players by world chess body, Fide. It is a dream she has long nurtured, and a title she has watched her younger brother, Praggnanandhaa, assume at just 12 years and 7 months of age.

“Somehow for me, it’s been a hurdle,” she says.

India has not had a new female GM since 2011, and only two out of the country’s existing 82 Grandmasters are women.

Vaishali (Elo 2431) earned her first GM-norm in 2019 and the second in May 2022. She still needs to complete a third norm and cross 2500 Elo rating. “Now that I see my brother’s journey closely, I know that becoming a GM is just the first step. It’s been hard for me, balancing chess with academics and I haven’t always made the most of the chances that have come my way.”

Much like her, 20-year-old Vantika Agrawal (Elo 2428) believes her GM goal has suffered due to academic demands. Now that she’s finally done with college and studying at airports between tournaments, she wants to go the whole hog.

India’s two female GMs Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli are ranked No 5 and No 12 respectively in the world among women. Humpy became the country’s first female GM in 2002, with Harika joining her in 2011. The total number of India’s GMs was 25 then. Today, that number has more than tripled.

The next highest-ranked Indian is Vaishali (No 35), followed by Vantika (No 37). They’re both Women Grandmasters (WGM). One spot below Vantika is up-and-coming 16-year-old Savitha Shri B (Elo 2426), who too turned WGM this year.

The Elo rating system is essentially a metric of playing strength and every title necessitates the completion of norms – a certain level of performance in tournaments that count towards title requirement. After GM, the second-highest title is International Master (IM), which requires players to cross 2400 Elo and three IM norms. It is followed by the WGM title, which has three WGM norms and breaching 2300 Elo among its criteria.

Two years younger than Vaishali, Vantika hopes to be able to throw in all she can – private Super GM lessons and several open event appearances, to get stronger. “If all female players start playing open tournaments, we’ll grow stronger much faster,” she says.

The competition structure of chess – open tournaments – for players of both genders, existing alongside women-only tournaments has been somewhat contentious. The argument against it has usually been to either have open tournaments or separate men’s and women’s tournaments. World No 1 Magnus Carlsen has spoken in favour of the latter system in the past.

“If a Gukesh or Praggnanandhaa were asked to play only category events till they turned 20, their strength would drastically drop. Similarly, women largely playing women-only tournaments can end up limiting their growth. Players like Judit (Polgar), Hou (Yifan) and Humpy became some of the strongest female players in chess history by focusing on open events,” says GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly, “It’s a tricky problem with no easy solutions. If we do away with women’s events completely and conduct only open events, female players will certainly get phenomenally stronger down the line. But the immediate fallout can be really tough – in terms of visibility, prize money and sustenance of women players.”

In terms of numbers, the pool of women in chess is a lot smaller than men and they often have unhelpful social conditioning and episodes of harassment to contend with. “Chess societies haven’t been very kind to women over the years. Certainly, there needs to be a bit of change in culture,” Carlsen told The Guardian in a 2020 interview. Earlier this year, his older sister Ellen opened up about being harassed as a minor by an older chess player. She quit the sport in her mid-20s.

While male players usually travel alone or in groups for tournaments, young female players are often accompanied by a parent, making it doubly expensive. Vantika usually has her mother by her side during travels and says she understands why some of her peers find it hard to afford enough tournaments. Her former trainer, GM Pravin Thipsay, sees her and a few others join the tiny female GM club in India soon.

“Often times, it’s society that sets targets. Sponsors can think it’s better to support more female players turn WGMs than, say, backing a few and seeing them through to GM titles,” says Thipsay.

Two decades ago, even being the country’s only female GM wasn’t enough for Humpy to not lose a sponsor. Her sponsorship was terminated without notice and a male cricketer was roped in as brand ambassador.

For Tania Sachdev, it’s been seven years since she picked up her second GM norm at the Reykjavik Open. She has since moved on to commentary roles, while occasionally playing tournaments. “I won’t lie, becoming GM is a big dream of mine. But right now, where I am in my career, I really don’t see it as something that will make or break me,” she says, “The broader idea has to be to make chess a safe and welcoming space for young girls so more of them play the sport and fewer drop out. So many things have to come together to even become a GM – you need to start early and have the right kind of support. For women, the challenges are just so much more.”

In the early 2000s, Vijaylakshmi Subbaraman came really close to becoming a GM – completing three GM norms and touching an Elo of 2498 on the live rating list, before she dropped off. In a 2017 interview to Chessbase India, she attributed it to events in her personal life – the birth of her son and death of her father. “Sometimes when you see your old games you feel really bad,” she said, “I believe I had the game to be GM.”

Harika believes perception plays a role and sees India adding female GM numbers soon. “When I started, becoming a WGM was a big deal. Before that it was probably just about winning nationals and participating in Olympiads. We became GMs and won world medals. That’s where the present generation needs to start. Also, perceptions have to change. You need higher goals and ambitions.”

Right now, some of the world’s most talked about chess talents are India’s young male players – Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa.

Vaishali shares a room with one of them at home and talks about gleaning insights from her 2690 Elo sibling.

Vaishali was the first in her family to play chess. “My parents only bought my brother (Praggnanandhaa) a board so he would stop bothering me,” she laughs. “When I play stronger opponents, he’s a huge help. He’s able to guess their tactics and openings against me. As siblings we’re of course fiercely competitive with each other, but he’s had such an inspiring journey. It’s my turn to do something special now. Something that will make young girls taking up chess go, ‘wow we too can do this’.

“I want to start by becoming GM.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the rights of the Global South have been long denied and this has led to a feeling of anguish among these countries while underlying India’s role as a bridge between them and the Western world.

In an interview with the French financial newspaper Les Echos ahead of his arrival in France, Modi advocated a comprehensive reshuffle of the international institutions. He said as the most populous in the world, India needs to regain its rightful place. “How can the UN Security Council claim to speak for the world when its most populous country, and its largest democracy, is not a permanent member?” .

Modi called French President Emmanuel Macron a strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region who shared his views on the international order.

The interview was published as Modi on Thursday left for France for the first leg of his two-nation tour during which he will be the guest of honour at the annual Bastille Day Parade in Paris and hold talks with Macron on cooperation in areas such as defence and space.

Modi will be the first foreign leader since 2017 to be the chief guest at the parade marking the storming during the French Revolution (1789) of the Bastille fortress, a symbol of the monarchy. Then-US President Donald Trump was invited to the national day parade in 2017.

Asked about China pouring massive sums of money to boost its defence capabilities and whether it is threatening the security in the region, Modi told Les Echos India’s interests in the Indo-Pacific region are vast, and its engagement is deep. “I have described our vision for this region in one word - SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. While peace is necessary for the future we seek to build, it is far from assured.”

He said India has always stood for peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy, and for respecting sovereignty of all nations, international law, and the rules-based international order. “This is more important than ever for maintaining mutual trust and confidence. We believe that it is through this that a positive contribution can be made towards lasting regional and global peace and stability.”

Responding to a question on what he expected from France in terms of strategic support in the stand-off with China, Modi said New Delhi and Paris have a broad-based and comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses political, defence, security, economic, human-centric development, and sustainable cooperation. “When countries with similar vision and values work together, bilaterally, in plurilateral arrangements or in regional institutions, they can deal with any challenge.”

Modi underlined that India-France partnership, including in the Indo-Pacific region, is not directed against, or at the expense of any country. “Our aim is to safeguard our economic and security interests, ensure freedom of navigation and commerce, and advance the rule of international law in the region. We work with other countries to develop their capabilities and support their efforts to make free sovereign choices. More broadly, we aim to advance peace and stability in the region.”

Asked whether India was going to firm up its stance on the Ukraine war, Modi said he has spoken a number of times to President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. “I met President Zelensky in Hiroshima. Recently, I spoke to President Putin again. India’s stand has been clear, transparent, and consistent. I have said that it is not an era of war. We have urged both sides to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. I told them that India is ready to support all genuine efforts that can help bring this conflict to an end.”

He said India believes that all countries have an obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, abide by international law, and adhere to the UN Charter. “We are also deeply concerned about the impact of the conflict on the wider world, especially the Global South. Countries already suffering from the impact of the Covid pandemic now face energy, food, and health crisis, economic slowdown, inflation, and rising debt burden.”

Modi said philosophies from every corner of the world have to be considered and that the world would make quick progress only when it learns to let go of anachronistic and outdated notions. “There is one earth but not one philosophy,” said Modi. He spoke about Indian power and the global reach of India’s cinema and music, the renewed interest in Ayurveda medicine, and the universal success of Yoga.

Modi called youth India’s strongest asset and said the country’s young and skilled workforce will be an asset for the world over the decades to come when many countries in the world are ageing and their populations are shrinking. “What is unique is that this workforce is steeped in openness and democratic values, eager to embrace technology, and ready to adapt to the changing world. ...Indian diaspora, wherever they are, contribute towards the prosperity of their adopted homeland. The progress of one-sixth of humanity will give the world a more prosperous and sustainable future,” he said in response to a question on how India as the most populous country changes its status on the world scene.

Modi said as the world’s largest democracy, with unparalleled social and economic diversity, India’s success will demonstrate that democracy delivers. “That it is possible for harmony to exist amidst diversity. At the same time, there is a natural expectation of adjustments in the international system and institutions to give the rightful place to the world’s largest democracy.”

When asked to elaborate on what he means by saying that India is gaining its rightful position in the world, Modi said he would rather term it as regaining its rightful place. “Since time immemorial, India has been at the forefront of contributing to global economic growth, technological advancement, and human development. Today, across the world, we see a lot of problems and challenges. Recession, food security, inflation, and social tensions are just some of them. In such a global backdrop, I see a renewed confidence in our people, an optimism about the future, and an eagerness to take its rightful place in the world.”

Asked about a phenomenal rise in the relationship between India and the US since the turn of the century, Modi said it has accelerated and reached new levels in the past nine years. “There is widespread support for deepening our ties, from all stakeholders, in both countries - be it government, parliament, industry, academia, and of course the people. The US Congress has consistently extended bipartisan support for elevating our relationship.”

Modi said he has personally enjoyed an excellent rapport with US leadership, across different administrations over the last nine years. “During my state visit to the United States in June, President Joe Biden and I agreed that the partnership between the world’s two largest democracies with exceptionally strong people-to-people ties could be the defining partnership of this century. This is because this partnership is perfectly placed in terms of interests, vision, commitments, and complementarities to address the challenges of our times and contribute in a significant way to shaping the global order.”

He said the India-US partnership is responding with a great sense of urgency and purpose as the challenges to the international order have grown. “Trust, mutual confidence, and belief in the relationship have been key ingredients. Advancing a free, open, inclusive, and balanced Indo-Pacific region, is a shared goal. We pursue this with other partners in the region and beyond.”

He said they were working together to advance standards and norms, build resilient global supply chains, including in critical and emerging technologies, pursue a successful green energy transition, catalyse manufacturing in key sectors, and forge a robust defence industrial partnership. “We are working together with other countries in the region and beyond and revitalising multilateral institutions. These are all important shared goals that are driving the partnership. There is much that binds our two nations together and allows us to play a constructive role in addressing the challenges of our times and contributing in a significant way to shaping the global order.”

Modi called for an honest discussion about the multilateral governance structures built in the aftermath of the Second World War. “Nearly eight decades after the institutions were created, the world has transformed. The number of member countries has grown by four times. The character of the global economy has changed. We live in an era of new technology. New powers have risen causing a relative shift in global balance. We face new challenges, including climate change, cyber security, terrorism, space security, and pandemics. I could go on about the changes.”

He said in this changed world, many questions arise. “...are these [structures] representative of today’s world? Are they able to discharge the roles for which they were set up? Do countries around the world feel that these organizations matter, or are relevant?” He said the UN Security Council, in particular, epitomises this dissonance. “How can we talk of it as a primary organ of a global body, when entire continents of Africa and Latin America are ignored? How can it claim to speak for the world when its most populous country, and its largest democracy, is not a permanent member? And its skewed membership leads to opaque decision-making processes, which adds to its helplessness in addressing the challenges of today.”

He said most countries are clear on what changes they would like to see in the UN Security Council, including on the role India should play. “We just need to listen to their voice and heed their advice. I must appreciate the clear and consistent position that France has taken in this matter.”

Asked about his vision for India in 2047, Modi said they were working with a clear one for the 100th anniversary of India’s independence. “We want to see India become a developed country in 2047. A developed economy that caters to the needs of all its people - education, health, infrastructure and opportunities. India will remain a vibrant and participative federal democracy, in which all citizens are secure about their rights, confident of their place in the nation and optimistic about their future.”

He said India will be a global leader in innovation and technology. “A nation with sustainable lifestyles, clean rivers, blue skies and forests brimming with biodiversity and alive with wildlife. Our economy will be a hub of opportunities, an engine for global growth and its source of skills and talent. India will be a strong testimony to the power of democracy. We will help advance a more balanced multipolar world, anchored in international law and underpinned by the discipline of multilateralism.”

He said India’s economic development has always been guided by a people-centric approach. “We have tried to implement decisions that take along the most disadvantaged. Our focus on last-mile connectivity, on reaching out to every household, has been extremely successful. Harnessing digital technology has been a key element in this..”

He referred to India’s demographic dividend, deep roots in democracy, and civilizational spirit and said they will guide the way as it moves towards the future. “We recognize our responsibility in contributing to addressing global challenges, building a more cohesive world, giving voice to the aspirations of the weak, and advancing global peace and prosperity. India brings its own unique and distinct perspective and voice to the global discourse...it always stands in favour of peace, a fairer economic order, the concerns of the weaker nations and global cohesion in addressing our common challenges.”

He said India’s belief in multilateral action is deep-rooted. “The International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative, and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiatives are all examples of this approach.”

He referred to the supply of Covid vaccines to over 100 countries and the sharing of the open-source digital platform CoWin freely with others and said there is a global recognition that India is a force of good in the world and indispensable for global unity, cohesion, peace, and prosperity at a time of great turmoil and risks of fragmentation. “As India grows, our contribution towards global good will further increase, and our capabilities and resources will continue to be directed towards the larger good of humanity, not to raise claims against others or challenge the international order.”

Modi said India’s civilizational ethos and heritage provide the basis of what could be termed its soft power. “We are blessed to have this in abundance. Our exports have never been war and subjugation, but yoga, ayurveda, spirituality, science, mathematics, and astronomy. We have always been a contributor to global peace and progress.”

He said they are privileged that there is renewed interest in Indian culture and civilization. “Yoga is a household term today. Our traditional medicine of Ayurveda is gaining acceptance. Indian cinema, cuisine, music and dance are being sought after across the world.”

He said coexistence with nature drives India’s climate actions and the drive for sustainable lifestyles. “Our innate belief in democratic ideals and the success of our vibrant democracy drive our desire to see a more accountable, inclusive, and representative system of international governance, and provide hope and inspiration to many.”

Tesla has started discussions with the Indian government for an investment proposal to set up a car factory in the country, with an annual capacity of as many as 500,000 electric vehicles, the Times of India reported on Thursday. The prices for the electric vehicles would start from 2 million rupees ($24,400.66), the report added.

Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

The billionaire Elon Musk-led company is also looking at using India as an export base as it plans to ship cars to countries in the Indo-Pacific region, the report said, citing government sources.

In a meeting with Musk last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed the car maker to make a "significant investment" in the country.

Indian IT services major HCL Tech said late on Wednesday it will buy German automotive engineering services firm ASAP Group for an enterprise value of about 251 million euros ($279.83 million) as it looks to grow in the automotive space. HCL Tech would leverage the acquisition for further expansion into automotive markets in Europe, the Americas and Japan, the company said in a stock exchange filing.

Founded in 2010, ASAP Group serves top automotive original equipment manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers in Germany. Its portfolio includes software development, consulting services and vehicle development the statement added.

The announcement comes after HCL Tech reported a weaker-than-expected June-quarter result as its technology and telecom clients cut discretionary spending amid global macroeconomic uncertainties.

The company's net profit rose 7.65% to 35.34 billion rupees ($430.91 million) in the quarter ended June 30, but missed analysts' average estimate of 38.17 billion rupees, according to Refinitiv IBES data.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India, now the most populous country, "needs to regain its rightful place", in a strong push for permanent membership of the country in the UN Security Council.

"The issue is not just of credibility, but something much larger. How can the UN Security Council claim to speak for the world when its most populous country and its largest democracy is not a permanent member?" PM Modi said in an interview with French publication Les Echos.

The UN Security Council epitomised the dissonance of an institution not in step with a changed world order, he said.

"Its skewed membership leads to opaque decision making processes, which adds to its helplessness in addressing the challenges of today. I think most countries are clear on what changes they would like to see in the UN Security Council, including on the role India should play." He added that French President Emmanuel Macron shared the view.

PM Modi spoke to the French media at his official residence in Delhi, before flying today to France, where he will be the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations on Friday.

"As the world's largest democracy, with unparalleled social and economic diversity, our success will demonstrate that democracy delivers. That it is possible for harmony to exist amidst diversity. At the same time, there is a natural expectation of adjustments in the international system and institutions to give the rightful place to the world's largest democracy," he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised on India's role as a bridge between the Global South and the west.

"The rights of the Global South have been long denied. As a result, there is a feeling of anguish among the members of Global South, that they are forced into undertaking action but when it comes to decision making they don't find a place or voice for themselves. The true spirit of democracy has not been respected vis-a-vis the Global South," he said.

PM Modi also elaborated on his oft-quoted comment to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war, that today is not an era of war.

The conflict must ned, he said, expressing deep concern about its impact on the world, especially the Global South.

"India's stand has been clear, transparent and consistent. I have said that it is not an era of war. We have urged both sides to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. I told them that India is ready to support all genuine efforts that can help bring this conflict to an end. We believe that all countries have an obligation to respect the respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, to abide by international law and adhere to the UN Charter," he said.

On India's soft power, PM Modi said: "Our exports have never been war and subjugation, but yoga, ayurveda, spirituality, science, mathematics, and Astronomy. We have always been a contributor to global peace and progress."

He also said the world makes progress only when it learns to let go of anachronistic and outdated notions, responding to a question on whether he considered "western values" to be universal or whether other countries should find their own path.