New Delhi, Jan 8 (ANI): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Sukhoi Su-30MKI will participate in the 10th edition of ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2024’ on Monday. ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2024’ will take place from January 9 to 13. (ANI Photo)
HAL has identified over 100 critical items for indigenisation and will display some of them in the show, said CB Ananthakrishnan, CMD (Addl. Charge), HAL…reports Asian Lite News
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is all set to participate in the 10th edition of ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2024. With the thrust on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the defence manufacturer seeks to explore the capability of Indian industries through this event.
One of the major attractions at the HAL stall will be Su-30 MKI aircraft which has been modified indigenously for integration of air-to-ground BrahMos missiles manufactured in India. The missile weighs 2500 kg and has a range of nearly 300 kms, a release said on Monday.
HAL has to date manufactured 220 Su-30 MKI aircraft and has overhauled over 100 Su-30 MKI.
HAL’s Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) will be on static display during the Vibrant Gujarat summit. A Make-in-India product built with private participation, LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5000 m (16,400 ft) with a considerable load of weapons and fuel meeting the specific requirements of Indian Armed Forces.
HAL has identified over 100 critical items for indigenisation and will display some of them in the show, said CB Ananthakrishnan, CMD (Addl. Charge), HAL.
Besides, the scale models of Su-30, LCA, ALH WSI, HTT40 and Do-228, HAL stall will showcase core competencies and capabilities of Indian industries, opportunities in indigenisation of critical aerospace parts, aggregates, LRUs, materials, and consumables.
During the show, HAL will also focus on strategies for strengthening the aerospace ecosystem by interacting with the Indian industry to open the gateway for the future, the release added.
Six manufacturing Divisions of HAL- Aircraft Division Nashik, Engine Division Koraput, Accessories Division Hyderabad and Lucknow, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur and Engine Division Bengaluru are participating in the event. (ANI)
With its strategic location and favourable business environment, Gujarat has emerged as the “preferred destination for Tesla’s manufacturing plans”….reports Asian Lite News
Elon Musk’s Tesla may finally end its dry run in India and announce to set up an Electric Vehicle (EV) supply system manufacturing plant in Gujarat during the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit’ next month. The announcement is likely to be made in the presence of Tesla CEO and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the flagship event from January 10-12, according to media reports.
With its strategic location and favourable business environment, Gujarat has emerged as the “preferred destination for Tesla’s manufacturing plans”.
According to Ahmedabad Mirror, the state government has suggested Sanand, Becharaji and Dholera as the site for Tesla to set up its manufacturing plant.
Earlier, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were being considered by Tesla to set up its EV plant.
Tesla has been engaged in intense negotiations with the Union Government, seeking concessions that would facilitate a smoother entry into the Indian market.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in November visited Tesla’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fremont, California.
Goyal said it was “extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers and finance professionals working at senior positions and contributing to Tesla’s remarkable journey to transform mobility”.
“Also proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Elon Musk’s magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery,” the Union Minister posted on X.
Musk, had apologised to Goyal for not being able to meet him as he was keeping unwell.
“It was an honour to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date,” Musk replied.
Goyal and Musk were scheduled to meet during the Minister’s US visit, after the SpaceX and X owner met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US in June, and revealed he was keen to make significant investments in India.
According to earlier reports, the automaker asked the Indian Government for an initial tariff concession that would offset India’s steep customs duties of 70 per cent for cars under $40,000 and 100 per cent for cars above $40,000.
Tesla had asked for the concession as a condition for constructing a plant in the country. The reduced tariffs would apply to all EV manufacturers.
India’s EV market has the potential to achieve over 40 per cent penetration with $100 billion revenue by 2030.
This growth is expected to be driven by strong adoption (over 45 per cent) in both two-wheeler (2W) and three-wheeler (3W) categories, with four-wheelers (cars) penetration projected to grow to more than 20 per cent, according to a recent report by Bain & Company and Blume Ventures.
Xiaomi Enters Auto Sector, Unveils 1st EV
Global technology brand Xiaomi on Thursday announced its entry into the automotive industry by unveiling its long-awaited first electric vehicle.
The company launched two EVs — XiaomiSU7 and XiaomiSU7Max.
“#XiaomiSU7 makes a significant Stride as Xiaomi expands from the smartphone industry to the automotive sector, completing the Human x Car x Home smart ecosystem,” the company posted on X.
“#XiaomiSU7 will forever journey alongside those steering toward their dreams,” it added.
According to the company, the XiaomiSU7Max goes from 0-100km/h in 2.78 seconds, while the XiaomiSU7 reaches 0-100km/h in 5.28 seconds. The top speed of the SU7 is 210km/h and for the SU7Max, it is 265km/h.
“#XiaomiSU7 goes from 0-100km/h in 2.78 seconds, officially joining the ‘2s Supercar Club’ with a single step,” the company wrote.
Moreover, the company said that the new EV will be available in three colour variants — Aqua Blue, Mineral Gray, and Verdant Green.
The five core technologies used in EVs are E-Motors, battery, HyperCasting, autonomous driving, and smart cabin.
While the price of the EV is unknown, many expect the SU7 to fall into 200,000 yuan to 300,000 yuan (around Rs 25 to 35 lakh).
The sale of the SU7 is likely to start next year. It will be produced by a unit of China-owned automaker BAIC Group in a Beijing factory with an annual capacity of 2,00,000 vehicles.
Modi will deliver a special virtual address during the inaugural event of the health ministers’ meetings on August 18, a government release said…reports Asian Lite News
The 4th Health Working Group (HWG) meetings, a component of India’s G-20 presidency, are scheduled to take place in Gandhinagar from August 17 to 19.
The schedule of the programme also includes a joint meeting of ministers of health and ministers of finance and a virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.
The health working group (HWG) meetings include the 4th meeting of HWG deputies and ministers on August 17, a health ministers’ meeting on August 18-19, and a joint meeting of ministers of health and ministers of finance on August 19, said Mona Khandhar, G20 Nodal Officer, Gujarat government.
Modi will deliver a special virtual address during the inaugural event of the health ministers’ meetings on August 18, a government release said.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the joint meeting of ministers of health and ministers of finance on August 19, said Khandhar.
“Many other finance ministers of G20 nations will join the meeting virtually,” she said. Mandaviya will also remain present at the meeting of HWG deputies on August 17.
“Three parallel summits will be organised, on the topics of AYUSH, medical tourism advantage India, and pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. There will also be exhibitions in these three areas,” said Khandhar.
Ministers from 19 countries and nine invitee countries, along with senior representatives of 23 multilateral agencies, including the UN permanent representative, will remain present, she said.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will address the inaugural meeting of a seminar on AYUSH, being organised in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO), the nodal officer said.
Among other keynote dignitaries from across the world to participate in the meetings are State Minister of Indigenous Medicine of Sri Lanka J A Sisira Kumara Jayakody, Dr Carla Vizzotti of Argentina, and Dechen Wangmo of Bhutan.
“The August 17 event will be split into two sessions with a focus on finalisation of the outcome document through ‘Live Negotiations on the Draft Declaration led by India’s G20 Presidency Health Track Focal Point’,” a government release said.
An exhibition tour on different themes such as WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, One Earth One Health Advantage Healthcare India 2023, and India MedTech Expo 2023, will also be organised after the closing session, it said.
The meeting of health ministers starting August 18 will have sessions on “Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness and Response (with a focus on One Health and AMR), a panel discussion with WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit and a panel discussion with ‘One Earth One Health Advantage Healthcare India 2023’, the release said.
On the same day, delegates will be taken on a tour of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, One Earth One Health- Advantage Healthcare India 2023, and India MedTech Expo 2023.
On August 19, discussions will be held on the issues of strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector with a focus on availability and access to safe, effective, quality; and affordable medical countermeasures, digital health innovation and solutions to aid universal health coverage and improve healthcare service delivery.
PM has gifted various projects like GIFT City, Surat Diamond Bourse, Dholera SIR, and Sabarmati Riverfront which have made Gujarat’s urbanization of global standard…reports Asian Lite News
Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the U20 Mayoral Summit, under India’s G20 Presidency, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
In his address, the CM said, “ I am confident that U20 will become an ideal platform for solutions to challenges in modern and futuristic urban development. World leaders and mayors have come together on a common platform through U20. They will not only discuss on economic development of cities but also on making them the center of socio-economic and economic centers.”
Talking about India’s G20 Presidency, the Hon’ble CM said, “ I am happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts have got India the G20 Presidency. This U20 Summit, organized with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-One Earth-One World-One Family, is a summit that unites all for the common agenda of Sustainable Urban Development.”
Talking about the challenges for the future, the CM added that it is the need of the hour to integrate ever-increasing urbanization with sustainable development, climate change, public services, and solutions to traffic-related issues.
He also highlighted that Gujarat is India’s most urbanised state whose urbanization history started 4500 years ago with the Indus Valley Civilization. The state is thankful to the PM who crafted the success story of urban development. He guided in using technology for providing modern and better civic amenities to the people to promote ‘Ease of Living.’ This is the sole reason why cities in Gujarat have been witness to innovative and futuristic projects.
PM has gifted various projects like GIFT City, Surat Diamond Bourse, Dholera SIR, and Sabarmati Riverfront which have made Gujarat’s urbanization of global standard.
The two-day summit will have in-depth discussions on topics like water security, promoting digitalization, and mainstreaming women and children in urban development, including creating public awareness about the critical impact of climate change in urban areas. The Chief Minister urged the mayors and city leaders to exchange the best practices of their cities in all these sectors.
CM, in the presence of the Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Dr.Ralph Heckner, released the “Climate Resilient City Action Plan for Ahmedabad” prepared by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation This plan has been prepared in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore welcomed the delegates from various parts of India and the world. He said, “ India has been a leader in urban development since the ancient Harappan period. And India is inspiring other nations with its sustainable and unique initiatives even today. The Urban 20 Mayoral Summit will be a medium for sharing best practices and special initiatives taking place in developed cities of the world. The Union Minister of State expressed confidence that the deliberations and discussions in the two-day U20 Summit held in Gujarat will play an important role in the urban development sector in the days to come.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 7, 2023
PM Modi has highlighted India’s accelerating development on a global platform through the G20. Under his leadership, India has very rapidly implemented various policies in solar and renewable energy, water security, Housing for All, reuse of waste water, and solid waste management for urban development and sustainable urbanization. He has made dedicated efforts to make India Aatmanirbhar through initiatives like Make in India, said the Union Minister.
The Union Minister added that the Urban-20 Summit will have an important contribution in ensuring the quality of life for the people and sustainable development of cities amidst the increasing urbanization. The Union Minister urged all the delegates to work towards realizing the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’
Kirit Parmar, Mayor of Ahmedabad, Chair City of the 6th Urban-20, in his welcome address, said, “U20 has gained importance with the increasing global urbanization. The U20 has addressed various pressing economic and sustainable development issues such as climate change, digital transformation, city-level investment, and health care since the G20 summit joined the Paris Agreement.”
Kevin Austin, Deputy Executive Director of Urban-20’s associate organization “C40 Cities”, lauded Gujarat’s public transport system. He said that public access has become easier through metro and BRTS in cities. Ahmedabad is the first city to have its own Advance Action Plan. He pointed out the possibility of most cities becoming victims of rising global temperatures by 2050. He requested everyone to take concrete steps in view of the possible climate crisis.
As several parts of the country are grappling with severe heatwave conditions, IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar issued an advisory on the current situation in the country….reports Asian Lite News
Amid heatwave conditions likely over several parts of the country, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday gave a cyclone alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coast in Gujarat.
“Cyclone Alert for Saurashtra & Kutch Coast: Yellow Message. ESCS BIPARJOY over east-central Arabian Sea, at 1730 IST of 11th June near lat 18.6N & long 67.7E, Likely to cross between Mandvi (Gujarat) & Karachi (Pakistan) by noon of 15th June,” IMD said in a tweet. Earlier in the day, IMD had said that hot weather and heat wave conditions will likely continue for the next three days in Odisha and several places in the state will experience temperatures 4-6 degrees Celsius above normal.
Speaking to ANI, IMD Scientist Umashankar Das said, “We are expecting hot weather conditions and heat wave conditions to continue for the next three days. Apart from that, several places in Odisha will experience above normal temperatures by 4-6 degrees.”
IMD Scientist Das further mentioned that an orange warning has been issued in this regard.
“We have issued an Orange warning. This condition will continue till June 13. We are expecting that afterwards there is a slight fall in temperature. So, heatwave conditions will no more prevail in various districts,” he said.
As several parts of the country are grappling with severe heatwave conditions, IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar issued an advisory on the current situation in the country.
IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar said, “Talking about the heatwave conditions in India, the main heat wave zone currently is East India. The heat wave conditions are prevailing in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. For this, the IMD issued an orange alert in these regions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are also coming under the influence of heatwave.” (ANI)
Jaishankar on Sunday arrived in Windhoek to further strengthen relations with Namibia…reports Asian Lite news
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met with the Indian diamond business owners from Gujarat in Namibia. He said that they are making economic advances and building real friendships.
“Good to see Indian diamond businesses from Gujarat active in Namibia. They are advancing our economic interests while building real friendships. The Namibian Government is appreciative of their contribution to the local economy,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on Twitter. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Namibian Independence Museum and called it a reminder of Global South solidarity.
Taking to Twitter, EAM Jaishankar wrote, “Visited the Namibian Independence Museum. A powerful reminder of a shared struggle and the Global South solidarity.”
Jaishankar on Sunday arrived in Windhoek to further strengthen relations with Namibia. He was received by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, Jenelly Matundu.
This is the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to the Republic of Namibia. During the visit, EAM will call on the top leadership of the country.
Before arriving in the Namibian capital on Sunday, the External Affairs Minister was in Cape Town, South Africa to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In Cape Town, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar invoked the three-decade-old ties between India and South Africa
Upon arrival in Namibia, EAM Jaishankar in a tweet stated, “Arrived in Windhoek. Thank Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, Jenelly Matundu for receiving me so warmly. Look forward to a productive visit that takes our time-tested ties forward.
“On Sunday, Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora in Namibia. He said that the condolence messages and the outpouring of support that he received in the wake of the horrific train accident in Odisha show how connected the world is with India.
“A lot of leaders from all over the world and the foreign minister from here [Namibia] also has expressed solidarity and sent sympathy,” EAM Jaishankar said while addressing the Indian diaspora in Namibia on Sunday.
“I received many messages and foreign ministers and friends from across the world. The Prime Minister also received lots of messages. This is an example of how globalised today’s world is and how the world is connected with India,” he added.
Before arriving in the Namibian capital on Sunday, the External Affairs Minister was in Cape Town, South Africa to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
In Cape Town, Jaishankar invoked the three-decade-old ties between India and South Africa stating that there is a very “deeply emotional” connection between the two countries. (ANI)
In January and February, Gujarat had hosted a series of meetings related to G20, one of them on tourism…reports Asian Lite News
Gujarat will host the next round of G20 meetings from March 27 to April 4, during which three conclaves will be held in the state on a range of issues, where delegates from different countries will converge for participation, said an official on Tuesday.
India currently holds the year-long presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), which comprises 19 countries across continents and the European Union (EU).
Of these three upcoming events in the state, the first meeting on “Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG)” will take place between March 27 and 29 in Gandhinagar, said IAS officer Mona Khandhar, who is coordinating G20 events in Gujarat.
“This is the second meeting of ECSWG. It will be inaugurated by G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant in the presence of several senior central government officials and subject experts,” said Khandhar, who serves as Principal Secretary (Economic Affairs) in the state finance department.
Some of these dignitaries include Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Debashree Mukherjee, Additional Secretary – Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti and G Ashok Kumar, Director General, Mission for Clean Ganga, she told reporters.
Officials from the Central Water Commission, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme and the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services would also participate, said the senior bureaucrat.
“Representatives from nearly 30 countries, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, China, France and Germany, will take part in the three-day event,” said Khandhar.
On the first day, discussions will be held on the subject “Best Practises on Water Resources” and other related topics. Later, guests will be taken to the famous Adalaj Stepwell, Narmada canal syphon on the Sabarmati river and the Sabarmati Riverfront.
On March 28, technical sessions would take place on five focus areas – climate resilient infrastructure, ground water management, water sanitation and hygiene, climate change mitigation and resource efficiency and circular economy, she said.
On March 29, technical sessions will be organised on topics related to oceans, sustainable blue economy, conservation of marine and coastal ecosystem and marine spatial planning among others, the IAS officer said.
As per a release by PIB (Press Information Bureau), the second meeting in this series on the topic “Disaster Management” will be held in Gandhinagar from March 30 to April 1.
In January and February, Gujarat had hosted a series of meetings related to G20, one of them on tourism.
Gujarat Chief Minister said that while Gujarat is a hub for young entrepreneurs, Google is eager to take the world by storm with this partnership with Gujarat…reports Asian Lite News
The Gujarat government on Wednesday signed an important strategic Memorandum of Understanding with global technology major Google, through which they will jointly equip Gujarat’s rural women, school-going children and young entrepreneurs for socio-economic transformation through the use of information technology and internet access.
The memorandum was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Vijay Nehra, Secretary, Science Technology and Sanjay Gupta, Vice President and Country Head of Google. Approximately fifty thousand people will be provided training every year.
“Not only this, training sessions will be organized to increase the capacity building-skill of children-students and youth along with increasing digital literacy among rural women,” a release said.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that Gujarat has a strong ICT (information and communications technology) infrastructure which has been developed due to the new IT and ITES Policy 2022-2027. The chief minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought the best in the world to Gujarat and the state government has realized it through various policy initiatives.
Gujarat CM also assured full support of the state government to Google to associate the name of Google with Gujarat and to ensure that Gujarat, which the CM termed as the growth engine of the country.
It is necessary to point out here that the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of Gujarat has signed 3 MoU with Google in the past and more than 10 thousand women, school children, young developers have benefited from these training programs.
On the occasion, Sanjay Gupta, Country Head and Vice President of Google, appreciated the overall development in the IT sector in the state and especially the activities of Science City.
He said that while Gujarat is a hub for young entrepreneurs, Google is eager to take the world by storm with this partnership with Gujarat.
Gupta called children and women as the foundation of a bright future and also said that IT has extended to the rural level in Gujarat will give new direction to this strategic
Aspects pertaining to branding, security, venue management, cultural events showcasing Gujarat’s traditions and other logistic arrangements were deliberated…reports Asian Lite News
The Second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting will be held at Gandhinagar from March 27 to 29.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Second ECSWG will commence with a side event on water resources management wherein presentations on Best Practices in Water Resources Management by G20 member countries will take place. “This will be followed by an excursion and site visit to Adalaj Vav which demonstrates the ancient water management practices of India and India’s long-standing tradition of conserving its water resources in a beautiful ambience,” the ministry said.
The ministry said that this will be followed by a site visit to ‘Sabarmati siphon and escape on Narmada main canal’, which demonstrates India’s engineering prowess as the Narmada river’s waters flow through a huge tunnel built under the bed of the river and continue on the other side. Delegates will also visit Sabarmati Riverfront, to witness the wastewater management practices like the use of treated water from the sewage treatment plants to replenish the river.
Over the subsequent two days, technical discussions on India ECSWG themes- Accelerating Ecosystem Restoration and Enriching Biodiversity; Promoting a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy; and Encouraging Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy will take place.
Delegates will also get a glimpse of Gujarat’s vibrant cultural traditions through its dances and music performances, specially curated for the delegates.
To review the preparedness for the Second ECSWG meeting, a meeting was held today between the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Leena Nandan and Chief Secretary to Government of Gujarat, Raj Kumar. Secretary, MoEF&CC also held discussions with Head of structures/arrangement for G20 Summit meetings, Smt. Mona Khandhar. During the meeting, Addl Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Arunkumar Solanki; PCCF& HoFF, S K Chaturvedi, and PPCF(WL), Nityananad Srivastava from Forest department were also present.
Aspects pertaining to branding, security, venue management, cultural events showcasing Gujarat’s traditions and other logistic arrangements were deliberated.
The State Government assured full preparedness for a warm welcome to all G-20 delegates and to ensure that the event is a grand success.
India shall be holding the Presidency of G20 for one year, till 30th November 2023. The forum will bring together the G20 member countries, guest countries and international organisations invited by India. Through the Sherpa Track, 13 Working Groups and 2 initiatives will meet under India’s Presidency to discuss priorities and provide recommendations.
Environment and Climate Sustainability is one of the working groups under the Sherpa track. Four Meetings of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) are scheduled to be held at Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Mumbai and Chennai. These meetings will be hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The first G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting concluded in Bengaluru on a positive note with all G20 countries expressing support on the themes outlined by MoEF&CC for India’s Presidency. (ANI)
Mizoram To Host G20 Meeting From March 1-3
Mizoram will host a G20 meeting here from March 1-3, where business delegates and diplomats from across the world are expected to participate, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Tuesday.
Around 85 local startups will also take part in the event at the Mizoram University (MZU) on the western outskirts of Aizawl, he said.
“The G20 meeting will bring together several policymakers, business leaders, along with representatives of multilateral organisations,” Zoramthanga told a press conference here.
The chief minister said 48 business delegates and 17 diplomats from 17 countries, including the US, Germany, China, France and Japan would participate in the meeting.
The event will focus on opportunities for business partnerships in areas like urban planning, infrastructure, startups, skill development, handloom and handicraft, he said.
Zoramthanga said the G20 meeting would provide a platform to project Mizoram as an important investment destination, besides giving the delegates a sneak peek into the culture, heritage and tourism potential of the state.
As part of the programme, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will facilitate Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) meetings, he added. India formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year.
Gujarat makes up mind to give mandate to AAP, says Punjab CM
The party is now all set to become the ninth national party after getting around 13 per cent vote share in the Gujarat assembly polls…reports AVINASH PRABHAKAR
After the vote counting for the Gujarat assembly polls started on Thursday morning, the Aam Aadmi Party got into a celebratory mode to welcome the achievement of national recognition irrespective of the poll results not going in their favour.
“Through the votes of Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party is becoming national party. For the first time, politics based on education and health is getting recognition in the country. Congratulations to the people of India”, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia said in a tweet on Thursday morning. Even with the early trends not favourable to the AAP in Gujarat, the party started celebrating the feat of becoming a national party.
However, the party is now all set to become the ninth national party after getting around 13 per cent vote share in the Gujarat assembly polls. A political party needs to be recognised in at least four states to become the national party. While to be recognised as a party in the state, it needs to win at least two seats and 6 per cent of votes.
With the AAP’s government in Delhi and Punjab and recognition as state party in Goa, the AAP has also achieved the status of a state party in Gujarat by securing five seats and 13 per cent vote share, which is enough to be recognised as a ‘national party,’ the ninth in the country.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal greets supporters during a door-to-door election campaign for the upcoming MCD elections, in New Delhi on Tuesday
“Thanks to miraculous leadership of CM Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party has become a national party in just 10 years. Aam Aadmi Party is no longer limited to Delhi and Punjab, but has become the national party of India. Gujarat is called the fortress of PM Modi and Amit Shah, Kejriwal has breached their fortress today”, said senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh while commenting on this. He said that ten years ago the AAP was formed, till now the people of Delhi formed our government thrice in Delhi and now we have our government in Punjab also”.
After getting the national party status, important advantages among others will include that it’s symbol broom will be reserved for party candidates across the country. The AAP’s candidates will now appear on the top of EVM alphabetically and may also get office space in the heart of Delhi and the party can include as many as 40 star campaigners instead of the usual 20.
While AAP state convenor Gopal Rai in a function at the party headquarters said that despite being pressured by other political parties to not vote for us, Gujarat gave us their love and support. As many as 35 lakh people across the state supported us and due to this today we have become a national party.
“When we were on a protest against corruption in Delhi under the leadership of Anna Hazare, the ruling Congress party at the time promised that they would bring the Jan Lokpal Bill. They eventually failed on their promise and we were challenged into getting into politics. Congress said that if you are serious about bringing changes in this country, fight an election and come to power. When we finally decided to take the political plunge, it was unimaginable to think that this is where we would be 10 years later”, Rai said.
He added that we have proved them wrong today and more importantly we have shown to the people of the country that when you decide to stand up against the wrongs of both the Congress and the BJP, then there is no one who can stop you. This ‘jhaadu’ has the power to stop the dirty politics of both the Congress and the BJP.”
Meanwhile, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal in a video message to party workers said, “Aam Aadmi Party has got about 13 per cent votes in Gujarat, till now 39 lakh votes have been received and counting is still going on. We are grateful to the people who reposed faith in us. This time we have succeeded in breaking the fort, next time we will win the fort”.
