PM Modi News Highlights: PM Modi to visit Nigeria on November 16-17

YSR Congress Party president Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the government's actions, stating that voicing concerns or questioning the government now leads to cases being filed against individuals. He pointed out that every political party, including the BJP, has social media activists, and millions of people follow them. Reddy expressed concern over the recent issuance of 680 notices to his party's social media activists, questioning whether democracy could survive if this trend continued.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj blamed the AAP government for the toxic fog that enveloped Delhi, calling it a result of their failure to address air pollution. She pointed out that despite being in power for the past 10 years, the AAP has not taken any significant steps to tackle the issue of air pollution in the capital.

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, stated in an interview with AFP on Wednesday that electoral reforms are necessary before the country can hold elections following the removal of former autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and microfinance pioneer, emphasized that the speed of the elections will depend on how quickly the required reforms are implemented. He made these comments during the COP29 climate talks in Baku.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar commented on the R G Kar case, stating that the role of Vineet Goyal, the former Commissioner of Kolkata Police, has been under scrutiny from the start. He criticized Goyal for providing misleading statements, which were inconsistent with others' observations. Majumdar also pointed out that the main accused had accused Goyal of framing him, claiming it was part of a larger conspiracy. He emphasized that as the constitutional head of the state, the Governor has the right to question the Chief Minister about the role of the Commissioner of Police in the case.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that 2024 has been an exceptionally positive year for India-Germany relations. He highlighted the successful 7th inter-governmental consultations held in October, where not only the German Chancellor but also several key Cabinet ministers participated, engaging with their Indian counterparts in a productive manner. He also noted the simultaneous Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in New Delhi, which further bolstered the ties. Jaishankar welcomed Germany's new document outlining a more proactive approach to strengthening its relationship with India.

The Public Health Department has issued instructions to district officials to improve security and create a safer working environment for doctors and healthcare workers in government medical institutions and other health facilities. Officials have been directed to take immediate measures and act promptly to address the issue.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Chennai filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the case involving Jaffer Sadiq and others, before the XIII Additional CBI Court in Chennai. A total of 20 individuals have been named as accused. The court took cognizance of the complaint on October 18.

Doctors at Stanley Medical College in Chennai staged a protest following the stabbing of a government doctor at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital. The attack allegedly occurred after the son of a patient became upset over the treatment of his mother at the hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jamui, Bihar, on November 15 to celebrate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. During the visit, he will unveil a commemorative coin and stamp, and launch development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting tribal communities. PM Modi will also inaugurate 11,000 homes under the PM-JANMAN scheme and launch 53 Mobile Medical Units to enhance healthcare access in tribal areas.

Secretary (ER) Dammu Ravi announced that Prime Minister Modi will undertake a state visit to Nigeria from November 16-17, at the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This will mark the Prime Minister’s first visit to the West African region.

Pankaj Saran, a member of the National Security Advisory Board, spoke positively about the key appointments in US President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet. He highlighted that Michael Waltz, co-chair of the India Caucus, has been appointed as National Security Advisor (NSA), and Marco Rubio has been named Secretary of State. Saran noted that these appointments are beneficial for India, as both Waltz and Rubio are knowledgeable about the country’s issues and have expressed their support for India and its relationship with the US. He described this as a promising sign for the future.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Modi's leadership, stating that India has transformed over the past decade and now knows how to safeguard its territories. He criticized the previous Congress government for advising silence on terror attacks from Pakistan to maintain diplomatic ties, contrasting it with India's stance post-2014, where the country no longer tolerates those who pose a threat. Adityanath made these remarks at a public event in the Mira-Bhayandar Assembly constituency.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly condemned the stabbing of an on-duty government doctor in Chennai. In a letter, the IMA stated that no amount of superficial measures by the government will make doctors feel safe while working in the country. It called for stronger deterrent laws, harsher punishments, and proactive safety measures. The IMA also expressed deep concern about the recurring violence against medical professionals and skepticism about the effectiveness of current remedial actions. The association emphasized that a comprehensive overhaul of hospital security is essential to restore doctors' confidence, stating that the nation owes this to its medical practitioners.

A cordon-and-search operation is ongoing following an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Badimarg area of Yaripora, located in South Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has appointed BJP Councillor Satya Sharma to chair the meeting scheduled for the election of the Mayor on November 14, 2024, at 2 PM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "I will make your electricity bills zero. We will provide Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 to each household for installing solar panels. The electricity generated will ensure zero bills, and if you produce more than your consumption, the government will purchase the excess power."

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has declared the appointment of parliamentary secretaries as invalid and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all associated facilities.

At an election rally in Godda, Prime Minister Modi said, "Infiltration in Jharkhand is reaching alarming levels. The JMM-led coalition has been involved in a mafia-like rule, including the question paper leak scandal. We will bring the culprits to justice, even if they are hiding in the deepest corners, for playing with the future of children."

In an election rally in Godda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Every rally I attend in Jharkhand breaks the record of the previous one. To those who analyze politics, I suggest touring Jharkhand – the result will be clear. I feel your love, and I’ve come here to invite you: after the results on November 23, an NDA government will be sworn in. Today marks the first phase of voting, and I’m seeing people cast their votes in large numbers, celebrating the festival of democracy with enthusiasm. There have been long queues since morning. I am grateful for the support of the people of Jharkhand."

The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of the nationwide Coastal Defence Exercise, 'Sea Vigil 2024,' on November 20 and 21. The exercise aims to enhance the security of key coastal assets, including ports, oil rigs, single point moorings, cable landing points, and other critical infrastructure, as well as protect the coastal population.

The Indian Army is carrying out a major tri-services exercise, Ex Poorvi Prahar, from November 10 to 18, 2024, in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. This large-scale joint drill is designed to improve the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in conducting Integrated Joint Operations in the region's difficult mountainous terrain, while also boosting inter-service coordination and overall operational preparedness.

While addressing a public gathering in Sarath, PM Modi accused the JMM and Congress of exploiting the resources meant for the people, saying, "They looted your water, forests, land, sand, coal, and government jobs—all of it was yours. Instead of using these resources to build a better future for your families and children, they ruined it for their own benefit."

The Delhi High Court has issued a fresh notice to BJP leader Harish Khurana, directing him to appear in an appeal filed by Sunita Kejriwal, wife of former Delhi CM and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The appeal challenges a summoning order in a complaint case filed by Khurana, which has already been stayed. The case pertains to Sunita Kejriwal's inclusion in the electoral rolls of two constituencies. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh has scheduled the next hearing for December 10, when Khurana is required to appear.

EAM S. Jaishankar and Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan co-chaired the 2nd meeting of the PSSC in Delhi, discussing key areas of bilateral cooperation such as defense, security, trade, culture, tourism, and people-to-people ties. He tweets, "Delighted to co-chair along with FM Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia the 2nd Meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation PSSC under our Strategic Partnership Council in Delhi today. Held productive discussions on our multi-faceted bilateral ties including defence partnership, security cooperation, trade & investment, culture, tourism & youth exchanges and our people-to-people connections. We also exchanged views on regional and international issues, especially the ongoing conflict in West Asia and our joint efforts in various multilateral fora."

At a rally in Jharkhand, PM Modi criticized Congress for using "objectionable language" against Sita Soren. He said, "In our culture, women and daughters hold great respect, but Congress leaders have abused our sisters, using offensive words against Sita Soren. Where do they find the courage to do this? They know they can get away with it because they are protected by the JMM government. This is why Congress leaders continue to insult tribal women. When the BJP nominated a tribal woman, Droupadi Murmu, as President of India, Congress tried everything to defeat her. Even today, they insult President Murmu. Congress has dangerous intentions, and their 'shehzada' has clearly stated that they want to end reservations for SC/ST and OBC communities."

During a public rally in Sarath, Deoghar, Prime Minister Modi said, "In our culture, the dignity of women and daughters is highly respected. However, Congress leaders have used offensive language against Sita Soren. Where do they get the audacity to do this? They know they can get away with it because they have protection from the JMM government. This is why Congress leaders continue to disrespect tribal women. When the BJP nominated a tribal woman, Droupadi Murmu, as President, Congress did everything in their power to defeat her. Even now, they continue to insult President Murmu. Congress has harmful intentions. The 'shehzada' of Congress has clearly stated that they want to abolish reservations for SC/ST and OBC communities."

Pinki Basu Mukherjee has been apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to a case involving illegal infiltration and human trafficking, where she is accused of facilitating the entry of Bangladeshi nationals into India. Additionally, the ED has arrested two Bangladeshi nationals, Rony Mondal and Sameer Chowdhary, as well as an Indian national, Pintu Haldar, in connection with the same infiltration and trafficking case. According to ED officials, raids were conducted at 17 locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal yesterday.

During a public rally in Dhule, Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), accusing them of pursuing appeasement for political gain. He said that Uddhav Thackeray, in his bid for power, had abandoned the principles of his father, Balasaheb Thackeray. Shah questioned Uddhav Thackeray's alliances, pointing out that he is now associating with those who opposed key national decisions like the renaming of Aurangabad, the construction of the Ram temple, the revocation of Article 370, and India's surgical strike against Pakistan. He further emphasized that there are two distinct choices for the people of Maharashtra: one is the Aghadi, which he described as a "fan club of Aurangzeb," and the other is the Mahayuti, which upholds the values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Veer Savarkar.

On the price hike of onions and action taken by the government to control the price, Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, noted that several major states have lower-than-average onion prices. The government has also improved supply through bulk transportation, including the Kanda Express. She is optimistic that these actions will reduce prices, with onions expected to reach Rs 35 per kilogram through retail interventions.

An Iranian man, Mohammad Ali Salamat, convicted of raping dozens of women over the past two decades, has been executed in public, according to state media. Salamat, aged 43, was hanged at dawn on Tuesday in a cemetery in the western city of Hamedan, following the confirmation of his death sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court in October.

Salamat, who ran a pharmacy and a gym, was accused by over 200 women of rape. The crimes allegedly took place over the span of 20 years. Iranian media reports stated that Salamat often raped his victims after proposing marriage or during dating, and in some cases, provided abortion pills, which are illegal in Iran.

Rock band Coldplay and online ticket platform BookMyShow announced a fourth show in Ahmedabad as part of the band's Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025, citing "incredible fan demand." This new show follows a controversy over reports of black marketing after the initial tickets sold out within minutes. The additional show will be held at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25, 2025, and tickets will be available on BookMyShow.

Over 30% of the 9.1 lakh electors cast their votes in the first four hours of polling during the by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Assam, according to official data.

The Election Commission reported that approximately 30.31% of the 9,09,057 electors, including 4,54,963 women and 19 third-gender voters, exercised their franchise by 11 AM. A total of 34 candidates are contesting in these by-elections.

A voter turnout of 18.73% was recorded by 11 AM for the bypoll to the Raipur City South assembly seat in Chhattisgarh, according to a poll official. The election is largely seen as a direct contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, with 30 candidates in the race.

Voting began at 7 AM amid tight security, and the turnout by 11 AM stood at 18.73%. BJP's candidate Sunil Kumar Soni and Congress nominee Akash Sharma cast their votes at separate polling booths.

A voter turnout of over 30% was recorded by 11 AM for the bypolls in six assembly constituencies in West Bengal, according to an election official. Polling in the constituencies of Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, and Taldangra began at 7 AM and will continue until 5 PM, amid tight security.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar is holding a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in Delhi today.

The EAM noted, "Our partnership is premised on progress and focused on the future. Today, I am glad to host you and your delegation to the second meeting of the Committee on Political Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation under our Strategic Partnership Council. We have maintained a good tempo of high-level engagements and coordination across the multilateral forum. The Indian community in Saudi Arabia is 2.6 million strong and I take the opportunity to thank you for ensuring their welfare and for their comfort...We've had regular exchanges on training and capacity building and our cooperation has now expanded to defence industry and exports as well. Our security cooperation has also grown steadily. We are collaborating in counterterrorism, combating extremism, terrorism financing and drug trafficking. Saudi's Vision 2030 and Vikshit Bharat 2047 hold complementarities for our industries to build new partnerships."

The voter turnout in Wayanad began at 13.7% at 9:30 am and gradually increased to 34.38% by 12:30 pm, while in Chelakkara, the turnout rose from 14.64% at 9:30 am to 36.08% by 12:15 pm. Polling in both constituencies is taking place in a peaceful environment, with over 2,500 security personnel deployed for the Wayanad bypoll and live webcasting monitoring the election process.

Polling in the Wayanad Lok Sabha and Chelakkara assembly constituencies in Kerala continued at a brisk pace on November 13, with a turnout of 34.38 percent in Wayanad and 36.08 percent in Chelakkara after the first five hours. The election process, which was held amidst tight security, was largely incident-free, aside from a few reports of electronic voting machine (EVM) breakdowns in some polling booths, which were swiftly addressed by election officials.

"We are working diligently to address the issues faced by the people of Kosi and Mithila due to frequent floods. In this year's Budget, we have announced a comprehensive plan to tackle the flood problem in this region. I am confident that, in collaboration with Nepal, we will resolve this issue effectively."

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar today slammed the Gandhi family’s engagement with Wayanad, stating, "Rahul Gandhi was the Wayanad MP for five years and now he is abandoning the people of the constituency. He did nothing for the people in those years. Now, Priyanka Gandhi has come here to contest. She doesn’t understand the problems or language of the people, yet she is here, believing she can win with Jamaat-e-Islami's support. I believe this is a low point for our democracy because she has not contributed to the people. I hope the voters reject her."

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar remarked this morning, "Today is a significant day as PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for Darbhanga AIIMS. Back in 2003, under then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the decision was made to open Bihar’s first AIIMS in Patna. Since then, Bihar's healthcare system has seen substantial improvement. Later, it was also decided to establish another AIIMS, and now we see this plan coming to fruition."

BJP candidate for Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, Navya Haridas, stated, "The people of Wayanad need a representative who can work with them at the grassroots level, address their concerns in Parliament, and find real solutions. The Congress is resorting to tactics like providing kits, money, and liquor to sway voters. This is because they fear they will lose this election."

Bypolls will be held today in 31 assembly seats across 10 states and Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, from where Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut.

These by-polls are seen as a big test for the Congress and the INDIA bloc which failed to put up a united show in the recent Haryana assembly polls.

Most of these seats fell vacant after the sitting MLAs contested the Lok Sabha elections and won while in some constituencies, the bypolls are being held due to death of the representatives.