India, Nepal's ever-strengthening friendship will serve entire humanity, says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi's Nepal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 16) held bilateral diplomatic talks with his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba and signed a total of six MoUs/Agreements between India and Nepal.

Image credit: IANS

PM Narendra Modi's Nepal visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 16) held bilateral diplomatic talks with his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba. A total of six MoUs/Agreements were signed and exchanged during PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lumbini. The talks came after PM Modi laid the foundation for the construction of a unique centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage within the Lumbini Monastic Zone. PM’s visit to Nepal came on the occasion of Vaishakha Buddha Purnima, informed the Ministry of Culture. PM Modi offered prayers at Mahamayadevi Temple with his Nepalese counterpart Deuba. 

Prime Minister also delivered an address at a Buddha Jayanti event organized by the Lumbini Development Trust under the aegis of the Government of Nepal.

The Buddhist Centre will be the first "Net Zero Emission" building in Nepal. The Prime Minister`s visit and the building of an Indian Centre within the Lumbini Monastic complex are believed to further strengthen the bonds through a shared Buddhist heritage and legacy.

On the other hand, the controversial Gyanvapi Masjid videos survey programme, which was resumed after Supreme Court’s direction, entred its third day on Monday.

A slide show of PM Modi's Nepal visit: PM Narendra Modi visits Nepal on Buddha Purnima: In Pics

Meanwhile, for the first time, North Korea reported a Covid-19 outbreak with over 3.4 lakh new cases logged in less than 24 hours. India on the other handis witnessing a slight surge in the virus cases.

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16 May 2022

20:19 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Lucknow after concluding his day-long Nepal visit.

He was received by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. pic.twitter.com/CGlJDjxmk4

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 16, 2022

18:15 IST

PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Mahanirvana Stupa in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.

PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Mahanirvana Stupa in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on #BuddhaPurnima2022 pic.twitter.com/H9JfpNkZ08

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

15:51 IST

The growing and strengthening friendship between India and Nepal will work to benefit the entire humanity amid the kind of global situation that is emerging today. The devotion to Lord Buddha binds us together, and makes us members of one family: PM at Buddha Jayanti event in Lumbini  (ANI)

15:49 IST

The energy of the place where Lord Buddha was born, gives a different feeling. I was happy to see that the Mahabodhi sapling I had gifted in 2014 for this place, is now growing into a tree, said PM Narendra Modi at Buddha Jayanti event in Lumbini. 

The energy of the place where Lord Buddha was born, gives a different feeling. I was happy to see that the Mahabodhi sapling I had gifted in 2014 for this place, is now growing into a tree: PM Narendra Modi at Buddha Jayanti event in Lumbini pic.twitter.com/NQlFDyVG3M

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

14:14 IST

Amit Shah extends greetings on Sikkim statehood day

Greetings to our hardworking sisters and brothers of Sikkim on their statehood day. This state is known for its great culture and immense natural beauty. I pray for Sikkim’s progress in the years to come.

Greetings to our hardworking sisters and brothers of Sikkim on their statehood day. This state is known for its great culture and immense natural beauty. I pray for Sikkim’s progress in the years to come.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 16, 2022

14:13 IST

We created a safe atmosphere for Kashmiri pandits: Mehbooba Mufti

We created a safe atmosphere for Kashmiri pandits. In 2010, and 2016 during peak unrest, no killing happened. The Kashmir Files movie has also triggered it. They're creating Hindu-Muslim issues to distract from real topics and are after Gyanvapi mosque now, ANI quoted PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti as saying.

J&K| We created a safe atmosphere for Kashmiri pandits. In 2010, 2016 during peak unrest, no killing happened.The #KashmiriFiles movie has also triggered it.They're creating Hindu-Muslim issues to distract from real topics & are after Gyanvapi mosque now:PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti pic.twitter.com/WKu4GpD57D

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

13:58 IST

Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches Sambal Yojana 2.0- PICS

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched Sambal Yojana 2.0 portal and transferred money to the beneficiaries.

Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches Sambal Yojana 2.0 portal and transfers money to the beneficiaries. pic.twitter.com/FeNkDCX5NS

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 16, 2022

13:37 IST

UP Dpy CM Keshav Maurya tweets on Gyanvapi Masjid findings

"The manifestation of Baba Mahadev in Gyanvapi on the occasion of Buddha Purnima has given a mythological message to the country's eternal Hindu tradition," the tweet read.

बुद्ध पूर्णिमा के अवसर पर ज्ञानवापी में बाबा महादेव के प्रकटीकरण ने देश की सनातन हिंदू परंपरा को एक पौराणिक संदेश दिया है।

— Keshav Prasad Maurya (@kpmaurya1) May 16, 2022

13:27 IST

'Shivling' found at Gyanvapi Masjid, claims petitioner

As the third day of the court-ordered videography survey of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi concluded on Monday, the Hindu petitioner in the case, Sohan Lal Arya claimed that the committee found a Shivling at the complex.

Arya, who accompanied the court commission for the mosque survey, said that they have found "conclusive evidence"."Shivling....Jiski Nandi pratiksha kar rahi thi... The moment things became clear the chants of `Har Har Mahavdev` resonated in mosque premises," he claimed.

13:13 IST

BJP wants to build two Indias: Rahul Gandhi

BJP wants to build two Indias - one for the rich, 2-3 big industrialists and the other for the poor, the tribals, Dalits, the backward & the weak. We don't want two Indias, we want one India where everyone gets the opportunity to fulfil their dreams, said Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

BJP wants to build two Indias - one for the rich, 2-3 big industrialists and the other for the poor, the tribals, Dalits, the backward & the weak. We don't want two Indias, we want one India where everyone gets the opportunity to fulfill their dreams: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/hD0vwgunNK

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 16, 2022

13:12 IST

Relationship between Congress and the tribals is very old, deep: Rahul Gandhi

The relationship between Congress & the tribals is very old & deep. We protect your history. We don't want to erase or suppress your history. During the UPA govt, we had brought a historic law to protect your land, forest & water, said Rahul Gandhi in Karana Village, Banswara, Rajasthan.

Relationship between Congress & the tribals is very old & deep. We protect your history. We don't want to erase or suppress your history. During the UPA govt, we had brought a historic law to protect your land, forest & water: Rahul Gandhi in Karana Village, Banswara, Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/otMqldOAco

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 16, 2022

12:43 IST

PM Modi takes part in verse chanting in Nepal's Lumbini- WATCH

Post foundation laying of Centre for Buddhist culture & heritage belonging to International Buddhist Confederation, PM Modi along with Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba participates in slogan chanting in Lumbini, Nepal.

#WATCH | Post foundation laying of Centre for Buddhist culture & heritage belonging to International Buddhist Confederation, PM Modi along with Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba participates in slogan chanting in Lumbini, Nepal pic.twitter.com/x1WcwIRLYa

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

12:36 IST

11 MLAs in Tripura take oath as cabinet ministers- PICS

11 MLAs in Tripura take oath as cabinet ministers, at Raj Bhavan, in Agartala,  day after new Tripura CM Manik Saha took oath.

11 MLAs in Tripura take oath as cabinet ministers, at Raj Bhavan, in Agartala pic.twitter.com/swcXOg7nui

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

12:24 IST

Janata Dal (United) fields Anil Hegde as its candidate for the upcoming bye-election to the council of states from Bihar, ANI reported

12:22 IST

PM Modi autographs a sketch depicting him and Lord Buddha- WATCH

PM Modi on Monday autographed a sketch depicting him and Lord Buddha, as he received a warm welcome by the Indian community in Lumbini, Nepal

#WATCH | PM Modi autographs a sketch depicting him and Lord Buddha, as he receives a warm welcome by the Indian community in Lumbini, Nepal pic.twitter.com/UgDYGjjU1O

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

12:20 IST

Gyanvapi Masjid case: Supreme Court to hear plea tomorrow

Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear the plea seeking direction for stay on the survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex, which was adjacent to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud will hear the plea of the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, reported ANI.

11:42 IST

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for centre for Buddhist culture

PM Modi and Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a centre for Buddhist culture & heritage, in a plot belonging to the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Delhi within the Lumbini Monastic Zone.

Lumbini, Nepal | PM Modi & Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony for construction of a centre for Buddhist culture & heritage, in a plot belonging to the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Delhi within the Lumbini Monastic Zone pic.twitter.com/8FX7IF8MVi

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

11:41 IST

Gyanvapi Masjid case: Video survey concludes

The 3-day survey has ended. We thank the people of Kashi for their cooperation. We spoke with all stakeholders and reached a consensus that it's important to follow the court's order. We also cleared people's misconceptions and worked on confidence building, ANI reported quoting Satish Ganesh, Varanasi CP

11:40 IST

PM Modi, Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba lights lamps near Ashoka Pillar

PM Modi & Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba also lit lamps near the Ashoka Pillar located adjacent to the temple. The pillar, which was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC, bears the first epigraphic evidence of Lumbini being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, ANI reported quoting MEA.

Lumbini | PM Modi & Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba also lit lamps near the Ashoka Pillar located adjacent to the temple. The pillar, which was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC, bears the first epigraphic evidence of Lumbini being the birthplace of Lord Buddha: MEA pic.twitter.com/1g3Tpp0FCo

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

11:25 IST

PM Modi to offer prayers at Mahaparinirvana Temple- PICS

PM Modi will offer prayers to Lord Buddha at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar, later on Monday.

Uttar Pradesh | PM Modi will offer prayers to Lord Buddha at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar, later today#BuddhaPurnima pic.twitter.com/atMOVMSfPM

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 16, 2022

11:14 IST

SCO anti-terror meeting begins in Delhi

A four-day meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO's) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has begun in Delhi in the presence of a three-member Pakistani delegation among other foreign dignitaries from seven other countries, reported ANI.

11:13 IST

Prime Modi greets the people of Sikkim on its statehood day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the people of Sikkim on its statehood day and said they have distinguished themselves in diverse fields and are making rich contributions to national progress.

Statehood Day greetings to my sisters and brothers of Sikkim. The people of Sikkim have distinguished themselves in diverse fields and are making rich contributions to national progress. May the people of the state be blessed with happiness and good health.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2022

On May 16, 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.

11:11 IST

Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot offer prayers at Lord Shiva temple Dungarpur

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot also offered prayers at Lord Shiva temple and Valmiki temple in Beneshwar Dham, Dungarpur.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot also offered prayers at Lord Shiva temple in Beneshwar Dham, Dungarpur pic.twitter.com/NeJE6RVk89

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 16, 2022

10:54 IST

PM Modi, Nepal PM Deuba offers prayers at Mahamayadevi Temple- WATCH

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi and Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba offer prayers at Mahamayadevi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/EAfgQ2cAz2

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

10:47 IST

PM Modi visits Mahamayadevi Temple in Nepal's Lumbini

PM Narendra Modi visited Mahamayadevi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal on Buddha Purnima.

PM Narendra Modi visits Mahamayadevi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal on #BuddhaPurnima

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/Azhyw80Zw1

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

10:41 IST

PM Modi arrives in Nepal, see full schedule here

10:40 IST

PM Modi receives grand welcome at Nepal's Lumbini

M Narendra Modi received by Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba on his arrival at Lumbini

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi received by Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba on his arrival at Lumbini

PM will visit Mahamayadevi Temple on #BuddhaPurnima today

(Video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/4TSOCIBu8T

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

09:57 IST

39 pilgrims died since the onset of Char Dham Yatra

39 pilgrims have died on the Char Dham Yatra route so far. The cause of death has been high blood pressure, cardiac-related issues and mountain sickness. Pilgrims who are medically unfit are being advised not to travel, DG Health Dr Shailja Bhatt told ANI

09:13 IST

India reports 2,202 new Covid cases, lower than yesterday

India reported 2,202 fresh Covid-19 cases, 2,550 recoveries, and 27 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total active cases are now standing at 17,317. The weekly positivity rate is presently at 0.59%.

08:57 IST

India to host key SCO anti-terror meet today

India is set to host a Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS) talks under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in New Delhi on Monday. The key anti-terror meet will begin in New Delhi at 9 am today.

India to host key SCO anti-terror meet today

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/kbIdJQFflP#RATS #AntiterrorMeet #India #Shanghai #terrorism pic.twitter.com/xPZaJUPeI8

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) May 16, 2022

08:56 IST

Madhya Pradesh Buddh Purnia celebration

Devotees take a holy dip in the Narmada river on the occasion of Buddha Purnima in Jabalpur.

Madhya Pradesh | Devotees take holy dip in the Narmada river on the occasion of #BuddhaPurnima in Jabalpur pic.twitter.com/TbTd93nVTc

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 16, 2022

08:27 IST

Prime Modi departs for Kushinagar ahead of Nepal visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday departed from Delhi for UP's Kushinagar, ahead of his visit to Nepal's Lumbini, at the invitation of Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Kushinagar, UP ahead of his visit to Nepal's Lumbini, at the invitation of Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba on the occasion of #BuddhaPurnima pic.twitter.com/Vf3YXnaucR

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2022

08:07 IST

California Church shooting

Two people died and several others were injured in a shootout near a north Harris County flea market Sunday afternoon, police said.

According to officials, thousands of people were at a flea market when two groups of people began shooting at each other.In a separate shooting incident in California, one person was killed, and five others were injured on Sunday at a church in the western US state.

07:48 IST

Ashok Gehlot levels BIG allegation on RSS-BJP

All accused in the recent riots in different states are from RSS-BJP, not Italy. The party that benefits from riots is instigating them. Hindutva is their agenda. Is Congress benefitting from riots, it is just an attempt to defame us, Rajasthan CM and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot told ANI.

Watch the video here!

#WATCH All accused (in recent riots in different states) are from RSS-BJP, not Italy. The party that benefits from riots is instigating them. Hindutva is their agenda. Is Congress benefitting from riots?... just defaming us...: Rajasthan CM & Congress leader Ashok Gehlot (15.05) pic.twitter.com/jpY0EURE8q

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 16, 2022

07:42 IST

PM Modi's Nepal visit schedule

• PM Modi will first lay the foundation stone for the construction of a unique centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage within the Lumbini Monastic Zone. 
• At Lumbini, the Prime Minister will visit the sacred Mayadevi temple to offer prayers.
• He will then deliver an address at a Buddha Jayanti event organized by the Lumbini Development Trust. 
• PM Modi will also light a butter lamp in front of the Ashokan Pillar, and water the Bodhi tree, gifted by PM Modi during his 2014 visit.
• PM Modi and Nepal PM Deuba will also hold a bilateral meeting
• Nepal PM Deuba will host a lunch in honour of PM Modi and his delegation.
• Prime Minister Modi will also attend the 2566th Buddha Jayanti Celebration

07:36 IST

New Cabinet ministers of Manik Saha-led Tripura govt to take oath today

A day after Manik Saha took oath as Tripura Chief Minister, 11 MLAs are scheduled to take oath as Cabinet Ministers at 12 pm in Agartala on Monday, ANI reported.

Governor SN Arya will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the cabinet ministers at a programme in Raj Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Manik Saha, former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb and other dignitaries.

07:16 IST

PM Modi to visit Lucknow today

After concluding his Nepal visit, the Prime Minister will visit Lucknow and will hold an interaction with the Cabinet Ministers of Uttar Pradesh at chief minister Yogi Adityanath`s official residence.

Uttar Pradesh | Lights decorate the capital city, Lucknow, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on May 16 evening.

The PM is scheduled to touch Kushinagar & visit Lumbini in Nepal, on 16th May, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at the invitation of PM Sher Bahadur Deuba pic.twitter.com/uC83Q4INSz

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 15, 2022

07:15 IST

Singapore President launches new Indian organisation

The Federation of Singapore Indian Organizations was officially launched at a gala dinner graced by Singapore President, Madam Halimah Yacob, reported ANI.

First announced in October 2021, FSIO, an amalgamation of 26 bodies, was set up to bind the Indian community and to be its collective voice on all issues that are of importance to the Indian diaspora in Singapore