The 74-year-old leader, who describe himself as "a rebel with a cause", earlier served as the country's president from 2005-2015, becoming South Asia's longest-serving leader. He was also prime minister for a brief period in 2018.
'The condition of some of the Adivasi hamlets is worse than Somalia, worse than what the prime minister described.' 'There are instances when Adivasis have to demolish the hut they live in to bury the dead as they do not have any other place to bury their dear ones.' 'There are tens of thousands of Adivasis who do not have land, a house or even good food to eat.' 'What kind of human development are you talking about?'
The same scandal has led to 109 out of 387 athletes originally included in the Russian team for the Rio Olympics being banned, including its entire track and field squad.
'The vaccine policy should be such that all people should get the vaccine free.'
While it is heartening to see companies chipping in with their messages of support, they are probably walking a tightrope here.
Qatar said on Wednesday there was no way it would be stripped of the right to host the World Cup despite the corruption scandal surrounding FIFA, dismissing a 'bashing campaign' of criticism of its 2022 bid as anti-Arab prejudice.
World leaders, including Modi, also inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park at the UN headquarters here and released a commemorative stamp issued by the UN on the occasion of Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.
He appears to prefer controlled environments and secure, guided outcomes. In this format, he seems to be at home across scales ranging from a studio-based interview to giant stadiums. It highlights the significance of control in the ruling dispensation's idea of narrative, observes Shyam G Menon.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Here's a glimpse of all that happened around the world last week, in 10 images.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar dismissed Sachin Tendulkar four times in 11 Tests but says the Indian legend was the best batsman he played against alongside Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Virender Sehwag was the "most destructive" of that era, Rahul Dravid was "The Wall", but the ability to change gears made Tendulkar the best.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Neither Biden nor his successors can any longer ignore the threat China has come to pose to the US in both economic and military fields, observes Virendra Kapoor.
'All the anti-India groups like LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul Mujahideen have been activated with terrorist camps and launching pads in place.'
'The honourable prime minister virtually handpicked me for the Amritsar East seat.' 'Amit Shahji announced that if I am elected, the whole of Punjab will be drugs free.'
Rediff readers reveal why they support the breastfeeding campaign.
'The BJP will not be able to create dictatorship of the kind it is perhaps dreaming of.' 'We have Bengal as the biggest example.'
'China was a relationship from which Mr Modi had expected the most it seems.' 'It showed in a string of summits, and somewhat breathless celebration of Xi Jinping.' 'It was hasty and simplistic,' observes Shekhar Gupta.
Here's the full text of address to the nation by President Ram Nath Kovind on the eve of the Republic Day 2022.
Decision will be taken in second democratic transition of power in the nation's 70-year chequered history.
The UK Court of Appeal has cleared the way for a minimum income threshold of 18,600 Pounds for British citizens bringing foreign spouses to live with them in the country, a move likely to affect thousands of visa applicants, including Indian-origin people.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has said he would "soon" leave the Ecuadorian Embassy in London after being holed up at the mission for nearly two years, amid reports that he has developed life-threatening ailments that require hospitalisation.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
'The problem in Kashmir is not about pellets, bullets or tear gas.' 'It is the government's policy and intention to criminalise the protest.'
Roma teenager Afena-Gyan plays down apparent racist remark.
Months after announcing a ban on testing of cosmetics on animals, India has banned import of such products and become the first "cruelty-free" cosmetics zone in South Asia.
Opposition leaders and activists hit out at the Centre after the death of Jesuit priest and activist Stan Swamy on Monday, saying it should be held accountable for the "ruthless" and "inhuman treatment" meted out to the 84-year-old who was suffering from multiple ailments and awaiting bail on medical grounds.
The Scottish designer talks about being inspired by the beautiful city of Kolkata, his Beauty By Deception campaign and why you won't spot many celebs on his Instagram page.
Religious minorities in India have been subjected to "violent attacks, forced conversions" and 'Ghar Wapsi' campaigns by groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after the Modi government assumed power in 2014, a US Congress-established panel has said.
The case has been posted for hearing on March 16.
Modi denies the charges and was exonerated in an Indian Supreme Court inquiry in 2012.
'Even as discord over US-India trade and commerce colours diplomatic relations, defence relations between the two countries remain on a firm footing,' points out Ajai Shukla.
Formula One takes a step into the unknown this weekend with its first Grand Prix in Azerbaijan but triple world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes the race will take him back to familiar territory.
Disability activist Virali Modi recounts her life's most challenging moments and how she turned adversities in her favour.
Turkish investigators have told local media and also to the US media that Khashoggi was brutally killed inside the consulate on October 2.
Dealing with the Sirisena government in Sri Lanka, says G Ganapathy Subramaniam, is a lot easier for India than engaging with the Rajapaksa regime.
Russia welcomed the world to the soccer World Cup on Thursday as fans streamed in, the hosts savoured a 5-0 victory on the pitch and President Vladimir Putin's government derided Western efforts to isolate him.
Many good samaritans have volunteered to help the kin of those who have died in the riots in northeast Delhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee campaigning in tribal Paschim Medinipur district on Thursday for the coming state election asked "Marxist friends" not to vote for either the CPI-M or Congress, who are "cohorts of the communal BJP".
23-year-old Geeta, who can neither speak nor hear, is stuck in Pakistan for 13 years
