Headlines from today's papers.
Nawaz Sharif's decision on attending swearing-in ceremony likely today
The Pakistani foreign office announced on Thursday that they had received an invitation for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi and would inform the Indian government of their decision on Friday. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had invited Sharif and other leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to attend the event on May 26. If the Pakistani prime minister does attend, it would be a first in the history of the two countries that have fought three wars since independence in 1947.
Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi express dismay at invitation to Sri Lankan president
Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M Karunanidhi were among the politicians who expressed their displeasure over Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa being invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi. Jayalalithaa expressed her "dismay" and "anguish" at the "ill-advised" move and said it could have been avoided. Tamil parties have accused the Sri Lankan government of committing genocide against Tamils in Sri Lanka during the Eelam War.
Voices of dissent grow within Congress against Rahul Gandhi
Internal ramblings have begun within the Congress party against vice-president Rahul Gandhi and his team, following the party's poll debacle. Former Member of Parliament from Mumbai, Milind Deora, on Wednesday accused Gandhi's advisers of being cut off from ground realities. On Thursday, other former and current MPs such as Priya Dutt, Raj Babbar and Jyotiraditya Scindia joined in, saying Gandhi's team lacked electoral experience and failed to communicate properly with the electorate. They called for a greater role for leaders connected with the masses. However, Gandhi's team hit back, saying those speaking out were "merely jockeying for positions".
Anandiben Patel sworn in as Gujarat chief minister
Former Gujarat revenue minister Anandiben Patel was sworn in as the first woman chief minister of the state on Thursday after Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi officially resigned from the post. Patel was sworn in in the presence of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, including president Rajnath Singh, LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Arun Jaitley and Modi. Patel is known to be a hard taskmaster and, according to reports, has already started reassigning portfolios in the state, while holding more than 14 positions herself.
Flipkart acquires Myntra in country's biggest e-commerce merger
In what is being termed the biggest consolidation in India's e-commerce market, Flipkart, India's largest e-tailer, on Thursday acquired the country's biggest fashion portal, Myntra. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Flipkart have reportedly opted for a $300 million stock-and-cash deal. The value of the combined entity is estimated to be more than $2 billion. Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal said that the acquisition not only provides a stronger foothold for Flipkart into the online fashion market, but would also help them compete with Amazon, which recently launched services in India.
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Nawaz Sharif's decision on attending swearing-in ceremony likely today
The Pakistani foreign office announced on Thursday that they had received an invitation for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi and would inform the Indian government of their decision on Friday. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had invited Sharif and other leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to attend the event on May 26. If the Pakistani prime minister does attend, it would be a first in the history of the two countries that have fought three wars since independence in 1947.
Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi express dismay at invitation to Sri Lankan president
Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M Karunanidhi were among the politicians who expressed their displeasure over Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa being invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi. Jayalalithaa expressed her "dismay" and "anguish" at the "ill-advised" move and said it could have been avoided. Tamil parties have accused the Sri Lankan government of committing genocide against Tamils in Sri Lanka during the Eelam War.
Voices of dissent grow within Congress against Rahul Gandhi
Internal ramblings have begun within the Congress party against vice-president Rahul Gandhi and his team, following the party's poll debacle. Former Member of Parliament from Mumbai, Milind Deora, on Wednesday accused Gandhi's advisers of being cut off from ground realities. On Thursday, other former and current MPs such as Priya Dutt, Raj Babbar and Jyotiraditya Scindia joined in, saying Gandhi's team lacked electoral experience and failed to communicate properly with the electorate. They called for a greater role for leaders connected with the masses. However, Gandhi's team hit back, saying those speaking out were "merely jockeying for positions".
Anandiben Patel sworn in as Gujarat chief minister
Former Gujarat revenue minister Anandiben Patel was sworn in as the first woman chief minister of the state on Thursday after Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi officially resigned from the post. Patel was sworn in in the presence of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, including president Rajnath Singh, LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Arun Jaitley and Modi. Patel is known to be a hard taskmaster and, according to reports, has already started reassigning portfolios in the state, while holding more than 14 positions herself.
Flipkart acquires Myntra in country's biggest e-commerce merger
In what is being termed the biggest consolidation in India's e-commerce market, Flipkart, India's largest e-tailer, on Thursday acquired the country's biggest fashion portal, Myntra. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Flipkart have reportedly opted for a $300 million stock-and-cash deal. The value of the combined entity is estimated to be more than $2 billion. Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal said that the acquisition not only provides a stronger foothold for Flipkart into the online fashion market, but would also help them compete with Amazon, which recently launched services in India.
