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“Modi moves centre-stage!” “Modi storms in as the BJP’s PM candidate.” “It’s Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi!” “In PM mode, Modi spells out strategy on big issues.” “Modi wants to repay the debt he owes to India by serving the nation” (read, becoming Prime Minister).

The International Monetary Fund’s semi-annual World Economic Outlook released today sees marginal improvement in global prospects in 2013 with gradual recovery at different speeds in different regions, including emerging markets with China’s growth returning to a healthy pace at 7.8 per cent in 2012 and set to grow 8 per cent this year. However, for both advanced and emerging economies, IMF has lowered its January projections, since recovery in advanced economies is on a bumpy road.

If the BJP presumed that it could ride roughshod over its allies to choose its and, therefore, the NDA’s prime ministerial candidate, the Janata Dal (United)’s recent meeting will make it think again. Yet, there was nothing surprising about the JD (U) decision to lay down conditions for such a choice. It has been clear for months that Narendra Modi was persona non grata for it.

DHAKA: As I stand, at the dusk, on the well designed roof top of the building where my apartment is, I see a fully authentic urban sunset as the sun goes down in the residential concrete of Uttara, the northern upper middle-class suburb of Dhaka. The tropical sky is full of changing colors. The noise and lights of this grown up residential area easily match almost the same of central commercial places of the metropolis. The bustling city is full of life and virtually restless in its own way.

Introspection induces realism, a pre-requisite for ensuring future progress. Did the Punjab’s ruling Akali-BJP leaders undertake a dispassionate introspection about their government’s performance during their last week’s two-day “Vichar Manthan” held in Goa’s luxurious environs? Did they also draw a realistic roadmap to find solutions for the serious problems the state is facing? One can try to find answers by having a close look at the conclave’s decisions.

LUCKNOW: AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is all set to bring about major changes in the functioning of the Congress Party in Uttar Pradesh to meet the challenge of Lok Sabha polls in 2014. He is in consultations with the state President Nirmal Khattri and this change will be spread all over the districts in this crucial state for the future shape of the new Government at the centre.

New Delhi : Arab Spring had ushered in a fresh wave of democracy in the Arab world and the countries in this region should learn from India’s rich experience in working democracy, said the Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.

New Delhi : Reaffirming the need for regional security, India and Maldives as close neighbours agreed to continue their defence cooperation.

New Delhi : The Union Government has sought the views of the State Governments on the implementation of the recommendations of the 5th report of the Administration Reform Commission (ARC) which relates largely to public order.

New Delhi : The six Indian nationals, who were injured in a shooting incident in Bangui, capital of Central African Republic, late last month, arrived here at Air Force Station on Sunday morning from Chad, where they had been receiving medical treatment.