WEF 2018 Day 1 highlights: Spoken like a statesman, say Fadnavis, Prabhu on Modi's speech; Rahul Gandhi attacks PM on inequality

Elsewhere in Davos, panelists take an unflinching look at how to fight abuses of power and sexual harassment

Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women in Canada, emphasised three base support system for women who face sexual harassment. First is an active redressal and support system to aide the woman. Second comes a rigorous support system to help the family cope with the trauma, and third is a strong and responsive legal support system that gives them justice. 

Watch: Shah Rukh Khan speak about women empowerment in India

We are in a world where so many are categorized and Davos shows us that we need to connect with people in order to heal the fractures in the world: Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan reveals how he came to work with acid attack victims

Khan said he frequently visits a hospital for his shoulder injury and he met two kids from Kashmir who had lost their family in a abomb attack and had suffered 60-70 percent burn injuries. He said their story, and because the children were the same age as his kids, inspired him to read more about the issue and he found out that officially their were 400 women who suffered acid attacks and survived after grave burn injuries. 

Crystal award was a result of other people's bravery and work: Shah Rukh Khan

Elaborating further on his thoughts on recieveing the award, Khan said that by working with acid attack victims, he found out that we are as a society only too eager to give definitions, and branch new descriptions of these people. However, he said he realised over time that these women didn't need such things." They were quite brave on their own. What they needed was our presence, acceptance and perhaps a show of solidarity," Khan said. 

He said he is not being modest but quite frankly this particular award was the result of other people's bravery and strength and he had only offered them his present and his solidarity. 

I love awards, movie stars are meant to be narcissist: Shah Rukh Khan 

Responding to a question about what it meant to be a recipient of Crystal Award, Khan said, "I would be very honest about it, I love awards. You know movie stars are supposed to be narcissists, they are supposed to be self-obsessed, and I am as a matter of fact, quite greedy for them."

Shah Rukh Khan speaks about women empowerment in India at Davos

Congress hopes, back at home, PM will follow through with actions, his words in Davos

Telangana CM Chandrababu Naidu lauds Modi's speech

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a very good message to global community especially on geopolitics, terrorism and environmental issues," Naidu said. 

Developing world is shouldering the burden of refugees and displaced people: Cate Blanchett at WEF

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Cate Blanchett, an Australian actor and a UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador, said that it is often believed that the developing world is faced with the burden of imbibing the people displaced due to war and conflict but that is a myth. She said that only 1 percent of the people displaced have settled in developed countries. 

Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Trudeau will visit India from February 17-23 with an aim to further strengthen bilateral ties. This will be his second time in India. Modi and Trudeau had last met on the sidelines of the G20 in Hamburg in Germany in July 2017, where they discussed longstanding relationship based on shared culture of democracy. Trudeau is expected to visit with his family and a business delegation. 

Meanwhile... tongue firmly in cheek, here's today's toon on Modi's plenary speech at Davos

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Narendra Modi with Indian CEOs at World Economic Forum

Modi met 64 global CEOs in Davos

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Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion’s secretary Ramesh Abhishek says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with 64 CEOs from around the world, 40 of them from other countries and 24 from India. The total market capitalisation of these companies is $3.6 trillion. It was an important interaction. 

PM Modi meets Queen Maxima of Netherlands in Davos

Watch: PM Modi's entire speech at the opening session of World Economic Forum

At Davos, Narendra Modi raises threat from terrorism, climate change; world media says Xi Jinping had better speechwriters

Study at WEF lists most socially inclusive countries, India fails to figure on list

PM Narendra Modi met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in Davos 

Rahul Gandhi hits at Modi right after WEF speech, says Dear PM please tell Davos why 1% Inidans hold wealth of 73% India

 

 

A predictable, stable, transparent and progressive India good news in an otherwise state of uncertainty and flux: Narendra Modi

Sunil Bharti Mittal says PM addressing WEF matter of great pride

"It was a matter of great pride that our prime minister addressed the WEF like a very tall leader," Mittal told India Today. He said that in is opinion, Modi's speech surpassed China's President Xi Jinping's speech last year. He also added that like the prime minister said, in a fractured world, India can act like a cement to bridge gap. 

In a fractured world, we need to ensure the major powers co-operate, and that competitiveness among nations does not become a wall between us: Narendra Modi

India believes in a multi-polar world: Narendra Modi

"India stood up for world peace after the two world wars, despite the fact that it did not have any direct stakes in the war. India has sent the most number of UN peacekeeping forces. This is because we have always been willing to help other nations. We believe in a multi-polar world where everyone grows together," Modi said.

Despite being a developing nation, India is cooperating in capacity building in other nations

"India has never had any political or economic ambitions. Despite being a developing nation ourselves, we have helped in capacity building in other nations. We do not exploit other nations' natural resources or infrastructure, but we try to help them in capacity building according to their needs. This has been our policy," Modi said. 

Terrorism is dangerous but what is equally dangerous is artificial distinction made between good and bad terrorist: Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi lauds GST, says India using technology to boost transparency

Narendra Modi says people welcome my policies, repeated polls prove that

My govt's motto is 'sabka sath sabka vikas', says Narendra Modi

Forces of protectionism growing strong: Modi

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"Protectionist forces are growing stronger as we are becoming increasingly focusing on ourselves," Modi said. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, Modi said, "We welcome the breeze of new cultures in our land, but if the same breeze tries to uproot us, we will resist," Modi said. 

All nations are becoming self-centred': Narendra Modi

Even though everyone talks of a more globally connected world, we must admit that the sheen of globalization is fading, Modi said. He said that there has been a visible dip in bilateral agreements, and initiatives for cross-border investment. Cross-border trades are not growing at the pace they should. All nations have become increasingly self-centred," Modi said. 

Narendra Modi highlights challenges of climate change

Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and increasingly extreme weather conditions, Modi said that the increasing erraticism in weather is a threat to the entire mankind. Despite this are we really leaving behind our differences and coming forward to help each other battle this challenge? We must think that whether our greed for development has taken us forward or has it caused our destruction," Modi added. He said he hoped the developed nations will come forward and share technologies for combating this challenge. 

One thread connects us all in world, says Modi as he urges for world unity

Invoking the concept of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (World is one family)", Modi said that we are all linked by a single thread. However he said that our differences and disagreements have made our collective struggle against problems of mankind much more difficult. He said there is a vast espanse of challenges that is threatening the mankind. He said we must remember that in the end, we are all connected by one thread and are bound like a family. 

Future belongs to those who controls data: Modi

 “Technology has the ability to bend, break, link and a a very good example is in the use of social media. Today whoever controls data is being seen as the one who can control the future," Modi said.

PM Modi compares India's standing from 1997, when an Indian PM last attended WEF

"Thinking of the time when Sri HD Deve Gowda came here, it already feels like a memory from bygone era," Modi said. He said today after two decades our societies have changed greatly.

"Then, our GDB was a little over $400 Billion, and nobody had heard of Harry Potter, Twitter, or Osama Bin Laden. Tweeting was the job of birds not human beings. Today we are not just a intricately networked society but are heading towards a technology driven transformtion," Modi said.

Great pleasure to be at WEF: Narendra Modi

"I am glad to be a part of the World Economic Forum, and I am grateful for the Swiss people for hosting me," Modi said. 

PM Modi about to start his keynote address

Shah Rukh Khan joins plenary session to hear PM Modi ahead of his keynote address

Klaus Schwab introduces PM Modi ahead of his keynote address

Watch: Swiss President's speech promoting social inclusion and warning against rise of nationalism

Swiss President, Alain Berset speaks about return of nationalism and an increasingly divided world

"We face multiple challenges, there is instability in many regions of the world, protracted armed conflict leading to vast displacements and sowing the seeds of terrorism," he said. He added that the good news stories should not blind us, while highlighting that many people thought that the rise of nationalists and divisive forces was a passing phase, but it was not. It is a result of deep-seated resentment and anger among peple. And it can only be improved by social inclusion, he said. 

A large crowd at WEF to hear PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes stage at WEF in Davos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed at the WEF in Davos. The prime minister will deliver his keynote speech at 3:45 pm IST and has said he "looks forward to sharing my vision for India's future engagement with the international community".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of Switzerland Alain Berset

Narendra Modi will bat for the liberal democratic order at Davos  

Multiple reports emerging out of Davos ahead of the World Economic Forum plenary session suggest that India is the flavor of the season. Be it the big hoardings on 'India means Business', vada-pav stalls or yoga instructors, the global elite is willing to listen to what India has to say. The biggest-ever Indian delegation, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a subject of keen interest.

The attention on India isn't merely a PR gloss. There's indeed a clash of models playing out in the geopolitical world and India, with its democratic institutions, principles and deference for rules-based regime presents the model that the liberal order desperately hopes will succeed. China presents the other model -- of aggressive growth that expands at the cost of the liberal order. The interest in India therefore is also borne out of an existential crisis that the liberal democratic order is facing right now. Modi has a bigger burden than he possibly believes he has.

Did you know, Davos summit began as a small gathering of European managers in 1971?

Catch some little known facts about the World economic Forum, now termed one of the biggest congregation of global CEOs and world leaders. 

Christine Lagarde says India needs to fix on financial services sector

IMF MD Christine Lagarde said that India should continue with its economic reforms with special focus on financial services sector. 

Justin Trudeau reaches in Davos at the WEF summit

Melania Trump to skip Davos summit

In a change of plans, US First Lady Melania Trump will not be joining President Donald Trump at Davos, reported CNN.

Watch: 'Worst in the banking sector is now behind us': SBI Chairman in conversation with CNBC TV18

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This year's WEF led by all-female group of co-chairs

The co-chairs are:

Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway

Chetna Sinha, Founder and Chair, Mann Deshi Foundation

Sharan Burrow, General-Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

Fabiola Gianotti, Director-General, European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Isabelle Kocher, CEO, Engie Group

Christine Lagarde, MD, IMF

Ginni Rometty, Chairman, President and CEO, IBM Corporation

Narendra Modi will aim to raise India's economic and strategic profile

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi opens the inaugural address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, he will aim to raise India's economic and strategic profile. Despite a high-single digit growth that has pulled millions and millions out of poverty and a burgeoning middle class, India still suffers from an image problem. The predominant global narrative remains the triumph of hope over experience. Everyone agrees that India is the next big story tomorrow but as they say, tomorrow never comes.

This is exactly what Modi will seek to dispel. Armed with positive data from IMF, World Bank and other ratings agencies, the prime minister will try to show that tomorrow has indeed arrived. India's growth still remains far from inclusive. India actually lags behind Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and China even Pakistan in WEF annual inclusive index, but the prime minister will argue that his deep-seated structural reforms are aimed at removing that anomaly. He is also expected to stress on India's demographic dividend and an educated workforce for sustainable growth.

Modi likely to share his vision of 'New India' at Davos

Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to attend WEF from Wednesday

Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will participate in the WEF from Wednesday where he will project Pakistan as a prime destination for business, investment and trade. The prime minister will participate in a number of important events and hold bilateral meetings with key world leaders and CEOs of 15 leading multinational organisations from the US, Europe, China and Japan.

During his two-day stay, Abbasi will interact with heads of states and governments in a special session of the Informal Group of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL). He will also participate in a WEF session titled 'the Belt and Road Impact' on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said in a statement. - PTI

Modi's presence in Davos opens up business for India: Piyush Goyal

Meanwhile, avalanche alert in Switzerland

Meanwhile, Switzerland went on avalanche alert on Monday as fresh snow smothered much of the Alps a day before the World Economic Forum gets under way. A bulletin from the SLF Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos showed a broad band of the mountainous country under Level 5 avalanche danger, the highest on a 1-5 scale.

"Fresh snow and snow drift accumulations are prone to triggering (avalanches). Until late in the night a large number of natural avalanches are to be expected," it said.  Snow slides could be deep and large, it added, posing danger to exposed settlements and transit routes. The accumulation of snow was the highest since 1999.

Modi in Switzerland

Watch: Executive director of WEF Klaus Schwab welcome address

Modi first prime minister in 2 decades to attend WEF 

Modi is also the first Indian Prime Minister to attend the WEF meet in two decades, the last one being HD Deve Gowda in 1997. Moreover, at least 3,000 world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society would be attending the meeting whose theme is 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World'.

RECAP: WEF meet opens with Pope's message

Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra tweets

Modi to address opening plenary at 3.45 pm (IST)

RECAP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Swiss president Alain Berset

Selfie with Elton and Blanchett: Reasons why Shah Rukh is in Davos

Shahrukh Khan was at his wittiest best here today when he asked actress Cate Blanchet for a selfie publicly and immediately quipped that it may leave his children embarrassed, sending the audience into peals of laughter.

Khan is at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit here to receive the Crystal award along with Blanchett and legendary musician Elton John. Receiving the award, Khan applauded Blanchett — who was honoured with the award just before him -- for being the queen of billions of hearts, including his own.

He talked extensively about his social initiative, which he has named after his father, and the reason for the same. He was presented the award for "his leadership in championing children's and women's rights in India". Earlier in the day, he also posed in his signature open arm style right after reaching Davos.

Khan is the founder of the non-profit Meer Foundation, which provides support to female victims of acid attacks and major burn injuries through medical treatment, legal aid, vocational training, rehabilitation and livelihood support.

Today's Guide at WEF 2018 in Davos

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Davos gets underway in earnest on Tuesday with addresses from the leaders of India and Canada, as well as a session on ending sexual harassment.

0830 GMT: Meet the Co-Chairs of the Annual Meeting: Seven women are leading the week’s discussions, from the Prime Minister of Norway to the CEO of IBM.

1015 GMT: Opening Plenary with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India: Find out what lies ahead for the world’s fastest growing major economy.

1300 GMT: An Insight, An Idea with Cate Blanchet: The actor and Crystal Award winner will share her thoughts on building a world of solidarity.

1400 GMT: An Insight, An Idea with Shah Rukh Khan: The “King of Bollywood” and Crystal Award winner will talk about women’s empowerment in India.

1430 GMT: Gender, Power and Stemming Sexual Harassment: The Vice-President of Microsoft joins Canada’s Minister of Women and other leaders.

1630 GMT: Special Address by Justin Trudeau: Canada’s Prime Minister will share his thoughts on the role of business and empowering women.

Shah Rukh Khan and Switzerland

WATCH: IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Davos

What will happen to the global economy in 2018? Where will global growth come from? Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is in Davos to discuss the findings of the latest update to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook. "Gobal growth has been accelerating since 2016, and all signs point to a continuing strengthening of this growth", says IMF head Christine Lagarde, as the session gets going.

There is also uncertainty in the year ahead, due to public sector vulnerability and a troubling increase in debt in many countries. "It is when the sun is shining that you want to repair the roof," says Lagarde. Despite the heavy snow in Davos, now is the time for world leaders to fix their roof. She then gives three reasons why.

India remains the world's fastest growing major economy, with a projected growth rate of 7.4 percent, ahead of China at 6.6 percent.

How can life be improved across continent

Ahead of the Annual Meeting, European Ministers of Culture were invited by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, to an informal conference in Davos.

India gets shot in the arm by IMF: World body pegs India's growth by 7.4% in next fiscal year

India also got a thumbs up from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday, which reaffirmed that India's economy is projected to grow by 7.4 per cent in the next fiscal year.

The IMF reaffirmed that India's economy is projected to grow by 7.4 per cent in the next fiscal year, regaining the rank of the world's fastest-growing large economy as China slows down.

Yoga training sessions at Davos

In a first at the WEF summit, India would also host yoga training sessions for the entire duration of the meeting, while also showcasing Indian heritage and culture.

'Narrating India's growth story and presenting exciting opportunities for global business in India at Davos'

Modi's roundtable with CEOs at Davos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a roundtable meeting with the CEOs of top global companies before his keynote address at the plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Tuesday morning.

India also got a thumbs up from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday, which reaffirmed that India's economy is projected to grow by 7.4 percent in the next fiscal year.