Prime Minister Narendra Modi today denounced the practice of female foeticide in the country, saying there is no bigger sin than it. Speaking at a function at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, he sought help of people in the field of art and culture in shaking the society to stop the menace. Mr Modi also suggested holding kavi sammelans on the social evil along with spreading the message about cleanliness. The Prime Minister also expressed concern over the problem of malnutrition of women and children in a country where there is a tradition of feeding even ants and cows.

Later, speaking after dedicating to the nation a modern, air-conditioned passenger train engine and inaugurating a project for expansion of the Diesel Locomotive Workshop in the city, Mr Modi ruled privatisation of Railways. He asked trade unions to stop worrying about foreign investments coming in the sector, saying these will be used for greater development of the national transporter. He said there is a misunderstanding that Railways is being privatised. The Prime Minister made it clear that government is not moving in that direction.