Manama: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was honoured with "The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance" as he held talks with King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on various bilateral and regional issues.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Bahrain is significant as it is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the country.

"Ties built on deep civilizational linkages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly received by HM King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Al Gudaibiya Palace. Both leaders exchanged views on all matters of mutual interest," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

"I humbly accept The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. This is a recognition of India's strong friendship with Bahrain, which goes back hundreds of years and is expanding rapidly in the 21st century," Modi said in a tweet.

While receiving the award Modi said: "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and for my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians".

"It is an honour for entire India. This is a symbol of the close and friendly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and India," he added, as he expressed his gratitude for this "unique gesture". Modi is on the third leg of his three-nation tour to France, the UAE and Bahrain.

Modi arrived here after wrapping up his visit to the UAE where he held talks with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed measures to improve trade and cultural ties between the two countries.

Modi was also honoured with the 'Order of Zayed', the UAE's highest civilian award, as a mark of appreciation for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two nations.

From Bahrain, Modi is scheduled to return to France on Sunday to attend the G7 Summit meeting.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said the government is ready to provide any clarification to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill awaiting his assent.

"We have already informed the Governor and have provided him with all kinds of explanations. If he seeks more clarification, then we will give that to him," Parameshwara told reporters here.

Explaining the bill, the minister said this is a bill that has been brought with foresight.

"It is against those who create confusion in society by making unwanted statements. Plus, there are fallouts of such statements. It impacts society. Hence, we brought the bill after discussing it extensively," he added.

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The minister said that while presenting the bill in the Assembly, he had explained it.

"The opposition BJP had opposed the bill. We have sent it to the Governor to pass it. He can ask for any clarification. We are ready to answer them," Parameshwara said.

According to the bill, any expression, which is made, published or circulated in words either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic communication or otherwise, in public view, with an intention to cause injury, disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will against person alive or dead, class or group of persons or community, to meet any prejudicial interest, is hate speech.

The bill has a provision for a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh and a jail term of up to seven years.