Singh took questions on the growing economy, ties with Pakistan, issues of succession and whether Congress party scion Rahul Gandhi could take over from him.
Singh denied any differences between him and the Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi, Rahul's mother and the real power behind the government.
Highlights from the Prime Minister's news conference:
ON GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE
*Singh said the first year was a "record of reasonable achievement", and listed high inclusive growth, strong social sector spending and a satisfactory foreign policy among its successes. The Indian media has given the government a mixed review in a year in which a slew of crises, including a parliamentary confidence vote, buffeted the government and distracting it from concentrating on economic issues.
*Singh: "I could do better than what I have done. But am satisfied with the pace."
Text: Reuters
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh observes a minute's silence for victims of the Mangalore Air India plane crash during a national press conference to mark one year of his government at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, May 24, 2010.
Photographs copyright PTI. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited
