During discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu, several infrastructure projects were highlighted. They agreed to expedite the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which plays a vital role in the development of the Maldives. India also reaffirmed its support for the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi, which will boost the trade capacity of the Maldives. India has also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives, built under Exim Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities. This will contribute to improving living standards in the Maldives and strengthen ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this partnership symbolizes the deep friendship between India and the Maldives and will give new direction to their bilateral cooperation.

To further strengthen economic ties, India and the Maldives have decided to initiate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement is expected to bolster trade relations and enhance India’s role in the economic growth of the Maldives. Prime Minister Modi called the Maldives a close friend within India’s neighborhood policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Last year, relations between India and the Maldives had soured when President Muizzu won the election on the “India Out” campaign, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. Controversial statements from Maldivian ministers further strained the ties. However, over time, Muizzu softened his anti-India stance and took steps to increase cooperation with India. Dismissing the ministers responsible for inflammatory statements and recognizing India as a strategic partner are part of Muizzu’s new approach.

Pakistan is hosting this year’s meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), and leaders from all member countries have been invited. Providing details about his visit, Jaishankar said that this trip follows tradition, where either the Prime Minister or the Foreign Minister attends high-level meetings. “This year, the meeting is being held in Islamabad, and this is a new experience, as we have seen before,” he said.

Discussing the SCO’s functioning and the expectations of its members, Jaishankar said that the SCO has failed to achieve its objectives. The primary reason behind this is the issue of terrorism. He also pointed out that a neighboring country is supporting terrorism, which poses a threat to stability in the region. He stated, “Terrorism cannot be accepted. The activities of our neighboring country will bring about a change in the situation. This is why SAARC meetings have not been held in recent years.”

However, Jaishankar clarified that this does not mean regional activities have come to a halt. In fact, in the past 5-6 years, there have been several indications of regional integration in the Indian subcontinent. He said, “If you look at our relations with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, you will see that railway lines are being reconstructed, roads are being developed, and power grids are being built.”

Thus, it is clear that the main purpose of Jaishankar’s visit is to ensure India’s participation in the SCO summit, not to engage in bilateral talks with Pakistan. He also added that he would behave like a gentleman and take the opportunity to engage in discussions with the leaders of all countries during the conference. Regarding this visit, Jaishankar also said, “We are ready to promote regional cooperation, but the issue of terrorism cannot be ignored.” This statement highlights that India remains vigilant about protecting its national interests and is maintaining a strong stance for regional stability.

Israel took advantage of this weakness in the supply chain to target Hezbollah fighters with their own pagers. This plan was highly secretive and had been prepared for years. General Dwivedi said, “A war doesn’t begin on the day of the battle; it begins the day the planning starts.” Israel’s long-term preparation culminated in this significant success. This pager attack caused massive damage among Hezbollah fighters. Israel employed advanced and unconventional tools instead of traditional weapons on the battlefield. During the attack, around 1,500 Hezbollah fighters were injured, many of whom lost their hands, legs, or eyes.

The pager attack was unique because it was completely unexpected and crippled Hezbollah’s communication system. Israel effectively used this technology to disrupt Hezbollah’s communication channels, hampering the movement of their fighters. India’s military needs to stay alert and enhance its security strategies in light of Israel’s attack. When asked how India could tackle such situations, General Dwivedi clearly stated that any disruptions in the supply chain cannot be ignored. He emphasized, “We need to focus intensively on securing the supply chain. Inspections should be conducted thoroughly, not just technically but also manually.”

Additionally, he stressed that India must ensure that any devices or technological equipment in its supply chain are thoroughly vetted to prevent incidents like these. General Dwivedi remarked that this event serves as a reminder that modern warfare isn’t just about traditional weapons but also involves digital and technological tools playing a crucial role.

India, which is already facing numerous threats from terrorism and cross-border infiltration, must learn from Israel’s pager attack. This incident highlights the importance of cyber-attacks, communication system disruptions, and the use of technological devices in today’s warfare. India must strengthen its systems and be prepared to tackle future challenges. Israel’s pager attack can be seen as a warning for India. General Upendra Dwivedi called it a “masterstroke,” praising Israel’s planning but also advising India to remain cautious and bolster its security policies.

BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was founded in 2006 with the goal of promoting cooperation among major emerging economies. South Africa became a member in 2011, expanding the original BRIC group. Over the years, BRICS has gained prominence as a platform for discussing global economic and political issues, offering an alternative to Western-led institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. At the 15th BRICS Summit, held on August 24, 2023, six new countries were invited to join the organization. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Argentina, Iran, and Ethiopia. Their membership will officially take effect from January 1, 2024, marking a significant expansion of BRICS and increasing its geopolitical and economic influence.

Russia’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS comes at a time when several other countries have also expressed interest in joining the bloc. Overchuk’s remarks underscore Russia’s active role in fostering closer ties with Pakistan and supporting the aspirations of countries looking to join BRICS. In addition to Pakistan, Azerbaijan has also applied for BRICS membership. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed the country’s interest during the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in July 2023. Like BRICS, the SCO is another prominent international organization that includes Russia and China, and it plays a significant role in promoting political, economic, and security cooperation in the region. The SCO and BRICS share many members and common goals, which is why they are often seen as complementary organizations.

The expansion of BRICS reflects the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping global affairs. Countries from various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and South America, are seeking membership in BRICS as they view it as a platform for promoting their interests on the global stage and counterbalancing the influence of Western-dominated institutions. With Russia’s backing, Pakistan’s chances of joining BRICS have gained momentum. Both countries see this as an opportunity to enhance their bilateral relations and collaborate more effectively within a multilateral framework that aligns with their shared interests. As the BRICS group expands, it is set to become an even more influential force in the global political and economic landscape.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, the Defense Minister said, “You all should work with honesty and dedication. There should be dedication to India, but your loyalty to the United States should also remain unquestioned.” He added that Indians can only build a good image by working with honesty and integrity in their workplaces. He stressed that the people of India stay away from deceit, and the world should know that we never betray anyone. During his visit, Rajnath Singh also stated that India has given the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to the world, which means “the whole world is one family.” He emphasized that India has always considered people of all castes, religions, and communities as one family, and this is its ethical principle. He said, “Our country is the one that has conveyed to the entire world that all people, regardless of their caste, religion, or community, are members of the same family.”

Speaking on the historical relationship between India and the U.S., the Defense Minister said that the meeting of these two countries is nothing short of destiny. He cited the example of Christopher Columbus, who set out in search of India but ended up in America, thus indicating the long-standing ties between the two nations. In recent times, several significant steps have been taken to strengthen the relationship between India and the United States. Following the fifth annual India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023, both countries have praised the progress made in bilateral defense initiatives. The U.S. has prepared a roadmap for India’s military modernization and defense industrial cooperation, committing to support India’s stance on the rule of law in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waterways.

In June this year, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited India. During this visit, several strategic, regional, and bilateral issues were discussed between New Delhi and Washington, including the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden in January 2023. This initiative aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The primary purpose of the Defense Minister’s visit is to further strengthen defense and security ties between India and the U.S. During this visit, various aspects of bilateral defense cooperation will be discussed, and new defense agreements may be signed. This visit could be a significant step in further solidifying the strategic partnership between India and the U.S.

The strengthening relationship between India and the U.S. is a sign that both countries are moving towards an important partnership for global security and stability. Rajnath Singh’s visit is expected to deepen the ties between the two nations and provide a new direction in the field of global security.”

By Neelam singh.

As per the agreement, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP will contest four out of the seven seats in Delhi, namely West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. The remaining three constituencies – North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk – will be contested by the Congress.

The seat-sharing announcement comes after weeks of negotiations and was unveiled during a joint press conference of the AAP and the Congress. The move follows the recent success of the opposition’s INDIA bloc in the Chandigarh mayoral poll, marking their first electoral win.

In addition to Delhi, the alliance has extended to Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh. In Gujarat, AAP will contest from Bharuch and Bhavnagar, while the Congress will field candidates in both Goa seats and the sole constituency in Chandigarh. The AAP had earlier declared a candidate for South Goa, which will now be withdrawn to accommodate the alliance.

However, seat-sharing remains a complex challenge for the INDIA bloc, with regional parties seeking a larger share of seats following the Congress’s electoral setbacks in key states. The Congress has already formed an alliance with Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party for 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh. However, deadlock persists in Maharashtra, where Congress and the Shiv Sena are yet to finalize the allocation of eight seats.

In West Bengal, another battleground, the Congress faces challenges as Trinamool Congress asserts its intention to contest all 42 seats. Sources indicate a reluctance from Trinamool to offer more than two seats to the Congress, which has been pushing for at least five in the eastern state.

The INDIA bloc, formed last year to counter the BJP, has faced setbacks with the departure of key members, including Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal-United and Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtra Lok Dal, both aligning with the BJP. The evolving political landscape continues to shape alliances and strategies ahead of the crucial elections.

The meeting signifies the ongoing efforts to bolster the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Jaishankar’s positive sentiments and emphasis on the commitment to strengthening ties indicate a shared vision for the future of the strategic partnership between India and Greece. The development is part of broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and cooperation between the two countries.

As the chief guest and keynote speaker at the annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi from February 21 to 24, Mitsotakis’s visit is strategically focused on elevating the partnership between Greece and India. Accompanied by senior officials and a business delegation, the Greek PM will also partake in a visit to Mumbai.

The roots of Indo-Greek ties run deep, with centuries-old connections ranging from Alexander the Great’s invasion to trade interactions between Mauryan Kings and Greece. Diplomatic relations between India and Greece were formally established three years after India’s Independence in 1950. Over the years, the relationship has encompassed shared cultural values, economic growth, security, defense, shipping, and collaboration on regional and global issues.

In a significant development, ties between the two countries were upgraded to a strategic partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Athens in August 2023. This marked a turning point in the relationship, as both nations committed to strengthening cooperation in defense, security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, technology, and skill development. The elevation of ties was facilitated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s groundwork during his visit to Greece in 2021.

The partnership is strategically crucial for India, considering Greece’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe for India and the Gulf countries. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) aims to connect South and West Asia to Europe, with Greece playing a pivotal role. Both countries are looking to enhance cooperation in defense, shipping, and naval modernization, with discussions on defense sales and investments in Greek ports.

As Greece ramps up its military capabilities, India sees potential opportunities for collaboration, aligning with its goal of achieving a significant export target by the next year. The visit underscores the mutual commitment to strengthening ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, and strategic partnerships.

Sources say that the Samajwadi Party has offered the Congress 15 out of 80 Uttar Pradesh’s Lok Sabha seats for the coming elections. In 2019, the Congress faced challenges in the Hindi belt and secured only one seat in Raebareli. The Samajwadi Party, which refrained from contesting in Amethi and Rae Bareli in 2019, now insists on allowing the Congress to contest only 15 seats, emphasizing that the alliance must adhere to this arrangement.

The ball is now in the Congress’s court, and the response to the Samajwadi Party’s offer is eagerly awaited. The Samajwadi Party’s chief, Akhilesh Yadav, has linked his decision to join the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, to the acceptance of this offer by the Congress.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, expressed hope for Yadav’s participation, stating, “I expect that he will join the Yatra tomorrow”‘

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, currently in its 37th day, led by Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, aims to traverse 6,700 km through 15 states, conveying the message of ‘nyay’ (justice) while engaging with the public along the way. The uncertainty surrounding the Samajwadi Party’s involvement adds complexity to the opposition’s strategy in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi expressed his delight in sharing the news on X platform, praising PV Narasimha Rao’s transformative leadership during his tenure. Modi highlighted Rao’s role in opening India to global markets, fostering economic development, and making substantial contributions to foreign policy, language, and education sectors. PV Narasimha Rao’s decision to appoint Manmohan Singh as the Finance Minister, leading to crucial economic reforms, was also acknowledged.

Dr. MS Swaminathan, a distinguished agricultural scientist, will also receive Bharat Ratna for his visionary leadership in transforming Indian agriculture and ensuring food security. PM Modi recognized Swaminathan’s invaluable work as an innovator, mentor, and his dedication to learning and research.

Additionally, former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, known for his dedication to nation-building and staunch opposition to the Emergency, will be honored with Bharat Ratna. PM Modi commended Singh’s commitment to democracy during challenging times and acknowledged his role as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Home Minister of the country, and MLA. Welcoming the announcement, Jayant Chaudhry, grandson of Chaudhary Charan Singh and leader of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, expressed gratitude to X, stating, “You have won our hearts.”

The Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh comes amid reports of a seat-sharing deal between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), founded by Singh’s son and now led by his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary. The BJP is speculated to offer two Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat to the RLD in exchange for its support, with the RLD making the Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh can be a part of the negotiation .

Jayant Chaudhary’s party is likely to secure the Baghpat and Bijnor seats, and there are discussions about ministerial berths for the RLD. The BJP reportedly offered two berths in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet, but the RLD also expressed interest in a seat in Prime Minister Modi’s cabinet at the center.

Earlier this month, PM Modi had announced Bharat Ratna for BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani. Modi praised Advani’s monumental contribution to India’s development, his commitment to transparency and integrity, and efforts in furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring of Bharat Ratna upon these leaders marks a significant recognition of their diverse contributions to the nation, shaping India’s political, economic, and agricultural landscape.

The facility was established as a national project at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore and has a campus area of roughly 123 acres, according to the PMO’s announcement on Monday. It was erected after a refurbishment of the aged and outmoded buildings in Pragati Maidan.
The G20 summit will take place at the complex in September of this year, which was built to be the greatest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) attraction in the nation. According to the PMO, the IECC Complex is among the best exposition and convention complexes in the world in terms of the covered space accessible for events.
The new facility is in line with PM Modi’s vision of having a world-class infrastructure for hosting meetings, it added.

PAGATI MAIDAN IECC COMPLEX: According to the PMO, the International Exhibition-cum-conference Centre (IECC) complex is home to a number of cutting-edge buildings, including the conference centre, exhibition halls, and amphitheatres. The complex’s campus will be around 123 acres in size. Additionally, it would be located on Level 3 of the Convention Centre and have a seating capacity of 7,000 people. The seating capacity of Australia’s renowned Sydney Opera House is greater than this one. Delhi’s Pragati Maidan is home to the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex. Delhi’s Pragati Maidan is home to the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex. Additionally, the building would include more than 5,500 parking spots for cars.

A seating capacity of 3,000 people is provided in its spectacular amphitheatre.
The convention center’s architectural style, which draws inspiration from Indian traditions, demonstrates India’s confidence and faith in its history while simultaneously embracing modern amenities and a modern way of life. Delhi International’s International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex is located in Pragati Maidan.

The IECC complex in Delhi is an exhibition-cum-convention centre that stands out from the rest. 

The building’s shape is inspired by the shape of a conch shell, and its walls and facade show off a bunch of different pieces of art and culture. It’s got a lot of different symbols, like’shankha’ which symbolizes the country’s solar energy efforts, ‘zero to ISRO’ which celebrates the country’s space accomplishments, and ‘pancha mahabhuta’, which symbolizes the foundation of a universal foundation. It also has a bunch of other symbols, like ‘akash’ which is the sky, ‘vajra’, ‘air’, ‘agni’, ‘fire’, ‘jal’, ‘water’ and ‘parvati’ which is the earth, among others.