THE HEADLINES:-
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi asserts 1963 agreement between China and Pakistan regarding Shaksgam valley in Jammu and Kashmir is illegal; Says, India does not approve of any activities in the Valley.
- India and France emphasize on closer cooperation to strengthen global security.
- UK lawmakers raise concerns over ban on key political parties in Bangladesh ahead of Parliamentary polls in February.
- Major delivery aggregators agree to remove 10 minute delivery deadline after government’s intervention.
- Supreme Court says, dog feeders will be held accountable for dog-bite incidents.
- Nearly two thousand people feared dead in Iran after crackdown on anti-government protests.
- Festival of harvest, Lohri being celebrated with traditional bonfire rituals across North India.
<><><>
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi today asserted that the 1963 agreement between China and Pakistan regarding the Shaksgam valley in Jammu and Kashmir is illegal. Reiterating New Delhi’s stance on the Valley, the Army Chief said, India does not approve of any activities in the Shaksgam Valley. General Dwivedi said this while replying to a media query on Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson comment on Shaksgam Valley. The Army Chief was addressing a press conference in New Delhi.
The Army Chief said, the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China has been stable, but it needs constant vigil.
On Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said it was the best example of tri-services synergy with full freedom to act and respond. He said, the Operation remains ongoing and any misadventure by the adversary will be dealt with effectively. General Dwivedi said, since 10th May, the situation along the Western Front and Jammu and Kashmir remains sensitive but firmly under control.
<><><>
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that India approaches its BRICS Chairship with a ‘humanity first’ and a ‘people-centric’ approach. The Minister was speaking at the launch of logo, theme and website for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi today.
<><><>
India and France have emphasized the importance of closer cooperation to address challenges in the global security environment, with the aim of advancing peace and stability. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Adviser to the French President today co-chaired the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. During the Dialogue, both sides reiterated their commitment to the strategic partnership. The two sides reviewed preparations for the forthcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India. Mr. Bonne also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
<><><>
Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, Emmanuel Bonne today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. In asocial media post, Mr Modi said, he reaffirmed the strong and trusted India-France Strategic Partnership, marked by close cooperation across multiple domains. The Prime Minister said, it is encouraging to see the collaboration expanding into innovation, technology and education, especially as it marks the India-France Year of Innovation. Mr Modi said, he is looking forward to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron to India soon.
<><><>
Four United Kingdom parliamentarians have expressed serious concerns over the ban on widely supported political parties under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh ahead of the general elections scheduled to be held next month. In a joint statement, the four British lawmakers have called for general election in Bangladesh to be inclusive, saying no vote can be considered as democratic without the participation of all major political parties. The four members of the UK’s House of Commons are Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal, and Chris Law. The parliamentarians said that Bangladesh stands at a crossroad ahead of the first national election on 12th of February since the formation of the interim government in 2024, following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government after the student-led protests.
<><><>
In Iran, thousands of people are feared dead after a crackdown on anti-government protests. Quoting an Iranian security official, a news agency reported that the death toll could be nearly two thousand. Communications restrictions including an internet blackout over recent days by the authorities have hampered the flow of information. The state media reported that the Iranian prosecutors have filed the first charges against demonstrators detained during the unrest gripping the country. The protests, sparked by dire economic conditions, has been the biggest internal challenge to Iranian authorities for at least three years and comes amid intensifying international pressure after Israeli and US strikes last year. Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of fomenting unrest. They alleged that terrorists have hijacked the protests.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump today appealed the demonstrators in Iran to keep the agitation going and said that help is on its way. In a social media post, Mr. Trump also urged protesters in Iran to take over institutions and said that their killers and abusers will pay a big price. President Trump on his social media platform also announced that countries continuing to do business with Iran will face a 25 per cent tariff on their trade with the United States.
<><><>
Home Minister Amit Shah, today, called upon the youth to look beyond academic degrees and dedicate themselves to the mission of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The Minister was addressing the 15th Convocation of Charusat University at Anand in Gujarat. Earlier in the day, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the BSL 4 laboratory at Pethapur in Gandhinagar. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shah said, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in the biotechnology sector, creating vast opportunities for the country.
The Minister also launched various development works worth over 267 crore rupees at his native town, Mansa, in Gandhinagar.
<><><>
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw today announced that nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be flagged off soon. In a series of social media post, Mr Vaishnaw also shared the routes of the trains. These trains are Kamakhya-Rohtak, Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar, New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirapalli, New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil, Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru, Alipurduar-Panvel, Santragachi-Tambaram, Howrah-Anand Vihar Terminal and Sealdah-Banaras Amrit Bharat Express.
<><><>
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has criticised the opposition parties for allegedly misleading the public on the Viksit Bharat G RAM G Act, saying people will soon realise its benefits, which are expected to transform employment and development in rural India. The Minister was addressing a press conference at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh today.
<><><>
Major delivery aggregators have agreed to remove 10 minute delivery service deadline following the government’s intervention. Government sources said, a meeting with leading platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy was held to address concerns related to delivery timelines. The move is aimed at ensuring greater safety, security and improved working conditions for gig workers. Sources added that following the meeting, e-commerce platform Blinkit has already acted on the directive and removed the 10-minute delivery promise from its branding.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) National General Secretary, Praveen Khandelwal, described the decision as far-sighted.
<><><>
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan has said that the Indian creative economy is poised to play a larger and significant role in the country’s GDP in the coming years. Addressing an event ‘Inspiring Innovators’ in New Delhi today, Dr Murugan expressed happiness that post-production of Hollywood movies are taking place in India, creating new employment opportunities. In his address, Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju said, innovation and creativity are shaping the identity of New India.
<><><>
The Supreme Court today said, it will ask states to pay a heavy compensation for dog-bite incidents and hold the dog feeders accountable. The top court flagged its concern over the lack of implementation of norms on stray animals for the past five years. The apex court said, dog feeders will be also held responsible and accountable for dog-bite incidents. During the hearing, the Court questioned the conduct of people and organisations feeding stray dogs in public places, asking whether compassion is limited to animals and not extended to humans. The top court was hearing several petitions seeking modification of its November last year’s order directing the authorities to remove these stray animals from the institutional areas and roads.
<><><>
In Maharashtra, campaigning for elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state ended today. Focus of Political parties is firmly on Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti is seeking to wrest control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation amid a challenge from a united Thackeray front. Polling for 2,869 seats across 893 wards will be held on Thursday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.
<><><>
Festival of harvest, Lohri is being celebrated with traditional bonfire rituals across North India today. The festival is being celebrated with enthusiasm in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the surrounding regions. This festival is associated with the joy of ripened crops as the Sun begins its journey to the Northern Hemisphere. On the occasion, people are lighting bonfires, singing traditional songs, and sharing moments of happiness with family and friends. More from our Jalandhar correspondent:
“People are sitting around bonfires and putting in groundnuts and Rewadis in it after praying for the prosperity of humanity. The songs sung in memory of Dulla Bhatti present a picture of the rich Punjabi folklore. This festival signifies a new beginning for newlyweds and newborns. Special programs are also being held at various places in the state to celebrate ‘Dhiyaan di Lohri’. A state level function to celebrate the birth of daughters has been organised in Patiala. Surely, this festival filled with warmth amidst the bitter cold. Rajesh Bali, Akashvani News, Jalandhar.”
The President, Vice President and Prime Minister extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
<><><>
In Women’s Premier League Cricket, Gujarat Giants have set a target of 193 runs before Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai. Earlier, put in to bat, Gujarat Giants posted 192 runs for the loss of five wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Mumbai Indians had won the toss and opted to bowl first.
<><><>
India Open Badminton tournament began in New Delhi today. In Men’s Singles, Lakshya Sen entered the second round defeating his compatriot Ayush Shetty. In Men’s doubles, the pair of MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan advanced to the second round . In Women’s doubles, the pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Trisha Jolly also progressed to the next round.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi asserts 1963 agreement between China and Pakistan regarding Shaksgam valley in Jammu and Kashmir is illegal; Says, India does not approve of any activities in the Valley.
- India and France emphasize on closer cooperation to strengthen global security.
- UK lawmakers raise concerns over ban on key political parties in Bangladesh ahead of Parliamentary polls in February.
- Major delivery aggregators agree to remove 10 minute delivery deadline after government’s intervention.
- Supreme Court says, dog feeders will be held accountable for dog-bite incidents.
- Nearly two thousand people feared dead in Iran after crackdown on anti-government protests.
- Festival of harvest, Lohri being celebrated with traditional bonfire rituals across North India.
<><><>