Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who is currently in exile in India, has publicly condemned interim government chief Muhammad Yunus for unleashing "terrorists" and creating an environment of "lawlessness" in the country. In response, the Yunus-led interim government has reaffirmed its commitment to extradite Hasina from India, while she continues to seek justice for the widows of police officers killed during a student uprising in 2024. This ongoing tension between the two leaders highlights the ongoing political strife in Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, held talks in New Delhi to solidify the already strong ties between their countries. The leaders decided to take their relations to the next level by declaring a "strategic partnership" that will focus on trade, investments, technology, energy, and people-to-people ties. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, further showcasing the close relationship between India and Qatar.
In a swift move, the President appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India, along with the appointment of Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi as the Election Commissioner. The decision was made after a meeting between the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, who expressed disapproval and gave a dissent note. This is the first time the appointment was made under the new CEC and Other ECs Act, 2023, which was implemented based on a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 to establish a Selection Committee for the appointment process. However, the Opposition has challenged the new law in the court and the next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
In a significant development, India and Qatar have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a 'strategic partnership', as both countries exchanged the Agreement on Establishment of Strategic Partnership in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The two-day state visit of the Qatar's Amir to India also saw the signing of an agreement on the revised agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Amir of Qatar with warmth and described him as his brother, wishing him a successful stay in India.
After the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly criticized the decision made by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, stating it was "disrespectful and discourteous". Gandhi also highlighted the ongoing Supreme Court challenge against the selection process and the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the committee. He emphasized the need for an independent Election Commission to ensure the integrity of India's electoral process and cited a previous Supreme Court judgement on the matter. Despite Gandhi's dissent, Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Vivek Joshi were announced as the new Election Commissioner and Chief Election Commissioner, respectively.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad AL Thani upon his arrival in New Delhi for a two-day visit. The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks to further strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two countries. This is the second visit of the Amir of Qatar to India, the first one being in 2015. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the visiting leader at the airport, showing the importance of the visit.
In a meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new defense cooperation framework, which includes increased military sales and the eventual supply of F-35 stealth fighter jets to India. This marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic ties between the two nations and lays the groundwork for future collaborations and trade. The meeting also included discussions on deepening defense, trade, and investment partnerships between the US and India.
In a fiery Lok Sabha speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to criticism from the opposition by highlighting his government's achievements in real development for the people. He also took a dig at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal for prioritizing photo opportunities over the needs of the poor. Modi emphasized that the President's address further strengthened the government's commitment to a developed India.
The final T20I match between India and England is set to take place in Mumbai on Sunday, with several high-profile names in attendance. Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was spotted at the Wankhede stadium, where he interacted with both team captains before the game. Bollywood star Aamir Khan and Infosys chief Narayana Murthy were also present, adding to the star-studded atmosphere. India currently holds a 3-1 lead in the series and will be looking to seal the win in front of their home crowd.
Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav in New Delhi and paid tribute to the Jain saint by releasing a commemorative stamp and coin. He praised the youth for their commitment towards the values of Bhagwan Mahaveer and stated that India will continue to celebrate these values for thousands of years. Modi also acknowledged the importance of spiritual teachings in a world plagued by numerous wars. He expressed his belief that India's identity lies in its pride and that modernity is its body and spirituality its soul.