After a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance, the two leaders have announced the Terms of Reference for a bilateral trade agreement. The aim of this agreement is to establish a results-driven agenda that will benefit both countries. United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has expressed the need for balance and reciprocity in the trade relationship with India, and the TOR serves as a roadmap to achieve this goal. The vice president, who is currently on a visit to India, has called PM Modi a great leader and looks forward to strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
As India celebrates National Civil Service Day on April 21st, it pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of its civil servants who play a crucial role in keeping the country's administration running smoothly. This day, chosen by the Government of India, is significant as it marks the historic address of the country's first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to newly appointed Administrative Services Officers in 1947. In his speech, Patel emphasized on the importance of discipline, impartiality, and incorruptibility in the civil service, and urged bureaucrats to serve the nation with integrity and commitment. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the country's bureaucrats and confer awards for excellence in public administration.
After finalizing the terms of reference for the bilateral trade agreement, India's delegation is set to visit Washington, D.C next week to iron out any issues before beginning official negotiations. The trade pact between India and the US is aimed at boosting bilateral trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. The negotiations will be led by Rajesh Agrawal, who is expected to become India's next Commerce Secretary. Discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) also took place during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to meet US President Donald Trump. Both countries are working towards developing the project that will connect India, GCC, Israel, Italy, and the US, and is said to be one of the biggest economic integration and connectivity projects of the century.
Today marks the 153rd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. India is paying tribute to the leader who fought tirelessly for the country's freedom and the rights of its people. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh have all urged citizens to follow Gandhiji's principles of truth and nonviolence. Let us honor his legacy by sharing his timeless thoughts and working towards building the India of his dreams.
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.
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.
India pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, marking the day he was assassinated in 1948 while on his way to a prayer meeting. This day is observed as Martyrs' Day to honor all those who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pay their respects to Gandhi's legacy and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and citizens for India's sovereignty. Gandhi's ideals of truth and non-violence continue to inspire efforts towards building a developed India and promoting global movements for justice, peace, and human rights.
As India celebrates its Republic Day, it is important to understand the significance of the day and why the Indian flag is unfurled instead of hoisted. The theme for this year's celebration is "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" (Golden India: Legacy and Progress). Students can use this opportunity to honor the country's rich culture and progress while paying tribute to the men and women who fought for India's freedom. Further, Prime Minister Modi has extended his greetings to the nation and it is a time for all Indians to reflect on the country's growth and development since the adoption of the constitution in 1950.
With the announcement of the Bharat Ratna award, considered the Jewel of India, close at hand, the air is rife with speculation on who the deserving recipients this year will be. In this annual tradition on the eve of Republic Day, names like former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, industrialist Ratan Tata, and late Balasaheb Thackeray are being tossed around, along with others like Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and Jyotiba Phule. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious award is given to individuals for their extraordinary contributions, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender, and is shaped like a platinum-rimmed peepal leaf with the words "Satyameva Jayate" on its reverse side.
In his first festive message since being elected British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer expresses his wish for peace in the Middle East, which is the birthplace of the Christmas story. He encourages people to "look after those around us" and extends his gratitude to the armed forces and frontline workers who will be helping people during the holiday season. The celebrations also hold immense religious and spiritual importance for Christians across India, as well as other communities, and the diverse culinary landscape offers a delightful array of Christmas treats.