India and the EU aim to conclude their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by the end of 2025. Both sides are determined to resolve differences over import duties and advance political engagement. Progress in recent talks has been positive, with the broader global environment accelerating negotiations. An FTA would encourage EU investments in India and is expected to be WTO-compliant.
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Karnataka Law Minister H K Patil hinted at the possible discussion of the caste census report in the next cabinet meeting. The report, submitted last year, faced objections from Vokkaligas and Lingayats, calling it unscientific. The findings, collected by 1.6 lakh officials, remain unpublished and are considered politically sensitive.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a woman's petition claiming homeopathic medicines healed her from 25 gunshot injuries. The court upheld lower courts' decisions, finding her allegations absurd and improbable, highlighting the impossibility of surviving such wounds without surgery. The woman in her petition alleged that she was attacked by individuals wielding “fully loaded revolvers and a machine gun.â€
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasized that India is on the side of peace. Modi highlighted his discussions with leaders of both countries and urged for negotiations over battlefield solutions. He affirmed support for Trump's initiatives and underlined the importance of diplomacy in resolving the conflict.
The government has reduced the reserve price of rice stored with the Food Corporation of India by Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 2,250 per quintal for ethanol producers and states. This move aims to enhance food security and allow efficient distribution, as FCI godowns had excess stocks and high prices hindered purchases.
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh accused Muslim groups boycotting Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s iftaar invitation of association with the RJD and Congress. This follows groups like Imarat Shariah rejecting Kumar's invite over his support for the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha urged Jagjit Singh Dallewal to end his fast to represent farmers in talks with the Central government, seeking to relocate the meeting to Delhi before February 14. Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader Abhimanyu Kohad insisted on the scheduled meeting in Chandigarh. The KMM argues that the model code of conduct should not delay the meeting.
India's Election Commission is hosting nationwide all-party meetings led by state, district, and electoral registration officers until March 31, 2025, to address poll-related issues. Additionally, the EC is offering training for political party representatives on electoral laws and seeking suggestions to enhance poll conduct by April 30, 2025, focusing on better voter participation and seamless electoral processes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Mauritius, furthering India's role as a global development partner. Funded by a $4.7 million Indian grant, the institute aims to train Mauritian civil servants and enhance research and governance collaboration.
Madhubala, a 29-year-old third gender, cast her vote for the first time in Delhi’s assembly elections, expressing hope for policies that empower and ensure safety for the community. With 1,261 third-gender voters in the capital, Madhubala, along with others like Tina Kinnar, emphasized the importance of voting as a democratic right. However, some voiced frustration over political parties’ failure to address the community’s needs, urging greater inclusion and support. Results will be... Expand
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced India's advanced UPI digital payments system during her visit. She was impressed by its efficiency. PM Modi had earlier highlighted UPI's significance by comparing daily transactions in India to the EU's population. The visit underscored strengthening India-EU ties.