Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has assured that India is strategically addressing tariff concerns with the US, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion. He expressed optimism about ongoing discussions with Washington, highlighting the groundwork laid by PM Modi and President Trump to strengthen relations and facilitate trade.
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Diplomatic efforts under PM Modi's leadership have led to the release and pardon of over 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad since 2014. Key successes include the UAE pardoning 500 Indians during Ramzan, Saudi Arabia releasing 850 in 2019, and the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar in 2023. Modi's personal connections with international leaders have played a crucial role.
Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized Amit Shah for his debate with Saket Gokhale in Rajya Sabha. Gokhale accused the home ministry of misusing central agencies to target opposition states and critiqued the expansion of BSF jurisdiction. Amit Shah clarified that the CBI does not fall under home ministry jurisdiction and defended the ministry's actions.
A pilot project in six Indian states identified key health issues among truck drivers, including compromised vision, elevated BMI, and high blood pressure. The initiative led by IIT-Delhi provided corrective measures like spectacles, health counseling, and mental health support. The government aims to improve truck drivers' welfare and shift to sustainable fuels.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inadvertently clapped during a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Martyrs' Day, leading to an awkward moment caught on camera. The incident occurs while Kumar, alongside other leaders, paid respects at Gandhi Maidan. He quickly corrected himself after realizing the inappropriateness.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju supports the three-language policy in the New Education Policy, asserting that it benefits the entire country. Amidst opposition from the Tamil Nadu government, Rijiju emphasizes unity and rejects divisive politics based on language and religion, highlighting leadership examples with diverse mother tongues.
A landslide blocked the vital Tawaghat-Lipulekh road in Uttarakhand's Dharchula, stranding vehicles and cutting off access to three valleys. The BRO swiftly cleared the debris, restoring access late Saturday. The slide, likely caused by road widening, occurred near Tawaghat. Luckily, the reduced winter traffic prevented any casualties or property damage on this treacherous route to Kailash Mansarovar.
The Delhi high court has issued a notice to the NIA regarding a plea by jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid to attend the ongoing Parliament session. Rashid, arrested in 2019 on terror funding charges, seeks permission to fulfill his legislative duties. The court had earlier rejected his custody parole request, with a bail decision expected soon.
Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Chhattisgarh Congress minister Kawasi Lakhma on January 3 over his alleged involvement in a liquor scam. Searches conducted in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma revealed evidence of his receipt of commissions from illegal liquor sales. Lakhma has promised to provide all required documents and comply with the law.
Thailand issued a special stamp based on 18th-century Ramayan mural paintings during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Highlighting cultural ties, PM Modi was also gifted the World Tipitaka in Pali by the Thai PM. He witnessed a Thai Ramayana performance, underscoring shared cultural heritage. Modi's foreign visits often showcase India's rich traditions, reflecting deep historical and cultural connections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won all the presidential seats and a mayoral seat in Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana, except for the Barara Municipal Council. The elections were peaceful, with significant vote margins in favor of BJP candidates in Ambala City, Ambala Sadar, Thanesar, Ismailabad, and Yamunanagar-Jagadhri.