During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2023 state visit to the White House, New Delhi gifted US First Lady Jill Biden a $20,000 lab diamond, the most expensive present. Modi also gave President Biden a carved sandalwood box, statue, oil lamp, and a book. Gifts totaling around $35,000 were presented to various US officials.
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A joint security review meeting was convened in Kashmir on Friday to improve coordination between Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Focus was on enhancing counter-insurgency operations, intelligence sharing, and responding to emerging security challenges.
The interim govt is preparing to introduce a law via ordinance to expedite the recovery of billions allegedly siphoned off to foreign countries. Investigations are ongoing into 11 prominent individuals and companies, including former PM Hasina. Steps are being taken to collaborate with international law firms.
Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat is planning grand celebrations as she returns to Earth after nine months at the ISS. Villagers in Jhulasan have been praying for her safety and will offer special tributes at the local temple. Williams' achievements in space continue to inspire, enhancing the community's excitement for her return.
The Congress party protested in Jammu against the Central government’s handling of terrorism and the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The march was sparked by the recent killing of four police officers in an encounter with Pakistani terrorists. Party leaders called for immediate action to ensure peace and job opportunities in the region.
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.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha shared a video criticizing Arvind Kejriwal's unfulfilled promise to make Delhi as clean as Paris. The Congress leader compared the current situation of Delhi with piles of garbage to Kejriwal's 2019 promise. Rahul Gandhi also accused both Kejriwal and PM Modi of making false promises. Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5.
Union minister Jitendra Singh said the four Gaganyaan astronauts are being kept away from the public to avoid distractions during training. These astronauts are test pilots from the Indian Air Force.
India and Iran are set to hold diplomatic discussions focusing on their bilateral relationship, including Chabahar port connectivity, trade, and cultural exchanges. India aims to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy in addressing the Gaza conflict and preventing its spread. Other topics like Afghanistan developments will also be explored.
Addressing the event, CM Dhami said, "This honour is not just mine but belongs to the people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The 1.25 crore people of the state affirmed the resolution we presented during the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their trust and mandate made this achievement possible."
Maharashtra reported its first suspected death linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Solapur, prompting deployment of a central expert team. 101 GBS cases have been identified in Pune district. The state health department has issued water and food hygiene guidelines, and intensified surveillance efforts, including household surveys and water sample analysis, to combat the outbreak.