As India celebrated Republic Day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s congratulatory letter to President Droupadi Murmu painted an optimistic picture of burgeoning bilateral ties. Describing the relationship as on a fast track to expansion, he foresaw even deeper engagement ahead. Both nations cherish democracy and governance by law, forming a solid foundation. Their agendas align on safeguarding global rules, stabilizing the Indo-Mediterranean corridor, and addressing transnational threats effectively. Mattarella’s note warmly wished prosperity for India while noting the Joint Strategic Action Plan’s role in revitalizing cooperation. Economic institutions are launching joint ventures, science is bridging gaps, and societal dialogues are flourishing.…
Author: News Analysis India
In a rousing speech at the India-EU Business Forum in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed the dawn of a transformative phase in bilateral ties. ‘This is the conch shell’s resounding call for a new era,’ he said, pointing to landmark developments. EU leaders’ participation as Republic Day chief guests marks a first, alongside India’s biggest-ever FTA with the bloc and this high-level CEO conclave. These signal a profound convergence between two democratic giants, rooted in common principles and open societies. Trade has surged to 180 billion euros in ten years, with thousands of firms from both…
Melbourne erupted as Elina Svitolina from Ukraine scripted history at the Australian Open 2026, demolishing third-seeded American Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. For the first time in her career, Svitolina advances to the semifinals here, adding to her tally of four Grand Slam semifinals. Lasting just 59 minutes, the match showcased Svitolina’s tactical brilliance. She dictated play with ferocious groundstrokes and superior court coverage, while Gauff faltered on serve and racked up errors. A pivotal double fault from Gauff early on gifted Svitolina a break, turning the first set into a rout at 6-1. The second set brought…
A powerful alliance is forming in Odisha’s political arena as Congress openly backs a farmers’ bandh on January 28, organized by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan. The strike protests massive corruption in state-run paddy procurement, disorganized rollout of smart meters, and crippling fines imposed via PUCC checks on farmers and the public. OPCC’s video appeal resonated widely, positioning the party as farmers’ staunchest ally. Past agitations have spotlighted the injustice of withholding subsidies from those selling excess paddy beyond 150 quintals. President Bhakta Charan Das mobilized every district unit, calling for total involvement to amplify the farmers’ voice against exploitation.…
Tens of thousands flooded Santiago’s downtown for the 2026 Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, where the promotional video for the CMG Spring Festival Gala made its sensational debut. The Year of the Horse celebrations pulsed with energy, and the big-screen premiere stole the show, drawing crowds with its lively beats and heartwarming imagery. From serene family moments to exuberant welcomes of the new year, the video masterfully portrayed the soul of Chinese traditions. Onlookers were spellbound, many sharing on social media how it sparked their curiosity about customs like ancestral reunions and festive feasts. ‘This makes me want to experience…
In a resounding endorsement, top executives from India and the European Union have labeled the fresh India-EU trade pact a pivotal milestone amid global uncertainties. The buzz was palpable at the Indo-EU Business Forum, where Frank Schlodder of Hapag-Lloyd India hailed the FTA as the culmination of protracted talks. ‘It’s historic, especially as the world grapples with disruptions in international trade norms,’ he remarked, vowing to leverage every advantage the deal offers. For Italian company Artisana India-Chicco’s CEO Rajosh Vohra, the agreement spells relief and opportunity. ‘Imports and exports will become far less cumbersome, paving the way for innovative business…
In a poignant social media update, Samantha Ruth Prabhu expressed profound thanks following her attendance at President Droupadi Murmu’s Republic Day reception on the 77th anniversary of India’s Republic. The actress, who stunned in a lavish green saree with intricate gold embroidery, posted pictures from Rashtrapati Bhavan, capturing her moment in the spotlight. Accompanying the images was a raw, introspective caption: ‘No cheerleaders growing up. No voice saying I’d make it here. Dreams too grand to fathom. Kept pushing in a nation that valued the effort.’ She signed off with gratitude emojis. This annual ‘At Home’ ceremony honors the Constitution’s…
In a strategic powwow at the national capital, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi spearheaded discussions with Uttarakhand’s top party brass on Tuesday. The high-stakes review meeting, part of a nationwide series, zeroed in on fortifying the party’s position ahead of the state assembly elections. Key attendees included KC Venugopal, Kumari Selja, Ganesh Godiyal, Harish Rawat, Yashpal Arya, Pritam Singh, Dr. Harak Singh Rawat, Karan Mahara, and Kazi Nizamuddin. Social media updates from Venugopal and Selja captured the essence of collaborative leadership driving the agenda. The talks tackled organizational revamps, current political dynamics, and voter-centric issues like environmental conservation…
Afghan refugees expelled from Pakistan have unleashed shocking accusations of torture, overcrowding, and extortion in the country’s detention facilities. More than 500 individuals crossed back into Afghanistan via Spin Boldak last week, their stories dominating headlines in Kabul. According to Tolo News reports, Pakistan’s crackdown on Afghans has escalated, with arbitrary arrests leading to dismal jail conditions and mass deportations. The volatile Spin Boldak-Chaman border, scarred by last year’s violence, remains a flashpoint for such exchanges. Eyewitness accounts reveal a pattern of dehumanization. Akhtar Mohammad Hotak recalled the suffocating Chaman cells: no meals, no water, bodies packed like sardines. Abdul…
The clock is ticking towards India’s Union Budget 2026-27, with preparations entering the decisive lock-in stage following the Halwa Ceremony at North Block on Tuesday. Attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and MoS Pankaj Chaudhary, the event in the Budget Press heralded the final sprint. Deeply rooted in tradition, the halwa distribution ceremony ushers in a period of complete seclusion for over 100 officials involved in crafting the budget. No leaks, no distractions – just focused work until Finance Minister Sitharaman tables it in Parliament on February 1, 2026. The gathering included top bureaucrats from Finance Ministry wings, all eyes…