Brief Summary
This news bulletin covers key events, including Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Maldives, where agreements were signed and financial assistance extended. Modi also achieved a milestone as the second-longest-serving Prime Minister. Parliament was adjourned due to opposition protests, and the government banned several OTT platforms. Tensions flared at the Thailand-Cambodia border, prompting a travel advisory. In sports, England led against India in a test match.
- Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Maldives resulted in agreements and financial aid.
- Parliament was adjourned due to opposition protests.
- Government banned 25 OTT platforms for inappropriate content.
India-Maldives Bilateral Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Dr. Muhammad Muizu met in Mallay for delegation-level talks, along with External Affairs Minister Dr. S.J. Shankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Duphal, and other officials. Prior to this, Modi and Muizu had a bilateral meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest. India has extended a line of credit of 4,850 cr rupees to the Maldives to fund infrastructure and development projects. An agreement was signed to reduce the Maldives' annual debt repayment obligations on previous Indian-funded lines of credit.
Agreements and Cooperation
India and the Maldives exchanged eight agreements concerning lines of credit, debt repayment, FDA, fisheries and aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia, and UPI. Prime Minister Modi and President Muizu inaugurated a new Ministry of Defence building in Mali and planted saplings to support the apacham initiative. A commemorative stamp was released to celebrate 60 years of India-Maldives friendship.
India's Commitment to Maldives
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting the Maldives' development and prosperity. In a joint statement with President Muizu, Modi emphasised the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries. He noted that cooperation in defence and security reflects mutual trust. Modi highlighted the shared goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region and announced joint efforts to strengthen regional maritime security at the Colombo Security Enclave.
Economic Partnership and Financial Assistance
Both countries have taken steps to accelerate their economic partnership, with a bilateral investment treaty to promote mutual investment soon to be finalised. Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistri noted the timeliness and productivity of Prime Minister Modi's visit, highlighting that a line of credit will be extended to the Maldives in Indian rupees for the first time. This line of credit, amounting to 4,850 cr rupees, continues the tradition of assisting the Maldives' development needs and will support several infrastructure projects.
Prime Minister Modi's Tenure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India with an uninterrupted tenure. BJP spokesperson Sudhanui noted that Modi has achieved this milestone with the people's mandate, completing 4,078 days in office and surpassing the record of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Modi's tenure has been marked by significant development.
President Murmu's Third Year in Office
President Draadi Murmu completed three years in office. She participated in initiatives such as declaring the Dyang Gange friendly president's estate, launching Rashtraati Bhavan websites in 22 Indian languages, and inaugurating facilities for visitors and residents.
Parliament Adjourned Amidst Opposition Protests
Both houses of parliament were adjourned for the day due to disruptions by the opposition over various issues. In the Lok Sabha, opposition members continued their protests, disrupting proceedings. BJP MP Jagdami Kapal appealed for order. Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Magal sought to speak on the readjustment of representation of scheduled tribes in assembly constituencies of Goa Bill 2024. Similar scenes occurred in the Rajya Sabha, leading to adjournment.
Discussion on Terrorist Attack
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kirin Riiju announced that a special discussion on the terrorist attack in Pelgam and India's response under Operation Synindur will be held in Lok Sabha on Monday. The decision was made during a business advisory committee meeting.
Government Bans OTT Platforms
The government has directed the blocking of 25 OTT websites and apps for showing obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting noted that the content included sexual innuendos and explicit scenes, depicting obscenity and vulgarity in inappropriate contexts.
Railway Review and Border Clashes
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Bashnav and Minister of State Rabnit Singh Bitu reviewed the Nasi Triambeshwar Singh 2027 rail plans. The railway minister urged officials to adopt best practices from the Mahakum 2025 experience. Clashes continued along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with Cambodian forces using heavy weapons. Thai forces responded and issued advisories to local civilians. 14 Thai people were killed and 46 injured in the clashes.
Travel Advisory and Weather Update
The Indian embassy in Thailand advised Indian travellers to check updates from Thai official sources due to the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border. The tourism authority of Thailand listed several attractions in seven provinces as not recommended for visiting. Heavy rains continue to lash across Maharashtra, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for multiple regions.
Market and Cricket Update
Equity benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, closed in the red for a second consecutive session due to mixed global cues and selling by foreign institutional investors. The broader market indices at the BSE also closed lower. In cricket, England led by 104 runs in their first innings against India on day three of the fourth test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester.
