BJP MP and party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi has said that the BJP and the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully committed to giving due respect to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who laid a major foundation for the country’s economic development. On the issue of allocating space for a memorial of Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr Trivedi said that yesterday the cabinet decided in its meeting that a memorial will be built in the memory of Dr Manmohan Singh and this was conveyed to the Congress party. He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed to the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, that the government has decided to build a memorial and whatever time it takes after the completion of processes like land acquisition, formation of a trust and transfer of land, the work will be done appropriately as soon as possible. He accused the Congress of doing politics over it. The BJP MP said that in this hour of grief, politics should be avoided. He said, Narendra Modi led government has given respect to all the leaders by rising above party lines.

Union Home Ministry has said that the government will allocate space for the memorial of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The Ministry said in a statement that the Government received a request from the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in this regard yesterday. The Ministry said, immediately after the Union Cabinet meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Mr Kharge and the family of Dr Manmohan Singh that the Government will allocate space for the memorial.

In Tennis, the Indian team defeated Japan 4-2 in their second league match of the Asia-Oceania IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge at the Winchester Arena in Singapore yesterday, securing qualification for the worldwide challenge to be hosted by Spain next year.   India won all four singles matches through Aradhya Kshitij, Sohini Mohanty, Samarth Sahita, and Rishitha Basireddy, ensuring their spot in the competition. On the other hand, Japan managed to win both the boys’ and girls’ doubles matches.   Earlier, India had defeated Singapore in their first league match.   India had previously won the worldwide challenge last year, receiving the trophy from tennis legend Rod Laver in the USA.Each year, regional events are held on five continents, and the winners from these events advance to the Worldwide Finals, which include the host country.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold pre-budget consultations with finance ministers of various states in Jaisalmer today, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget. The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 is expected to be presented in Parliament on February 1, 2025. This will mark Finance Minister Sitharaman’s eighth consecutive Budget presentation.   According to a government official, states will have a key role in the discussions, advocating for policies that promote innovation, investment, and job creation. The meeting will be a platform to discuss necessary measures to improve economic stability and encourage sustainable growth. The official also highlighted the significance of this year’s Budget consultations, especially in light of recent state election results.   Tomorrow, Ms Sitharaman will chair the 55th meeting of the GST Council in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

India marked a historic achievement in wildlife conservation by conducting first ever Ganges river dolphin tagging in Assam yesterday. In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said, this is the first tagging for the species which is a significant milestone in the advancement of Project Dolphin. The Ministry said that the tagging exercise will help in understanding their seasonal and migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat utilization, particularly in fragmented or disturbed river systems. In a social media post, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav expressed happiness and said, this is a historic milestone for species and India. He said, this achievement will deepen understanding of conserving National Aquatic Animals.

In the picturesque state of Assam, India, where tradition and modernity intertwine, one artist has emerged as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship. Biswajit Paul, an expert in tube light and bulb etching, has garnered significant acclaim for his exceptional skills and artistry in this specialized field. His recent recognition with the prestigious Asia Talent Award marks a pivotal moment in his career and serves to highlight his remarkable contributions to the world of decorative lighting. The Asia Talent Award is not merely a trophy; it is a celebration of outstanding achievements across various disciplines, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in their fields. Biswajit’s selection for this esteemed honor speaks volumes about his innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail. In the competitive landscape of tube light and bulb etching, he has managed to carve a niche for himself, showing the world what is possible through hard work and creativity. Etching is an art form that transforms ordinary glass into extraordinary visual pieces, and Biswajit Paul has mastered the technique. His work features intricate designs that not only illuminate spaces but also tell stories, reflecting the culture and rich heritage of Assam. Each piece he creates is a labor of love, embodying his passion for artistry and his respect for traditional craftsmanship. The way he blends contemporary designs with time-honored techniques is a testament to his commitment to excellence and innovation. What sets Biswajit apart is not just his technical prowess but also his vision for the future of this art form. He aims to inspire fellow artists and aspiring craftsmen in the region, proving that creativity knows no boundaries. As he continues to push the limits of what is possible in tube light and bulb etching, he stands as a role model for the younger generation, encouraging them to pursue their artistic dreams with vigor and determination. Moreover, Biswajit's contributions extend beyond his personal achievements. His recognition through the Asia Talent Award brings much-deserved attention to the artistic potential of Assam. The state is known for its rich cultural landscape, and Biswajit’s success highlights the fact that artistry flourishes here. By showcasing his work on an international platform, he paves the way for other talented artists from the region to gain recognition and appreciation for their art. In a world where art and craftsmanship often struggle for attention, Biswajit Paul’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication and passion. His work in tube light and bulb etching stands as a beautiful example of how traditional art forms can evolve and resonate with modern audiences. The Asia Talent Award is not just a reflection of Biswajit’s talent; it symbolizes the potential for growth and recognition of Assamese artistry on a larger scale. As he continues to innovate and inspire, Biswajit Paul's story is one of hope and possibility. His commitment to excellence and the promotion of local culture ensures that the art of etching in Assam will not only survive but thrive, lighting the way for future generations of artists.

In a statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance announced that the restructuring involved an exchange of defaulted International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) for new securities that were launched on 25th November. The initiative saw a good participation, with nearly 98% of outstanding ISBs expected to be converted. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the development as a vote of confidence from both international and domestic bondholders. Sri Lanka had defaulted on its external debt obligations in April 2022 at the peak of the economic crisis. The island nation grappled with a shortage of essentials which was caused due to a forex crisis making it difficult to import several essential commodities. With generous assistance of 4.5 billion dollars from India, and securing of an IMF financing package of 2.9 billion dollars, the island has made efforts towards recovery. In addition, the debt restructuring efforts led by the Official Creditor Committee co chaired by India, France and Japan helped the island to finalise debt restructuring with moratorium on debt repayments until 2028 and deferred payments until 2042.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in New Delhi yesterday. During the talks, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties including trade and investment, defence, science and technology, tourism, culture, and people-to-people ties. They also noted the growing potential for collaboration in sectors such as IT, startups and innovation, renewable energy, green hydrogen and migration and mobility of youth, skilled workers and professionals. Both Ministers also exchanged views on global and regional developments of mutual interest. They agreed to continue the existing close cooperation in regional and multilateral fora including at the United Nations.    Dr. Jaishankar thanked Mr Rangel for Portugal’s continued support to India’s Permanent membership in the UN Security Council and for strengthening India-EU ties. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, as India and Portugal will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, in this regard, both Ministers agreed to commemorate this milestone in a befitting manner. During the visit, Foreign Minister Rangel also met with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Mr Rangel will visit Goa where he is expected to meet with the Governor and Chief Minister of the state. Portugal’s Foreign Minister Rangel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday on a four-day visit to India. This is his first official visit to India.   Later, in a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said, during the meeting, they took stock of the partnership and explored new opportunities in clean energy, technology, digital, mobility, heritage and maritime domains. The two leaders also exchanged views on West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. The External Affairs Minister also appreciated both the countries’ multilateral cooperation and Portugal’s support for stronger India-EU ties.    Akashvani correspondent reports that the bilateral ties between India and Portugal got a renewed push and momentum after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Portugal Luis Montenegro last month, during the G20 Summit at Rio in Brazil.  The visit of Portugal’s Foreign Minister is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and give impetus to the ongoing transformation of this historical relationship to a forward looking contemporary partnership.

by the Veyil Foundation. This honor is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the visual effects industry, particularly within the realms of film and gaming. His innovative work has significantly enriched the visual narratives of various projects, establishing a high standard for both quality and creativity that resonates throughout the industry. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is not just an award; it is a recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions to the arts and culture, and Vasudevan Korattikkara's achievements as a Visual Effects Artist truly exemplify this. Vasudevan Korattikkara's expertise lies in his unique ability to merge cutting-edge technology with artistic creativity, which has been instrumental in enhancing the visual experiences of audiences. His innovative techniques and artistic vision have set him apart as a leading figure in the field of visual effects. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in visual storytelling, he has not only captivated viewers but has also inspired fellow artists to explore new creative avenues. His work serves as a benchmark for excellence, encouraging others in the industry to strive for similar heights in their own projects. Receiving the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar from the Veyil Foundation is a significant milestone in Vasudevan Korattikkara's career, reflecting his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft. This recognition not only honors his past achievements but also acts as a source of motivation for emerging artists in the visual effects landscape. As the industry continues to advance and evolve, Vasudevan Korattikkara's influence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on future generations of creators, emphasizing the vital role of artistic excellence in the ever-changing world of visual media.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow yesterday. During the meeting, Mr Singh mentioned the friendship between India and Russia, saying New Delhi has always stood by its Russian friends and will continue to do so in future. The Defence Ministry said in a statement, the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral defence cooperation.    They expressed that partnership between two nations holds immense potential and that combined efforts will pave the way for remarkable outcomes. Earlier, the Defence Minister co-chaired the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation with his Russian counterpart, Andrey Belousov in Moscow. Making initial remarks, the Defence Minister emphasised that the India-Russia relationship is very strong, and has lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Panchayat Awards 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today. This year, a total of 45 awardees have been selected under various categories, reflecting a wide spectrum of achievements in grassroots governance and community development. During the ceremony, the Panchayati Raj Minister will unveil a booklet on the innovative and impactful practices of award-winning panchayats. The Ministry said in a statement that through these awards it aims to inspire other Panchayats to adopt best practices and contribute to the holistic development of rural India.

Bangladesh expected the resolution of all “unsettled issues” with India in the quickest possible time. Following a One-day foreign office consultation (FOC) with India in Dhaka on Monday, Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Jashim Uddin expressed the desire to work together with India in this regard.   Bangladesh’s foreign secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s historic relation with India and said, both sides agreed to carry it forward in a “free, frank and candid” discussion.   He said during the meeting, India expressed its interest in advancing constructive and positive relations with Bangladesh. However, concerns were raised by India regarding the safety of minority communities and “attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties”.   Jashim Uddin said India is one of our biggest trade partners of Bangladesh and stressed for removal of existing tariff and non-tariff barriers. He also requested for an undisrupted supply of essential commodities from India.   According to a report from Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the river water disputes were discussed in detail during the foreign office consultation, when Bangladesh stressed inking of Teesta water sharing deal alongside renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, which would expire in 2026. Dhaka also sought the finalisation of treaties over other common rivers and expected India’s cooperation in sharing flood warning data and flood management.