THE HEADLINES:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja; Says, India accords high priority to strategic partnership with Nigeria.
- Nigeria honours Prime Minister Modi with Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger award.
- Home Minister Amit Shah reviews security situation in Manipur with senior officials.
- Political parties making all-out efforts to woo the voters with just one day left for campaigning for assembly polls in Jharkhand and Maharashtra.
- GRAP-stage 4 for stricter anti-pollution measures to be enforced in entire Delhi-NCR from tomorrow as air quality remains in severe category for fifth day in a row.
- In Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, India storm into semifinals defeating Japan 3-Nil in final group-stage match at Rajgir in Bihar.
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held talks at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today. Both leaders reviewed the strategic partnership between the two countries and discussed further avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi termed the discussions as productive.
The two leaders had a restricted meeting which was followed by delegation-level talks
During delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India accords high priority to its strategic partnership with Nigeria.
Mr Modi said India is sending 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support Nigeria in its flood relief efforts. He also congratulated Nigeria on becoming a partner country in BRICS. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that through their joint efforts, the two countries will be able to place issues concerning the Global South on the world stage.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. Speaking at the event, Mr Modi said he accepted the honour with great humility and dedicated it to the people of India.
Following the talks, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the two countries on Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation. This was followed by a state banquet hosted by the Nigerian President in honour of Prime Minister Modi.
Earlier upon arrival at the State House in the Nigerian capital, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute.
Later, briefing media in Abuja, Secretary (Economics Relations) in the External Affairs Ministry Dammu Ravi said, Prime Minister Modi and the Nigerian President discussed global and regional issues. He said the two leaders reiterated their commitment to further work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi also addressed a gathering of the Indian community. He said, that Indian community has significantly contributed to the Nigerian economy.
Mr Modi reached Abuja last night on a two-day visit to the African Nation.
From Nigeria, the Prime Minister will travel to the Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro later in the evening on a two-day trip to attend the G20 Summit hosted by President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva. During the event, Prime Minister Modi will present India’s positions on various global issues. Mr Modi is also expected to meet several leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
In the third and final leg, Prime Minister Modi will undertake a state visit to Guyana from the 19th to the 21st of November.
<><><>
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in Manipur with senior officials in New Delhi today. According to the sources, Mr Shah will also hold a detailed meeting over the issue tomorrow.
The Home Ministry had said yesterday said that the security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace in Manipur. The situation in the state has remained fragile for the past few days.
In a statement the Ministry said, armed miscreants from both communities in the state have been indulging in violence, leading to loss of life and disruption of public order. It said strict action will be taken against those attempting to indulge in violent or disruptive activities. Important cases have been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Meanwhile, the State Home Department in Manipur in an order issued this afternoon, suspended internet and data services in Jiribam and Pherzawl districts for two days to curb spread of rumours and anti-national activities on social media.
In a related development, the National People’s Party (NPP) withdrew its support to the N. Biren Singh led Manipur Government. NPP has seven MLAs in the State Legislative Assembly and supports the BJP led government in Manipur. The BJP has thirty two MLAs. NPP Chief Conrad K. Sangma in a letter said the decision has been taken as his party is concerned about the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.
<><><>
With only one day left for campaigning for the second phase of assembly polls in Jharkhand and single-phase polling in Maharashtra, senior leaders of various political parties are making all-out efforts to woo the voters. Polling in the two states will be held on Wednesday.
In Maharashtra, voting will take place on all 288 seats. Our correspondent has the details:
“Addressing a rally in Dhule to drum up support for his party candidate, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the double engine government in Maharashtra is taking the state on the path of all round development. He said the state is committed for the welfare of farmers and each and every section of the society. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, held a roadshow in Mahal area of Nagpur for her party nominee. Earlier, addressing a rally in Gadchiroli, she criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not raising the reservation limit above 50 per cent and not giving his nod for the caste census. BJP’s star campaigner Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also campaigned in Ahilyanagar today. With Kunal Shinde, this is Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
In Jharkhand, 38 seats are going to polls in the second phase in the state.
Addressing election meetings at Gomia, Sindri and Nala, BJP President JP Nadda highlighted several initiatives taken by NDA government for the welfare of OBC and tribal communities.
On the other hand, Senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressing election meetings at Giridih, Jama and Jamtara, criticized the BJP for accusing his government of aiding Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Counting of votes for assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra will take place on the 23rd of this month.
<><><>
Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Kailash Gahlot has resigned from the party. In his resignation letter to AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Mr Gahlot alleged that political ambitions have overtaken the party’s commitments towards the people which has left many promises unfulfilled.
<><><>
Stage-4 restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for stricter anti-pollution measures will be enforced in the entire Delhi-NCR from tomorrow as air quality in the region remained in severe category for fifth day in a row.
Under GRAP-4, the entry of heavy vehicles from other states will be banned in Delhi. However, trucks carrying essential commodities and providing essential services will be allowed. The decision was taken in the meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Regions and Adjoining Areas. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of 452 was recorded at 6 this evening in Delhi.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, several areas of the city crossed the AQI of 450 level. Due to severe Air Quality, people are facing respiratory issues in the city.
Besides, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast shallow fog in Delhi and NCR during the night and morning hours over the next two days.
<><><>
Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada is being observed by educational institutions across the country to mark the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The nationwide celebration honours India’s rich tribal heritage and the contributions of tribal communities. Our correspondent reports that the government has launched various schemes for the development and upliftment of the tribal communities.
“In the last ten years, funds for the development action plan for Schedule Tribes have seen a fivefold increase. This leap in funding is fueling initiatives across various sectors, including housing, healthcare, and education. In the effort to provide quality education to the tribal students, the government has quadrupled the number of Eklavya Model Residential schools from 123 to 476 . The central government has also provided scholarships of 17 thousand crore rupees in the last 10 years. This move benefits over 30 lakh tribal students annually, giving them better career opportunities. SAKLEN AKHTAR FOR AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI”
<><><>
The portals of sacred Shri Badrinath Temple, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district were closed for the winter season this evening. The event was marked by the melodious devotional tunes by the Indian Army band. With this, the annual Char Dham Yatra for the year officially concluded today. This year, over 14.25 lakh pilgrims visited Badrinath, setting a remarkable milestone.
<><><>
In Ukraine, five persons were killed as Russia launched large-scale aerial attack, targetting energy infrastructure across the country and causing widespread damage. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said, 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched during a massive combined strike on all regions of the country. Largest private energy company of Ukraine said, the attacks caused significant damage to its thermal energy plants. Emergency blackouts have been announced in Kyiv, Mykolaiv and Black Sea port of Odesa that were under Russian attack.
<><><>
In Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, Defending champions India stormed into the semifinals, defeating Japan 3-0 in the final group-stage match at Rajgir in Bihar. With this win, India have topped the group-stage with maximum 15 points from five matches, ahead of Olympic silver medallists China with 12 points. Japan finished fourth with five points to take the final semi-final berth.
India will take on Japan in the last four game on Tuesday, while China will play third-placed Malaysia in the other semifinal.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja; Says, India accords high priority to strategic partnership with Nigeria.
- Nigeria honours Prime Minister Modi with Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger award.
- Home Minister Amit Shah reviews security situation in Manipur with senior officials.
- Political parties making all-out efforts to woo the voters with just one day left for campaigning for assembly polls in Jharkhand and Maharashtra.
- GRAP-stage 4 for stricter anti-pollution measures to be enforced in entire Delhi-NCR from tomorrow as air quality remains in severe category for fifth day in a row.
- In Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, India storm into semifinals defeating Japan 3-Nil in final group-stage match at Rajgir in Bihar.
<><><>