HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 6th BIMSTEC Summit at Bangkok in Thailand; Describes the forum a vital platform for promoting global good.
- Prime Minister meets leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar on sidelines of the summit.
- Both Houses of Parliament adjourned sine die; Budget Session concludes.
- Icon of Indian Cinema Manoj Kumar passes away in Mumbai.
- Domestic stock markets trading in red amid weak global cues.
- At World Boxing Cup 2025, Indian pugilist Hitesh storms into finals of Men’s 70 kg category in Brazil.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit at Bangkok in Thailand today. Speaking at the summit, the Prime Minister described BIMSTEC as a vital platform for promoting global good, emphasizing the need to strengthen the forum to enhance regional cooperation and deepen engagement. He proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of cooperation. Saying that it is time to boost business across BIMSTEC nations, Mr Modi announced establishment of BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and organisation of BIMSTEC Business Summit every year. Mr Modi proposed a feasibility study on the possibilities of trade in local currency in the BIMSTEC region. The Prime Minister has welcomed signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, and adoption of the Report of BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group. The BIMSTEC Member States also adopted the Summit Declaration. Our correspondent has filed a report:
“At the BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister also called for harnessing the rich potential of the IT sector and making BIMSTEC technologically stronger. He observed that the recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand underscores the need to work together in the field of disaster management. He said BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management will be established in India. He also called for taking cooperation to the world of space and stressed on making the security apparatus stronger. He said BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity building frameworks. He highlighted that under BODHI initiative, 300 youth from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India every year. Mr Modi also stated that BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival will be held in India this year. He said few things connect like culture and hoped that cultural linkages bring BIMSTEC even closer. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
Prime Minister Modi met leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar on the sidelines of the summit. Mr Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus. Mr Modi also met his Bhutan counterpart Tshering Tobgay. In a social media post, he said India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust and both countries are cooperating extensively in several sectors.
Earlier in the day, Mr Modi met the Senior General of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that he once again expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage of property in the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar. He added that India is doing whatever is possible to assist people of Myanmar in this critical time. The Prime Minister shared that during the meeting, they also discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building and infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Modi reached Bangkok yesterday on a two-day visit to Thailand. He held bilateral talks with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
From Thailand, Prime Minister Modi will reach Colombo this evening on a three-day state visit to Sri Lanka. The visit, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, aims to strengthen the bilateral relations under the joint vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.”
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Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die today. With this, the Budget Session of Parliament came to an end. The session had commenced on 31st of January.
In his valedictory address in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla highlighted that the House registered 118 percent productivity during the Budget Session. He said the Lower House passed 16 bills during the session.
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Rajya Sabha held over 17 hours of discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 which is the highest in the history. He said the Lok Sabha also held around 14 hours of discussion on the Bill. He objected to the remarks of Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi that the Bill was bulldozed in Parliament. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla termed the comments unfortunate saying that legislation was passed following all the rules and procedure.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post has termed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by the Parliament as a watershed moment in the government’s collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.
The legislation aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.
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The BJP today asserted that the passage of Waqf (Amendment) Bill by both the houses of Parliament is absolutely Constitutional. Commenting on Congress leader’s remarks that they will challenge the legislation in the court, senior party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told media outside Parliament that no one is stopping them from going to court.
Earlier, Congress leader Promod Tiwari said, his party will fight this battle in the Parliament, in the people’s court and if needed, they will also go to the court.
Legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar who etched his name in the annals of Indian Cinema, passed away in Mumbai today. He was 87. Manoj Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, said, the veteran actor breathed his last in the early hours of the morning following an illness. He added that the last rites will be performed tomorrow morning at Vile Parle in Mumbai. The veteran actor, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films, left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. We have a report:
“Born on 24th July 1937 in Abbottabad as Harikishan Goswami, Manoj Kumar went on to carve a niche for himself in Hindi cinema. From a young age, he admired actors like Dilip Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Kamini Kaushal, and chose the name ‘Manoj Kumar’ after Dilip Kumar’s character in ‘Shabnam’. The year 1965 marked Manoj Kumar’s rise to stardom with ‘Shaheed’, based on the life of the legendary Bhagat Singh. From then on, his films deeply resonated with the patriotic sentiments of the Indian audience, earning him the title of ‘Bharat Kumar’ among fans and within the Indian film industry. His iconic films, including ‘Upkar’ and ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, celebrated national pride and the spirit of unity. Manoj Kumar’s immense contribution to Indian cinema earned him several accolades, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards in a career spanning nearly four decades. Recognising his service to the industry, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1992. His legacy was further cemented when he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, the highest honour in Indian cinema. Manoj Kumar leaves behind an unparalleled cinematic legacy that has touched the hearts of millions-a spirit that will continue to inspire generations to come. Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
The President, Vice President and Prime Minister have expressed grief over the demise of legendary actor.
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Domestic Benchmark equity indices extended their downward trend in the afternoon session amid weak global cues following reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 837 points to 75,459 and the NSE Nifty50 lost 323 points to 22,927, when reports last came in.
Global markets are also experiencing jitters after reciprocal tariffs’ announcement by US. In Asian markets, Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul were in the red.
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At the World Boxing Cup 2025, Indian pugilist Hitesh reached the finals of Men’s 70 kg category in Brazil today, ensuring a silver medal for the country. He defeated Makan Traore of France 5-0 in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, three other Indian boxers, Jadumani Singh, Sachin Siwach and Vishal settled for a bronze medal each after losing respective semi-final matches in different categories.
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In IPL Cricket, Hosts Lucknow Super Giants will lock horns with Mumbai Indians at Ekana Cricket Stadium today. The match will start at 7.30 PM. Mumbai Indians stand on the sixth position and Lucknow Super Giants on the seventh spot in the points table with each team registering two losses and one win in the tournament so far.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 6th BIMSTEC Summit at Bangkok in Thailand; Describes the forum a vital platform for promoting global good.
- Prime Minister meets leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar on sidelines of the summit.
- Both Houses of Parliament adjourned sine die; Budget Session concludes.
- Icon of Indian Cinema Manoj Kumar passes away in Mumbai.
- Domestic stock markets trading in red amid weak global cues.
- At World Boxing Cup 2025, Indian pugilist Hitesh storms into finals of Men’s 70 kg category in Brazil.
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