THE HEADLINES :
- India and New Zealand sign five agreements in the fields of Defence, Education, Sports, Horticulture and Forestry.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate two-day Orientation Program for newly elected MLAs of Delhi Assembly today.
- Prohibitory orders imposed in Nagpur city of Maharashtra, following violence.
- US expresses deep concern over persistent persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
- US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to hold talks today on ending Ukraine conflict.
- And, International Olympic Committee approves inclusion of boxing in 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
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India and New Zealand have signed five agreements in the fields of Defence, Education, Sports, Horticulture, and Forestry. Both sides also exchanged the Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Agreement. Two countries announced the launch of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and negotiations on an arrangement facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers. New Zealand has joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative and has become a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi yesterday. The discussions covered various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. In his press statement, Mr Modi said, they had detailed discussions on various aspects of the bilateral relationship, and both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalize the defence and security partnership. He said that, along with joint exercises, training, and port visits, a roadmap will be prepared for mutual cooperation in the defence industry. The Prime Minister said that it had been decided to initiate negotiations on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, which will boost the potential for mutual trade and investment.
Mr. Modi said India and New Zealand will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist, and radical elements.
Prime Minister Modi said both sides support a Free, Open, Secure, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific and believe in the policy of development, not expansionism.
In his statement, Mr. Luxon said both sides are looking forward to achieve a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. He said New Zealand will increase its diplomatic presence in India.
Later, briefing media, Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Mazumdar, on a query regarding the discussions on Khalistani elements, said, the issue came up during the talks between the two leaders.
The New Zealand Prime Minister and his delegation also called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Prime Minister Modi and Mr Luxon jointly inaugurated the 10th edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi yesterday evening. In his keynote address, Mr Luxon said, India and New Zealand are fortunate to be part of the world’s most economically dynamic region.
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Delhi Assembly will organize a two-day Orientation Program for its newly elected MLAs starting today. Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla will inaugurate the program. The Program aims to equip legislators with knowledge of parliamentary procedures, code of conduct, and best governance practices.
The inaugural session will witness the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bist, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Leader of Opposition Atishi.
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In Maharashtra, tensions between two groups broke out last evening in the Mahal area of Central Nagpur. Rumours about the alleged vandalism of religious symbols led to communal tensions between the two groups, resulting in stone pelting and the burning of vehicles by some antisocial mob.
Police forces deployed for controlling the riot used teargas shells and cane-charge to disperse the mob in Chitnis Park and Mahal areas. Cyber teams searched CCTV footage and Police also did the combing operation to arrest about 15 anti social elements involved in violence clashes.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have appealed the people not to believe in rumors and to maintain peace and harmony. Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal has imposed prohibitary orders under Section 163 of BNSS in the Mahal area of Nagpur to restore law and order. Additional police personnel and a team from SPRF have also been deployed to keep the situation under control.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his visit to Vicharpur village in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh during a conversation with podcaster Lex Fridman. He called the Vicharpur village as Mini Brazil.
“The players and coaches of Vicharpur are very happy with the mention of their village by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Football Coach Raees Ahmed has thanked the Prime Minister for this gesture.
Players Renu Kewat and Sitaram say that this will increase the interest of the players.
The Prime Minister also mentioned Vicharpur in the 103rd episode of the Mann Ki Baat. Prime Minister Modi has informed that every family in this village has been playing football for four generations. So far, around 80 national level players have emerged from the village. Sanjeev Sharma, Akashvani News, Bhopal.”
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All banks will remain open for transactions on 31st March this year despite it being a public holiday, to provide convenience to taxpayers. In a notification, Reserve Bank said that necessary arrangements have been made to conduct special clearing operations across the country to facilitate the accounting of government receipts and payments in the current financial year itself. Issuing separate instructions to banks, RBI has asked them to keep branches open for over-the-counter transactions on 31st March up to normal working hours.
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US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard said that United States is deeply concerned about persistent persecution of religious minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh. In an interview to a private TV channel, US national intelligence chief was critical of the crumbling situation in Bangladesh and highlighted the Trump administration’s firm resolve in tackling the extremist forces and Islamist terrorism. She said that the Trump administration is focused and committed to defeat the ideology that promotes Islamist terrorism globally.
Mrs. Gabbard said the Trump administration has already begun talks with Mohammad Younus-led interim government in Bangladesh. She also spoke about the nefarious plots by extremist elements and terrorists in setting the stage for the ‘Islamic Caliphate’ in various parts of the world including Bangladesh.
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Russia has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump will hold talks today on ending the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that preparations are underway for talks between two leaders. On Sunday, President Trump announced plans to hold discussion with his Russian counterpart, as part of his efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He mentioned that land and power plants would be key topics in the conversation.
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Two US astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stuck for more than nine months on the International Space Station, will return to Earth tonight.
“NASA said that Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will be transported home with another American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut aboard a Space X Crew Dragon craft. The stranded duo have been on the ISS since June after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they were testing on its maiden crewed voyage suffered propulsion issues and was deemed unfit to fly them back to Earth. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will also return on the Dragon capsule. For Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, it will mark the end of an ordeal that has seen them stuck for nine months after what was meant to have been a days-long roundtrip. AISHWARYA RAI NIGAM, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the inclusion of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics games.
The decision follows the International Olympic Committee’s granting of provisional recognition to World Boxing last month, effectively sidelining the International Boxing Association and transferring authority to the new governing body. IOC President Thomas Bach announced the proposal at press briefing yesterday.
Moreover, World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst also welcomed the decision. Moving to Kabaddi World Cup 2025, both the Indian Men’s and Women’s teams will be in action this evening in Wolverhampton, England. The Women’s team will lock horns with Wales from Group D, while the Men’s team will take on Scotland from Group B. The Kabaddi World Cup kicked off yesterday and Indian Men’s team began their campaign on a winning note, defeating Italy 64-22. WITH SANJEEV JASROTIA, CHIRAG JHA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,
- Almost all newspapers today carry with pictures details of meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with visiting US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The Hindustan Times leads with, “India calls for US action on Pro-Khalistan group”. “Rajnath, US intelligence chief reaffirm strength of defence partnership”, writes The Statesman.
- The Indian Express opens with “China rising in Indo-Pacific, India and New Zealand seal defence pact”.
- “Workplace business on a high as back to office is new normal”, notes The Business Standard.
- ‘Stock market decline casts a shadow over buying enquiries’. “Bears turn their focus to real estate”, informs The Financial Express.
- And finally, in an initiative to create a safer environment for women in the national capital, “Cops to launch ‘Shistachar’ squads for women’s safety”, mentions The Delhi Tribune.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- India and New Zealand sign five agreements in the fields of Defence, Education, Sports, Horticulture and Forestry.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate two-day Orientation Program for newly elected MLAs of Delhi Assembly today.
- Prohibitory orders imposed in Nagpur city of Maharashtra, following violence.
- US expresses deep concern over persistent persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
- US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to hold talks today on ending Ukraine conflict.
- And, International Olympic Committee approves inclusion of boxing in 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
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