India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Moscow: Russia has ordered journalists of the German media ARD to leave the country in response to German authorities' closure of Russian broadcaster Channel One's office, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. "In response to the unfriendly actions of German authorities, which were taken against Russian correspondents ... as a mirror measure, it is prescribed to German correspondents to hand over their accreditation certificates and leave the territory of the Russian Federation," Zakharova said at a media briefing. She added that Russia will be ready to issue accreditation to new ARD employees after Germany creates conditions for the work of Russian journalists and resumes activities of Channel One's office. Earlier in the day, Russian media reported German authorities were closing Channel One's office in Berlin, requiring a correspondent and a cameraman of the broadcaster to leave Germany in early December, Xinhua news agency reported. The broadcaster provided a document by the German authorities, which reportedly stated that "the activities of Channel One represent a significant immediate threat to public order and security in Germany and the EU as they pose a threat to the process of the formation of the public opinion and decision-making in the member states."
India and the EU are progressing towards implementing a free trade agreement later this year, with discussions focusing on deepening security and defense cooperation. Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that the FTA will benefit the auto industry, encouraging collaboration and innovation. As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the European Union Political and Security Committee (PSC) delegation, led by Chair Delphine Pronk on Friday, India-EU free trade agreement expected to be ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) India's gains from importing discounted Russian oil are estimated to be just USD 2.5 billion per annum, significantly lower than the previously speculated range of USD 10-25 billion, a research report said on Thursday. Stopping Russian oil imports would force India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, to rely on limited alternatives, potentially driving global crude prices up to USD 100 per barrel amid rising demand and tight supply. "Benefit from Russian oil imports is way less than exaggerated media numbers," brokerage CLSA said in a report. While ...Read More >
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has demanded that NATO and EU member states impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. The goal, he said, is to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Trump, who pledged to resolve the conflict "on day one" of his presidency, raised the proposal during a meeting with European Union officials last Tuesday. The measure is seen as a way to accelerate negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The Financial Times first reported Trump's request. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said Washington was preparing tighter ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Russian Foreign Ministry has sent out a strong message at a time when the United States has moved ahead with steep tariffs on Indian goods. Moscow said India continues to stand by Russia and called the bond between the two nations firm and enduring. The ministry underlined that every attempt to weaken this relationship will collapse before it even begins. Speaking to RT, the Russian official welcomed India's decision to keep cooperation alive despite external pressure and constant warnings. He said India has shown commitment, not hesitation, in advancing ties with Moscow. The m ...Read More >
Russia has announced the expulsion of one correspondent and one cameraman from Germany's ARD, mirroring Germany's alleged actions against Russian journalists. Germany denies closing the Channel One office and attributes Russian journalists' expulsions to residence law issues. Both countries are navigating strained media relations amid mutual accusations. Russia confirmed on Wednesday its intent to expel a correspondent and a cameraman from Germany's ARD network, citing Germany's alleged expulsion of Russian journalists as the reason, claims Berlin denies. Joerg Schoenenborn of WDR condemned ...Read More >
New Delhi, May 26 (PTI) Alcoholic beverage maker's body CIABC has urged the government to adopt a phased reduction in import duties on liquor products under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement (FTA), while calling for strong safeguards to prevent misuse of trade concessions under the pact. In a submission to the commerce ministry, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has proposed slashing the effective customs (or import) duty on bottled products like wines and spirits from the current 150 per cent to 100 per cent immediately and then down to a resting customs d ...Read More >
New Delhi: Traffic in central Delhi will be affected on Thursday as the traffic police has issued an advisory due to the Janmashtami and Tazia processions.According to police, the traffic movement in Paharganj is likely to be affected from 1.30pm in view of the shobha yatra for Janmashtami and the Tazia procession.The Janmashtami procession will start from Mandir Shri Banke Bihari Ji in Paharganj's Sangatrasan Bazar and pass through Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Chuna Mandi, Main Bazar, Munja Chowk and Arakashan Road. The Tazia procession will start from Ajmeri Gate and proceed through Pul Paharganj ...Read More >
"This year's selection at EUFF 2025 is both bold and deeply moving" - Artur Zaborski, Festival Curator According to a press note shared by EUFF, the Delhi leg of the festival will present 28 acclaimed films from all EU Member States and Ukraine, before travelling to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Through this vibrant showcase of European films, EUFF continues to foster Indo-European cultural collaboration, offering audiences a Window to Europe, its people, culture and society. Audiences in New Delhi ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): The European Union (EU) and India organised a first-of-its-kind counterterrorism training from October 13 to 15 to protect critical infrastructure and soft targets against emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, as they are commonly known, as per an official release. The release said the rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their misuse by state and non-state actors pose serious security challenges. Commercial drones have advanced rapidly in both technology and accessibility, making them inexpensive and adaptable ...Read More >
Surat (Gujarat) [India], August 21: KP Group, a leading name in India's renewable energy sector, is stepping up its expansion with a clear goal of reaching 10 GW capacity by 2030. With projects already underway in Gujarat, the Group is working on projects in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, supported by a strong order book and government partnerships. KP Group has signed memoranda of understanding with Gujarat, Odisha, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for over 2.6 GW of renewable projects, while exploring new opportunities in other states. The Group has already e ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 18: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is exploring the possibility of hosting India for a white-ball series in early August, taking advantage of a rare opening in both nations' schedules. Final discussions are expected to take place this week on the sidelines of the ICC meetings in Singapore. This follows after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mutually agreed to defer the white-ball series, three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals, between Bangladesh and India in August 2025 to September 2026. Security concerns due to the state o ...Read More >
Damascus: Turkish-backed factions launched an offensive on Kurdish-held areas in Aleppo province, leading to the isolation of over 200,000 Syrian Kurds, a war monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack, dubbed 'Operation Dawn of Freedom,' has targeted rural Aleppo, where over 200,000 Syrian Kurds reside, Xinhua news agency reported. The Observatory said the Turkish-backed forces, operating under the Syrian National Army banner, have captured several areas, including the city of Tel Rifaat, and imposed sieges on others, cutting off roads and preventing civilians ...Read More >
Hyderabad, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday urged his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N. Chandrababu Naidu, not to obstruct Telangana's irrigation projects He appealed to the neighbouring state not to obstruct Telangana's crucial irrigation initiatives, including the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, as well as the Dindi, Kalwakurthy, Bheema, Nettempadu, and Koilsagar projects. "We demand Andhra Pradesh not to block our projects. We seek cooperation. If our appeals are ignored, we will fight and achieve our goal. I am ready to lead this battl ...Read More >
India and the EFTA countries free trade agreement will be implemented from October 1. The agreement aims to boost trade and investment between India and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. EFTA has committed to invest USD 100 billion in India, creating one million direct jobs. India will lower or eliminate duties on some EFTA products. The free trade agreement between India and the four-nation European bloc EFTA will be implemented from October 1, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyu ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): The European Union (EU) and India organised a first-of-its-kind counterterrorism training from October 13 to 15 to protect critical infrastructure and soft targets against emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, as they are commonly known, as per an official release. The release said the rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their misuse by state and non-state actors pose serious security challenges. Also Read | India's Steady Export Growth in H1 FY26 Reflects Strong Resilience, Global Competitiveness, Says FIEO. ...Read More >
The Foreign Ministry in Russia has shown appreciation for India for continuing to maintain ties despite mounting pressure from the United States after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on India and demanded that India stops buying oil from Russia. The Russian ministry said it welcomed that India was showing its commitment to continue and expand multi-faceted cooperation with Russia, despite pressure and threats that have been coming in from the US. While speaking about the issue, the off ...Read More >
New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) have conducted their first counter-terrorism exercise aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and soft targets from emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and for drawing up procedures for integrated counter-drone operations. The three-day training programme, which concluded on Wednesday, brought together senior officers, instructors and technical experts from India's National Security Guard (NSG) and the EU's High Risk Security Netw ...Read More >
MARTOLI, India (AP) -- Dozens of dilapidated stone buildings are what is left of the once-thriving border village of Martoli, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled in Johar Valley and surrounded by Himalayan peaks -- the most notable being Nanda Devi, once considered the tallest mountain in the world -- this village had traded sugar, lentils, spices and cloth for salt and wool with Tibetans across the border. The nomadic occupants of several villages spent the winter months in the plains collecting goods to be traded with Tibetans in the summer. But the border was sealed after ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be a no-show at the Oct 26-28 Asean summit, but progress in the review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement could lead to a much-needed boost in trade after negotiations hit a rough patch earlier in 2025. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, while Modi is on the campaign trail in Bihar state ahead of elections. But the Prime Minister, underlining the importance attached to India's ties with South-east Asia, will virtually attend the Asean-India Summit on Oct 26, where th ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 3 (ANI): There are significant and far-reaching changes on the global strategic landscape and a lot of volatility on the global economic landscape, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, and said these together make a very powerful case for India and the European Union and India and Germany to work much more closely with each other. Jaishankar, who addressed a press conference with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, said India has important strategic relationships with a number of countries, and it's in the nature of global politi ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) For the academic year starting 2025, 101 Indian students, including 50 women, have been awarded the prestigious Erasmus+ scholarships for a two-year master's programme in Europe, officials said. The Erasmus+ programme, launched in 1987, stands for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. It is the European Union's (EU's) flagship initiative for international mobility and academic exchange. The Delegation of the EU to India in a statement on Monday said "101 Indian students, including 50 women, have been awarded the prestigious Erasmus+ sch ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 4 (UNI) As India prepares to chair the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in May, the escalating conflict in West Asia is set to pose a tough diplomatic challenge, with divisions among member states and complicating consensus-building within the bloc. Diplomat and West Asia expert Anil Trigunayat said the current geopolitical situation makes it difficult to expect smooth outcomes, particularly given the widening trust deficit between Iran and key Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. "The trust deficit between Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and I ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) -- Beijing's bid for enhanced regional leadership suffered a setback Thursday when India rejected signing a joint statement put before members of the China-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organization, saying it was pro-Pakistan in not mentioning April's terror attack on Indian tourists. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the statement diluted India's position on critical issues such as terrorism and regional security, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Pres ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) A total of 101 Indian students, including 50 women, have been selected for the prestigious Erasmus+ scholarships for a two-year master's programme in Europe, beginning in 2025. With this achievement, India remains the top overall recipient of the scholarship since 2014 and ranks among the top three countries this year, underscoring its deepening academic ties with the European Union, a statement by the Delegation of the EU to India said. Erasmus+ students pursue their studies at a minimum of two European universities and are awarded joint, double, or multiple degrees ...Read More >
New Delhi: The European Union-India relationship is on an "ascending trend" and the two sides represent for each other a "safe investment" at a time when trade, technology, migration and information are being "weaponised", EU Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, said on Thursday. At an interactive session here, he also described the "historic visit" of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners to India in February as "a vote of confidence and trust in this relationship with India". On the EU-India FTA talks, the envoy said that "a tall order ...Read More >
New Delhi, Feb 4 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India and the European Union have common interests and shared values, and while there may be some differences on priorities and specifics, what binds the two is a strong sentiment. Addressing the IIC Bruegel Seminar, he said that both India and the EU are political democracies, pluralistic societies and market economies. "In a world that promises to be so volatile and so uncertain, a stronger India-EU relationship can be an important stabilizing factor. India is certainly cognizant of the greater strategic awakening in E ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): The European Union (EU) and India organised a first-of-its-kind counterterrorism training from October 13 to 15 to protect critical infrastructure and soft targets against emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, as they are commonly known, as per an official release. The release said the rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their misuse by state and non-state actors pose serious security challenges. Commercial drones have advanced rapidly in both technology and accessibility, making them inexpensive and adaptable ...Read More >
European borders are facing increasing pressures: The upcoming introduction of the EU's Entry-Exit System will bring new operational challenges as countries rush to introduce new biometric-based border technologies. At the same, the bloc is introducing regulatory changes, including the AI Act, privacy laws and digital wallets. All of this is happening amid an increase in global travelers as well as a rise in AI-fueled identity fraud such as deepfakes. At the center of these issues is eu-LISA, the agency in charge of large IT systems. The organization held an industry roundtable last week to h ...Read More >
Chennai, August 1: Actor, music director and producer G V Prakash Kumar, who has won the National Award for Best Music Direction (Songs) for the Tamil, Telugu bilingual film Vaathi, has called the honour "a blessing for the second time". Taking to his X timeline soon after the 71st National Awards were announced, G V Prakash expressed his gratitude to the jury and the selection committee of the National Awards and the entire team of Vaathi. G V Prakash wrote, "A blessing for the second time. I'm truly overwhelmed and deeply grateful to receive the 71st National Film Award for Best Music Direc ...Read More >
New Delhi: US and European officials believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin's security agencies are curbing the ongoing hybrid warfare campaign in Europe. According to a Bloomberg report, officials say that there has been a decrease in suspected Russian-backed sabotage incidents this year. Russia has been blamed for attacks across Europe through hybrid campaigns. According to officials, Russian intelligence agents pay proxies to target civilian infrastructure and individuals for these operations. Officials told Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity that there are several reasons for ...Read More >