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.
NEW DELHI: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday, as diplomatic outreach intensified alongside sharply escalating rhetoric from Washington. "Received a call from Foreign Minister Araghchi of Iran. Discussed the present situation," Jaishankar posted on X, marking their sixth conversation since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi said the two sides discussed "bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments," underscoring continued engagement amid a fast-moving crisis. The call came even as US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Tehran. Speaking to Fox News shortly after a social media warning tied to an April 6 deadline, Trump said he believed a deal could be reached "by tomorrow," adding, "they are negotiating now." However, he coupled that with a blunt threat: "If they don't make a deal, and fast, I'm considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil." Trump also indicated that Iranian negotiators had been granted limited amnesty to facilitate talks. The parallel tracks, intensifying diplomacy and escalating US pressure, are widely seen as the uncertain trajectory of the conflict, with the window for negotiations appearing both urgent and fragile. In a sign of broader regional consultations, Jaishankar held talks with Qatar's Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on the evolving situation in the region. Jaishankar also spoke with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that on his first day in office he would impose a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs. "On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump said the tariffs would remain in place until the two countries ...Read More >
A question. Which party played identity politics in the 2024 campaign? Donald Trump and the Republicans or Kamala Harris and the Democrats? Left-leaning pundits think they know. Political consultant James Carville blamed Democrats' defeat on their "stupid, Goddamn identitarian mission." CNN anchor and Washington Post columnist Fareed Zakaria argued that one of the big mistakes Harris made was "elevating identity politics." New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd declared that "woke is broke." This one-sided attack on identity politics happens like clockwork when Democrats lose an election, eve ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (VOICE) Aadit Palicha, Co-founder and CEO of Zepto, on Wednesday said he is not against work-life balance and even recommends it to his competitors. Palicha's statement comes even as a viral post, on the American social media platform Reddit, accused the quick e-commerce platform of toxic work culture. "I have nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors :)," said the 22-year-old CEO, in a post on social media platform X. The Reddit post, by an anonymous user, alleged that Zepto's working environment was "toxic", with employees working ex ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party MP Ashok Kumar Mittal on Thursday hailed the all-party delegation's visit to several countries worldwide and noted that the members had briefed External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar about their visits. On meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, member of the all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal told ANI, 'After returning today, we met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He wanted to know the response in the five countries we visited. We told him about it. Wherever we went, the countries appr ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party MP Ashok Kumar Mittal on Thursday hailed the all-party delegation's visit to several countries worldwide and noted that the members had briefed External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar about their visits. On meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, member of the all-party delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal told ANI, 'After returning today, we met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He wanted to know the response in the five countries we visited. We told him about it. Wherever we went, the countries appr ...Read More >
)
New Delhi: The ongoing clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has taken a dark and explosive turn. On June 6, the Tesla CEO sent shockwaves across social media by accusing the US president of hiding crucial Jeffrey Epstein files because Trump's name allegedly appears in them. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) that is already stirring up huge debate, Musk wrote, "Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!" He further added, "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." ...Read More >
xternal Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, on Monday, met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and discussed the conflict with Russia at the sidelines of the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Italy. Apart from Ukraine, EAM Jaishankar met with his counterparts from France, Lebanon, and Croatia as well. On his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the EAM reiterated India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy" to end the long-running conflict. "Good to meet FM of Ukraine @andrii_sybihain Rome today. Useful exchange on advancing our bilateral cooperation. ...Read More >
Noting that the evolution of Quad has been a "notable development," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said the Indo-Pacific is experiencing "significant changes" including new convergences and partnerships. "In an era of collaborative endeavours, the Indo-Pacific will require practical solutions, nimble diplomacy, greater adjustment and more open conversations. The G7 can be one such partner," Mr. Jaishankar said as he attended the G7 FMM Outreach Session with Indo-Pacific partners in the Italian city of Fiuggi on Tuesday. G7 ministers throw support behind Israel-Hezbollah ceasefir ...Read More >
Concerned about the targeting of religious minorities in Bangladesh, the Trinamool Congress has urged the Indian government to request United Nations peacekeeping forces be dispatched. Sudip Bandyopadhyay raised the issue in Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, citing attacks on Hindus. The silence of the Indian government was criticized. The Trinamool Congress has expressed deep concern over the ongoing targeting of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. On Tuesday, they called upon the central government to request that the United Nations dispatch peacekeeping forces to the countr ...Read More >
(Also read: Sakshi Dhoni's touching gesture for Bengaluru family who wanted pic with MS Dhoni on flight) Known for his calm and composed demeanour on the cricket field, Dhoni, often referred to as "Captain Cool", surprised his followers with his spontaneous and energetic participation in the cultural dance. The video presented a side of the iconic cricketer that fans don't usually associate with the man famed for his leadership during India's 2011 ICC ODI World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup victories. The legendary cricketer's willingness to embrace and enjoy local culture while spending time wi ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in the presence of leaders of Central Asian countries, touched upon various business opportunities and complementarities between these respective economies on Thursday. Jaishankar suggested a few areas where India and Central Asian countries should collaborate to improve their economies. Jaishankar noted that India's trade and economic ties with Central Asia have actually shown a very strong positive trend over the last decade. However, he has also said that the trade figures do not reflect the full potential. Given th ...Read More >
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Import tariffs expected to be implemented by the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could lower economic growth and inflation in the 20 nations sharing the euro, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone said on Tuesday. Most economists agree that the possible tariffs would impact growth, though views diverge on the effect on consumer prices. Some argue the U.S. trade barriers will push up the value of the dollar, making imports of key commodities more expensive, while likely retaliation from Europe will also raise costs. Cipollone, speaking i ...Read More >
Why Is Indian Railways Called Indian Railways, Not Indian Railway? UPSC-Level Question Solved Months after India and China reached a deal to end border deadlock, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has flagged challenges that the two countries are facing. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is committed to engaging with China to arrive at a fair and mutually acceptable framework for boundary settlement. The External Affairs Minister noted that India-China relations cannot be normal in the absence of a clearly articulated approach. "The governm ...Read More >
AMRITSAR, India (AP) -- A U.S. military plane carrying 104 deported Indian migrants arrived in a northern Indian city on Wednesday, the first such flight to the country as part of a crackdown ordered by the Trump administration, airport officials said. The Indians who returned home had illegally entered the United States over the years and came from various Indian states. The move came ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, which is expected next week. U.S. President Donald Trump and Modi discussed immigration in a phone call last week and Trump stressed the impo ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): Criticising the BJP-led NDA government, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that India's foreign policy has collapsed. In a post on X, Gandhi raised three questions to the central government. "Will JJ explain, Why India has been hyphenated with Pakistan? Why didn't a single country back us in condemning Pakistan? Who asked Trump to "mediate" between India & Pakistan?" the LoP said. Reposting a video of S Jaishankar's interview with a media outlet, he said, "India's foreign policy has collapsed," he added. Earlier, Gandhi q ...Read More >
H.E. Josel Francisco Ignacio, current Ambassador of the Philippines to India shares his credentials with President Droupadi Murmu On 16 November 1949, the Philippines and India, the two independent democracies would forge diplomatic ties. The two republics were born just a few years apart, first set out on the road to their bilateral friendship and collaboration. This inaugurated a period of closer government interaction, commerce and investment, and other bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Building on much common ground in history, democratic ideals, socio-economic imperatives and aspi ...Read More >
Mumbai: The rupee declined 14 paise and touched the crucial 86.00-mark (provisional) for the first time against the US dollar Friday as it failed to resist pressure from a stronger American currency and huge outflow of foreign funds. Surging crude oil prices overseas and negative sentiment in domestic equity markets also weighed down the Indian currency, forex traders said. Also, dollar strengthened on increased demand amid the anticipation of restrictive trade measures by the new US administration after Donald Trump takes over as president January 20. At the interbank foreign exchange, the ...Read More >
Srinagar, May 21: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday hit out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement that India had informed Pakistan beforehand about the missile strikes on terror infrastructure in the neighbouring country. "Our external affairs minister says that we informed Pakistan that we are going to strike at terror training centres. Are wars fought like this? Do you give advance notice?" Karra said, while addressing a 'Jai Hind' yatra in Anantnag district. The JKPCC chief also questioned the BJP-led central gov ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): On the birth anniversary of former President Pranab Mukherjee, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid glowing tributes to the statesman, recalling his immense contributions to India's democracy and development. Kharge took to social media to share a heartfelt message, quoting one of Mukherjee's profound observations: Also Read | Atul Subhash Suicide Case: 4 People Including Bengaluru Techie's Wife Nikita Singhania Booked for Abetment of Suicide. "India's true story is the partnership of the people. Our wealth has been created by farmers and workers, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday wished his Kenyan counterpart Musalia W Mudavadi on Jamhuri Day, or independence day. Jaishankar shared an image of the International Yoga Day being celebrated in Kenya in July this year. In a post on X, he said, "Greetings to FM Musalia W Mudavadi, the Government and people of Kenya on Jamhuri Day." The Indian embassy in Kenya also extended its wishes on Kenyan independence day. The Kenyan High Commission in India celebrated Jamhuri Day on December 10. In a post on X, the Kenyan High Commission said, ...Read More >
Still, the ongoing U.N. climate talks have thrown a spotlight on their efforts to tackle global warming. While the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tasked with agreeing a goal to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate, leaders of the Group of 20 major economies half a world away in Rio are holding the purse strings. G20 countries account for 85% of the world's economy and are the largest contributors to multilateral development banks helping to steer climate finance. "The spotlight is naturally on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions," U.N. Secretary Ge ...Read More >
PM Modi holds bilateral meetings with Indonesia and Portugal President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brazil. The Indian delegation, which included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, participated in discussions with their Indonesian counterparts. During their interaction, PM Modi emphasised the discussions centred on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, defence cooperation and additional areas of mutual interest. ...Read More >
Beijing: China has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States following recent threats by former President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods. The statement comes amid growing tensions between the two economic giants over trade practices, technology policies, and geopolitical issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said that China was open to "constructive dialogue" with the U.S., emphasizing the importance of cooperation to ensure global economic stability. "China believes that both countries should seek common ground and manag ...Read More >
Trump's pressure on countries to remain tied to a US-dollar-based financial system could backfire, with potential increased motivation for BRICS to create alternatives. While the dollar's dominance persists due to existing economic strengths, recent global currency agreements indicate a cautious shift away from reliance on the greenback.Donald Trump's pressure on countries around the world to stay anchored to a US-dollar-based financial system is a tactic that risks backfiring, market watchers say. Dollar dominance looks set to continue for the foreseeable future and emerging nations' idea of ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 18 (ANI): Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong on Wednesday said that China is ready to work with India and put into action the understandings between Indian and Chinese leaders. The comments come ahead of the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. In a post on X, Ambassador Xu Feihong, "China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, str ...Read More >
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday stoked a new controversy after he called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hypocrite for questioning Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar over providing information about Operation Sindoor to Pakistan. The Congress clapped back at the BJP leader, stating that he "repeatedly displays his stupidity." Dubey's accusation stems from Rahul Gandhi's criticism of S. Jaishankar, which the BJP MP views as inconsistent with Gandhi's previous statements. Dubey referenced a 1991 Indo-Pak military transparency pact signed during a Congress-backed go ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Feb 5 (PTI) The family of a 36-year-old man from Hyderabad has requested the Ministry of External Affairs to help bring back their kin, who is currently lodged in a jail in Thailand, after allegedly being trafficked to Myanmar. Shaik Ashraf was arrested by the Thailand Police and jailed after entering the Southeast Asian nation from Myanmar, where he was "trafficked" to indulge in online scam operations, his family claimed. Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: National Capital Records 57.89% Voter Turnout; Exit Polls Give BJP Edge Over AAP. In a letter addressed to External ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a 42-year-old Ashoka University associate professor and head of political science department, was recently arrested for social media commentary on 'Operation Sindoor,' thrusting the academic, writer, and former spokesperson of Samajwadi Party into the national spotlight. The Supreme Court on Monday has agreed to hear a plea challenging his arrest, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal calling his statements "entirely patriotic." Academics, opposition leaders and rights activists have widely condemned the arrest. Mahmudabad's social media remarks on the defence oper ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan on Thursday, ahead of the fourth edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue. He shared the details of the meetings through several posts on X. Upon meeting the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, the EAM said, 'Pleased to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan this morning. Appreciated his reaffirmation of zero tolerance for terrorism. Discussed various facets of our Strategic Partnership focusing on political, trade, investment and energy cooperation. A ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 21 (ANI): An Indian student, Ravi Teja from Hyderabad was shot dead in New Haven, Conneticut. He had gone to the US for doing Masters in Science. A family friend of the deceased family, Upender Reddy told ANI on Monday that due to such incidents, Indian students are scared to go to the US and requested the authorities to send back his mortal remains. Also Read | Donald Trump Inauguration: EAM S Jaishankar Joins Roster of International and US Leaders, Takes a Prominent Seat at Swearing-In Ceremony (See Pics). "A student named Ravi Teja went to US from H ...Read More >