Category: Politics

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about major subjects such as trade, immigration, and defence cooperation. The discussion was their first since Trump’s inauguration last week.

Following the call, Trump expressed confidence that India will “do what’s right” in terms of returning Indian immigrants who had unlawfully entered the US. He emphasised the importance of increasing India’s buying of American-made security equipment and establishing a fair bilateral economic partnership.

Trump later informed reporters that Modi is slated to visit the US in February. The White House confirmed that the visit was discussed, but no definitive date has been determined.

According to a White House statement, the two leaders held a “productive call” aimed at increasing bilateral cooperation. They also spoke on security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

India-US trade totalled $118 billion in 2023-24, with India retaining a $32 billion surplus. The United States regards India as an important strategic partner in combating China.

Despite tariff concerns during Trump’s re-election campaign, PM Modi maintained their friendship by calling Trump a “dear friend” in a social media post. Both leaders emphasised their desire for a mutually beneficial and trustworthy collaboration.

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister and other OPEC+ representatives met for talks following former US President Donald Trump’s call for lower oil prices. Trump said that lower oil prices could bring an end to the current conflict in Ukraine.

“I’ll ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to cut oil prices. “They should have done it long ago,” Trump stated. He said that rising oil prices allow Russia to fund its military operations, extending the conflict. “If oil prices fall, the issues will cease immediately. They bear some responsibility for what is going on.”

Trump also wanted global interest rates to fall, emphasising that a drop in oil prices will result in cheaper borrowing costs worldwide.

Despite Trump’s request, sources indicate that OPEC+ is unlikely to reduce prices. The alliance, founded in 2016, includes major oil producers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. OPEC members own more than 79% of the world’s proven crude oil reserves and control global supply.

Historically, OPEC decisions have shaped global economies. In 1973, an oil embargo led to serious fuel shortages in the US. Today, any increase in OPEC+ output could provide a threat to American oil companies, particularly shale producers, whose costs are higher than those of OPEC members.

Uttarakhand has made history as the first Indian state to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). On Monday, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the groundbreaking initiative, which includes an official internet portal and represents a key legal milestone for the country.

Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami referred to the UCC as a “new era of equality and harmony,” emphasising its significance in delivering the ruling BJP’s 2022 election promise. He thanked the people of Uttarakhand for their assistance, saying, “This stream of equality emanating from Devbhoomi will irrigate the entire nation.”

The UCC aims to unite personal laws from all religions, focussing on fundamental issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession. It abolishes customs such as halala, iddat, and triple talaq from Muslim Personal Law and ensures equal rights for women throughout cultures. The law does not apply to Scheduled Tribes or Uttarakhand locals who have migrated beyond the state.

Marriage, divorce, and live-in relationship registrations are required by law, and marriages after March 26, 2010, must be recorded within six months. Pregnancies that result from live-in partnerships must be reported within 30 days of birth.

In an effort to strengthen social ties and encourage community involvement across the nation, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has proclaimed 2025 as the Year of Community. The UAE has been utilising yearly themes to direct activities since 2016. These themes centre on important societal ideals every year.

The 2025 tagline, “Hand in Hand,” embodies the objective of promoting cooperation and a sense of community among locals. This program places a high priority on fostering intergenerational relationships, protecting Emirati cultural heritage, and bolstering family ties. “Hand in hand, we will endeavour to cultivate shared responsibilities and strengthen social bonds, paving the way for sustainable growth,” said President bin Zayed.

Volunteering, community service, and other worthwhile endeavours that enhance neighbourhoods and people’s lives are promoted among the locals. Programs and events for 2025 will emphasise Emirati values, community togetherness, and group advancement. The government wants to give people and organisations the chance to grow and make valuable contributions.

Through previous themes like the Year of Giving (2017) and the Year of Tolerance (2019), the UAE has continuously highlighted societal values.

Thailand and France recently unveiled an official logo to commemorate two historic milestones: 340 years since their first contact in 1685, and 170 years of established diplomatic relations in 2026. The event was held on January 15 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, in partnership with the French embassy.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Lalivan Karnchanachari emphasised the two countries’ long-standing friendship and collaboration, which has lasted more than three centuries. She stated that these ties originated when Chevalier de Chaumont, under King Louis XIV, paid a visit to King Narai the Great’s court in Siam.

Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, France’s ambassador to Thailand, joined Lalivan in announcing the winner of the logo design competition, Karakot Chaiyon, a student at Ubon Ratchathani University. Karakot’s design, titled “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” depicts fireworks over Bangkok’s Wat Arun and Paris’ Eiffel Tower, symbolising the nations’ unification.

The Thai Association of French Teachers produced a historical exhibition for the event, which also featured musical performances by Thai and French artists. Karakot’s award included round-trip tickets to Paris sponsored by Air France.

The festival demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to developing relations with France through cultural and strategic collaborations.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has authorised a rise in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season. The MSP has been hiked to ₹5,650 per quintal, up ₹315 from the previous year’s price of ₹5,335 per quintal. This step attempts to raise jute farmers’ revenues and improve their financial security.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised that the new MSP provides a 66.8% return on the All-India weighted average cost of production. The decision is consistent with the government’s objectives to promote sustainable farming practices and secure fair prices for farmers.

The steady increase in raw jute MSP throughout the years is noteworthy. Since the 2014-15 marketing season, the MSP was fixed at ₹2,400 per quintal. The rate has now increased by 2.35 times, demonstrating the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the continuance of the National Health Mission for another five years. Union Minister Goyal praised the NHM’s vital role in improving healthcare delivery nationwide. Between 2021 and 2022, almost 12 lakh healthcare personnel joined the mission, which was critical during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The High Commission of India, in partnership with the Singapore Film Society, is organising the Indian Film Festival 2025 (IFF 2025) to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. The festival will emphasise the rich cultural interchange between the two countries by showing 18 Indian films to the Singaporean audience.

Dr. Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner, declared that attempts will be made to make this occasion a yearly custom. The festival, which takes place from January 24 to March 2, 2025, will include a wide range of films, from well-known regional hits to timeless masterpieces.

“The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation of India are supporting the non-commercial organisation of this festival,” Dr. Ambule said on Wednesday.

Every weekend, there will be screenings at Golden Village Cinema, which is situated in Singapore’s Central Business District’s busy Suntec City complex. To provide accessibility for Singaporean consumers, the films will be available in seven Indian languages with English subtitles.

The program will feature both contemporary cinematic treasures and timeless masterpieces by renowned Bengali director Satyajit Ray.

On Tuesday, Brazil will declare that Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago will preside over the 2025 COP30 global climate summit in Belem, a major Amazonian city. This decision, made by three people with knowledge of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s plans, highlights the country’s commitment to climate diplomacy.

Correa do Lago, a seasoned diplomat, has represented Brazil in global climate summits since 2023, having previously held this position from 2011 to 2013. With almost two decades of experience in climate diplomacy and sustainable development, his selection exemplifies the Brazilian government’s preference for seasoned leadership.

As COP30 president, Lago will serve as the primary facilitator and mediator between country delegations, overseeing negotiations to limit global warming below catastrophic levels. This function is regarded as critical, especially given recent record-breaking temperatures.

Hosting COP30 in Belem emphasises Brazil’s attempts to educate global leaders about the Amazon’s importance in climate debates. However, hurdles loom, including expanding accommodation in Belem to accommodate visitors.

President Lula has committed to eliminating Amazon deforestation and believes the meeting is critical to Brazil’s global climate leadership. “Why not host it in an Amazonian state, so you can truly know what the Amazon is?” he said during COP27 in Egypt.

Odisha has inked eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Singapore to strengthen partnerships in important industries. The state’s Electronics and IT Department collaborated with Singapore’s Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) to build a Global Competency Centre in Bhubaneswar, which will focus on boosting FinTech and InsureTech innovation.

The MoU was signed during Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s visit to Odisha in 2025, to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised Odisha’s attempts to diversify its IT sector and position itself as a FinTech hub through startup support, incubation centres, and financial inclusion initiatives.

The agreement is consistent with India’s “Insurance for All” objective by 2047 and the Viksit Bharat 2047 project, which aims to improve financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Sopnendu Mohanty, GFTN’s Group CEO Designate, emphasised Odisha’s entrepreneurial potential for growing its digital economy.

Additionally, Singapore President Tharman paid a visit to Bhubaneswar’s World Skill Centre, where he toured labs and discussed collaboration in skill development, renewable energy, information technology, ports, and semiconductors. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja presented Odisha’s strategies for industrial and infrastructure development.

On Friday, Brazil’s government announced that Nigeria has been officially admitted as a partner country in the BRICS bloc, a coalition of emerging economies. As the BRICS chair in 2025, Brazil emphasised that Nigeria’s participation is consistent with its aims to strengthen collaboration in the Global South and advocate for global governance reforms. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry (Itamaraty) cited Nigeria’s important position as the world’s sixth most populous nation and Africa’s largest economy as a critical component in the country’s alignment with BRICS goals.

As a result of its partner status, Nigeria was able to join other nations from Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America that have similar objectives of fostering economic growth and working together with other economies that are on the rise. A statement was made during the sixteenth annual BRICS summit, which took place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024. The statement centred on the future course of the group and was made at the summit.

The addition of Nigeria underscores the growing importance of African states in global economic issues, as well as BRICS’ commitment to expanding its impact by strengthening ties with critical countries throughout the world.