Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on India European Union FTA, & has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "we see India is a very dynamic and huge growth market.. I hope many Irish companies come to India and visa versa". India Ireland trade worth $10 billion per year. On India's payments system he pointed, "It's cashless society, everybody is buying and selling via mobile phone, it's very impressive"

Ireland's Trade Minister Simon Coveney hopeful on India- EU FTA; Lauds India's payments system

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is currently in India on a 5-day visit, this is the leader's first visit since assuming office in January this year.

Indian PM Modi welcomes Bhutanese PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has suffered a major injury in an accident, tweeted Trinamool Congress on X. She has been taken to the SSKM hospital in Kolkata.

India: TMC says Mamata Banerjee sustained a 'major injury'

The dates for the Lok Sabha elections are likely to be announced by Friday this week, citing sources. The Election Commission's observers' briefing meeting for the general election is currently underway in Delhi. The day-long briefing is aimed at streamlining strategy to ensure the implementation of the model code of conduct for the general elections likely to be held in April-May.

India Elections: First time voter says, 'I want honesty & accountability from my leaders'

The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming General Elections. The second list features names of 72 candidates from nine states and two union territories including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi.

India elections: Will BJP's replacement of Delhi MPs help it retain all seven seats?

India has reacted to America's remarks on the implementation of the Citizeship Amendment Act, which was passed in 2019. India's Ministry of External Affairshas rebuffed America's concerns over the CAA.

India rebuffs US' remark on Citizenship Amendment Act, says 'implementation is our internal matter'

Will India hold simultaneous polls at the state & central levels in the future? That's the million-dollar question in the minds of policymakers. Such an exercise will be unprecedented in size and execution. But will it also have a major socio-economic impact? We find out in this report.

India elections 2024: Decoding the economics behind simultaneous polls

Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa has been booked under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and section 354(A) of the IPC after a woman approached the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru claiming that her 17-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by him. Watch in for more details!

Former Karnataka CM Yediyurappa accused of sexual assault

The Election Commission on Thursday released data on the electoral bonds, following a Supreme Court order that directed the State Bank of India to hand over all data regarding the bonds to the election authority. Watch to know more!

Electoral Bonds Data Unveiled: Top 10 contributors to political parties

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra resumed from Palghar, Maharashtra today. Notably, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rolled out from Manipur’s Thoubal on January 14. It aims to cover 6,700 km through 15 states, with Lok Sabha polls around the corner.

India Elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi resumes Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Palghar in Maharashtra

Aam Aadmi Party convenor and Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will embark on a Gujarat visit today to launch the Lok Sabha election campaign of his party.

Delhi: AAP kicks off election campaign in Gujarat, Delhi CM appeals for two candidates

TikTok is widely known worldwide but mostly 'Notoriously'. Nations around the world are banning TikTok over privacy & cybersecurity concerns.

From India to Pakistan: List of countries that have banned TikTok

India's southern Thiruvananthapuram city hosted preliminary polling for Russian tourists and citizens. Several Russian voters gathered as polling took place at the Consulate for Russian Federation.

India hosts preliminary polling for Russian citizens

Indian PM Narendra Modi is likely to visit Bhutan next week at the invitation of his counterpart Tshering Tobgay, who met PM Modi during his ongoing India visit, his first abroad since taking over as PM earlier this year.

Indian PM Modi likely to visit Bhutan next week

As Alia Bhatt turns a year older, here's looking at the 7 films that made her a bonafide superstar of Bollywood and a force to reckon with.

7 Films That Made Alia Bhatt A Force To Reckon With

The Electoral bonds data is out. ECI published the data on its website. Who are the top donors? Which parties received the most funds? Watch this video to find out.

Electoral bonds data: Who are the top political donors & beneficiaries?

India elections 2024 | Simultaneous polls: Decoding the economic impact?

The Joe Biden administration in the United States (US) has approved the sale of MQ9B Predator drones to India, media reports said on Friday (Mar 15). The approval signalled a major win for the Narendra Modi administration, as the deal underlined the deepening strategic partnership between India and the US, a report by News18 said. The deal sees the acquisition of 31 predator drones.

The deal was originally cleared last month but faced a delay due to objections raised by US senators. However, after the 30-day objection period, the final draft of acceptance was sent to India, the report added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/estonias-foreign-minister-talks-drones-cybersecurity-and-global-trade-in-exclusive-interview-with-wion-693066">Exclusive: Estonia's foreign minister talks drones, cybersecurity, and global trade in interview with WION</a>

The US and India were examining various aspects of the deal, including the price component, but the pace of the negotiations slowed down after American federal prosecutors alleged an Indian link in a failed plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

In November last year, the US federal prosecutors accused Indian national Nikhil Gupta of working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

With the sale of drones now approved, India will use them to crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Joe Biden administration in the United States (US) has approved the sale of MQ9B Predator drones to India, media reports said on Friday (Mar 15). The approval signalled a major win for the Narendra Modi administration, as the deal underlined the deepening strategic partnership between India and the US, a report by News18 said.

The Joe Biden administration in the United States (US) has approved the sale of MQ9B Predator drones to India, media reports said on Friday (Mar 15). The approval signalled a major win for the Narendra Modi administration, as the deal underlined the deepening strategic partnership between India and the US, a report by News18 said. The deal sees the acquisition of 31 predator drones. The deal was originally cleared last month but faced a delay due to objections raised by US senators. However, after the 30-day objection period, the final draft of acceptance was sent to India, the report added. Also read | Exclusive: Estonia's foreign minister talks drones, cybersecurity, and global trade in interview with WION The US and India were examining various aspects of the deal, including the price component, but the pace of the negotiations slowed down after American federal prosecutors alleged an Indian link in a failed plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. In November last year, the US federal prosecutors accused Indian national Nikhil Gupta of working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada. With the sale of drones now approved, India will use them to crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. (With inputs from agencies)

US approves sale of MQ9B Predator drones to India: Reports

Coimbatore-based Future Gaming and Hotels Private Limited, headed by lottery baron Santiago Martin, who was investigated multiple times by the Enforcement Directorate and faced several criminal cases in the past, seems to be the highest purchaser of electoral bonds worth Rs. 1,368 crore.

'Lottery King' Santiago Martin, the top electoral bonds donor

India's latest position in the Human Development Index (HDI) reveals a promising trajectory, as outlined in the 2023-24 Human Development Report (HDR) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Despite grappling with the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, India's HDI value surged to 0.644 in 2022, positioning it 134th out of 193 countries worldwide.

Key indicators on the rise

The HDR sheds light on India's commendable progress across crucial HDI indicators.

Life expectancy at birth has risen to 67.7 years, reflecting an enhancement in healthcare accessibility and quality.

Additionally, expected years of schooling and mean years of schooling have seen positive growth, reaching 12.6 and 6.57, respectively.

Moreover, there has been a substantial increase in Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, climbing from $6,542 to $6,951.

Recognising efforts&nbsp;for&nbsp;gender equality

India's endeavours in reducing gender inequality have garnered recognition in the HDR. With a Gender Inequality Index (GII) value of 0.437, India surpasses both the global and South Asian averages.

Acknowledging India's progress, Caitlin Wiesen, Resident Representative of UNDP India, said, "India has shown remarkable progress in human development over the years."&nbsp;

However, challenges persist, particularly concerning gender disparities in labour force participation, where a large gap of 47.8 percentage points exists between men and women.

Global trends and persistent inequalities

While India celebrates its progress, the HDR unveils concerning global trends, notably the resurgence of inequality.

After two decades of convergence, the gap between the wealthiest and poorest nations has begun widening since 2020.

This inequality is aggravated by economic concentration, with a handful of countries dominating global trade.

India, along with the rest of South Asia, faces losses in HDI due to inequality, highlighting the urgency for targeted interventions to address disparities.

Urgent call for collective action

Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, stressed the importance&nbsp;of collective action to break the current gridlock in global development.

"The failure of collective action to advance action on climate change, digitalisation, poverty, and inequality not only hinders human development but also worsens polarisation and further erodes trust in people and institutions worldwide," he said.

The HDR proposes immediate action in areas such as climate stability, digital equity, and innovative financial mechanisms to reignite a commitment to a shared future.

India's role as a global leader

India's proactive engagement in fostering global cooperation is lauded in the HDR.

From championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during its G20 Presidency to initiatives like vaccine diplomacy amid the pandemic, India has showcased leadership in advancing international collaboration for global public goods.

"India is already a frontrunner in utilising Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to increase citizens' access to essential services", Wiesen said, highlighting India's potential to shape agile, global responses to emerging challenges.

India's latest position in the Human Development Index (HDI) reveals a promising trajectory, as outlined in the 2023-24 Human Development Report (HDR) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

India's latest position in the Human Development Index (HDI) reveals a promising trajectory, as outlined in the 2023-24 Human Development Report (HDR) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Despite grappling with the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, India's HDI value surged to 0.644 in 2022, positioning it 134th out of 193 countries worldwide. Key indicators on the rise The HDR sheds light on India's commendable progress across crucial HDI indicators. Life expectancy at birth has risen to 67.7 years, reflecting an enhancement in healthcare accessibility and quality. Additionally, expected years of schooling and mean years of schooling have seen positive growth, reaching 12.6 and 6.57, respectively. Moreover, there has been a substantial increase in Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, climbing from $6,542 to $6,951. Recognising efforts for gender equality India's endeavours in reducing gender inequality have garnered recognition in the HDR. With a Gender Inequality Index (GII) value of 0.437, India surpasses both the global and South Asian averages. Acknowledging India's progress, Caitlin Wiesen, Resident Representative of UNDP India, said, "India has shown remarkable progress in human development over the years." However, challenges persist, particularly concerning gender disparities in labour force participation, where a large gap of 47.8 percentage points exists between men and women. Global trends and persistent inequalities While India celebrates its progress, the HDR unveils concerning global trends, notably the resurgence of inequality. After two decades of convergence, the gap between the wealthiest and poorest nations has begun widening since 2020. This inequality is aggravated by economic concentration, with a handful of countries dominating global trade. India, along with the rest of South Asia, faces losses in HDI due to inequality, highlighting the urgency for targeted interventions to address disparities. Urgent call for collective action Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, stressed the importance of collective action to break the current gridlock in global development. "The failure of collective action to advance action on climate change, digitalisation, poverty, and inequality not only hinders human development but also worsens polarisation and further erodes trust in people and institutions worldwide," he said. The HDR proposes immediate action in areas such as climate stability, digital equity, and innovative financial mechanisms to reignite a commitment to a shared future. India's role as a global leader India's proactive engagement in fostering global cooperation is lauded in the HDR. From championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during its G20 Presidency to initiatives like vaccine diplomacy amid the pandemic, India has showcased leadership in advancing international collaboration for global public goods. "India is already a frontrunner in utilising Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to increase citizens' access to essential services", Wiesen said, highlighting India's potential to shape agile, global responses to emerging challenges.

India climbs in global Human Development Index. Check rank here

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 14) in New Delhi, during Tobgay's five-day visit to India.

The discussions between the two leaders focused on key bilateral matters, as highlighted by Modi on X.

With Bhutan being a nation with a population of fewer than 800,000 people, it maintains strong economic and trade ties with its southern neighbour India, which serves as its largest donor and economic partner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu4vKSnvSEAxWrcfUHHSp7DboQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3n-6JELMFgtW-NprEtzB2w&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pm-modi-likely-to-visit-bhutan-later-this-month-691293" target="_blank">Indian PM Modi likely to visit&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;later this month</a>

This marks the inaugural foreign visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister, who took office in January 2024.

“Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week,” PM Modi posted on X.

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Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan <a href="https://twitter.com/tsheringtobgay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tsheringtobgay</a> on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> for inviting… <a href="https://t.co/Ab7wXH2TVt">pic.twitter.com/Ab7wXH2TVt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1768289000765132923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Welcoming the Bhutanese PM, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that his visit underscores the strong friendship between the two nations.

"Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan," Jaiswal expressed in a post on X.

The visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister presents an opportunity for both sides to evaluate the progress in their distinctive partnership and to explore avenues for further strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bhutan-pm-wins-elections-overshadowed-by-economic-strife-678315" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bhutan-pm-wins-elections-overshadowed-by-economic-strife-678315&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu4vKSnvSEAxWrcfUHHSp7DboQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Gbpwws2n9ZfRTchIC3UJQ&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-bhutan-pm-wins-elections-overshadowed-by-economic-strife-678315" target="_blank">Former&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;PM wins elections overshadowed by economic strife</a>

Prime Minister Modi embarked on his inaugural foreign visit to Bhutan following his victory in the 2014 election. Subsequently, he conducted a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, following his re-election.

In September 2022, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited India and held discussions with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar.

In April 2023, India welcomed the visit of the King of Bhutan. During the&nbsp;visit, both nations issued a Joint Statement titled “A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership.” The&nbsp;statement reaffirmed the robustness of the distinctive ties between the two countries and delineated specific domains to bolster the India-Bhutan partnership.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 14) in New Delhi, during Tobgay's five-day visit to India.

Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 14) in New Delhi, during Tobgay's five-day visit to India. The discussions between the two leaders focused on key bilateral matters, as highlighted by Modi on X. With Bhutan being a nation with a population of fewer than 800,000 people, it maintains strong economic and trade ties with its southern neighbour India, which serves as its largest donor and economic partner. Also read: Indian PM Modi likely to visit Bhutan later this month This marks the inaugural foreign visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister, who took office in January 2024. “Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting me to visit Bhutan next week,” PM Modi posted on X. Glad to meet my friend and PM of Bhutan @tsheringtobgay on his first overseas visit in this term. Had productive discussions encompassing various aspects of our unique and special partnership. I convey heartfelt thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan and @PMBhutan for inviting… pic.twitter.com/Ab7wXH2TVt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2024 × Welcoming the Bhutanese PM, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that his visit underscores the strong friendship between the two nations. "Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan," Jaiswal expressed in a post on X. The visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister presents an opportunity for both sides to evaluate the progress in their distinctive partnership and to explore avenues for further strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Also read: Former Bhutan PM wins elections overshadowed by economic strife Prime Minister Modi embarked on his inaugural foreign visit to Bhutan following his victory in the 2014 election. Subsequently, he conducted a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, following his re-election. In September 2022, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited India and held discussions with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar. In April 2023, India welcomed the visit of the King of Bhutan. During the visit, both nations issued a Joint Statement titled “A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership.” The statement reaffirmed the robustness of the distinctive ties between the two countries and delineated specific domains to bolster the India-Bhutan partnership. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay meets India's Modi, discusses bilateral issues

India elections 2024: AAP set to launch Gujarat poll campaign today

Prime Minister Modi is set to hold a road show in Hyderabad today. The Prime Minister will also address other BJP rallies in Telangana on the 16th of March and 18th of March ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

India elections 2024: Hyderabad gears up for PM Modi's roadshow

Newly appointed election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have assumed their roles, being the first members appointed under the new law for Chief Election Commissioners and ECs.

India: Newly appointed Election Commissioner takes charge

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