July 11, 2025 Friday India This Week 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 34 No. 28 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 01-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday July 11, 2025 PM Modi, Brazilian President discuss ways to deepen trade ties and diversify trade Brasilia [Brazil], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a meeting at the Alvorada Palace on Tuesday (local time). During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to deepen trade ties and diversify trade. PM Modi stated that he and President Lula agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been pas- sionate about India–Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and also diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times. PM Modi noted that his meeting with President Lula will invigorate ties between India and Brazil. He stated that they have set a target of USD 20 billion over the coming five years. “The bilateral meeting with my good friend President Lula will invigor- ate India–Brazil ties. We’ve set an ambitious trade target of USD 20 billion over the coming five years. This will boost economic linkages. Equally important were the discussions on strengthening people-to-people ties, especially through sports and tourism,” PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi thanked President Lula for conferring him with Brazil‘s highest civilian honour, ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ “I’m honoured to have been conferred ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ Gratitude to President Lula, the Government and the people of Brazil. This illustrates the strong affection the people of Brazil have for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come,” PM Modi posted on X. https://x.com/narendraMinistry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesper- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Modi-Lula Meeting see page 6 Introducing your new summer look. Ends September 2 Experience Amazing ©2025 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Made-in-India anti-submarine rocket ERASR successfully tested; Rajnath Singh says “will boost striking power of Indian Navy” New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): The user trials of the made-in-India anti-submarine Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) have been successfully conducted from INS Kavaratti, marking a significant milestone in India’s naval defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and the associated industry partners for the successful development and testing of the indigenous system. In a post on so- cial media platform X , the Defence Ministery stated, “The User trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) have been successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh congratulates DRDO, Indian Navy and the Industry in- volved in development and trials of the System. He has added that the successfully induction of this system will boost the striking power of the Indian Navy.” Earlier on Monday,Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the demands for Indian defence equipment have increased following Operation Sindoor, and a big market is awaiting India. Speaking at the Controllers Conference organised by DRDO, the Union Defence Minister said, “The world is looking towards our Defence ERASAR see page 6
July 11, 2025 Friday India This Week Erton C. Köhler Elected as President of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Global Delegates Affirm Köhler’s Mission-Focused Leadership During the 62nd General Conference Session By Elisha Pulivarti Erton C. Köhler was elected as the new president of the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists on July 4, 2025, during the 62nd GC Session held in St. Louis, Missouri. His election marks the beginning of his first term as the spiritual and administrative leader of a global movement active in more than 200 countries, serving over 23 million baptized members and millions more attending regularly. “Before any other word, I’d like to tell you that I move forward renewed in my confidence in the Lord and in the church,” Köhler said after accepting the position. Quoting Isaiah 41:10, he affirmed, “We are moving forward, trusting in the Owner of this church.” Köhler’s nomination followed extensive, prayerful deliberation by the Nominating Committee—a body composed of delegates representing each of the church’s 13 world divisions and various attached fields. The committee’s recommendation was then presented to the full body of delegates, who voted in favor of his appointment during the business session at the Dome at America’s Center. Mobilizing the Church for the Unreached Since being elected as the GC Executive Secretary during the 2021 Spring Meeting at the world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, Köhler has been widely recognized for his dynamic, mission-oriented leadership. Under his guidance, the global church launched Mission Refocus—a visionary initiative calling the church back to its original evangelistic mandate. “Mission Refocus is a project… an initiative, a movement,” Köhler explained. “But more than anything, Mission Refocus is a call for integration.” The initiative identifies 30 high-priority mission territories, including ten unreached countries, ten major global cities, and ten people groups primarily from the 10/40 Window—a region spanning parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where the gospel is least known. The project also targets secular and post-Christian societies, recognizing the increasing spiritual indifference in the West. Through Mission Refocus, Köhler has encouraged every church entity—regardless of size, region, or resource level—to engage in intentional collaboration, strategic planning, and measurable accountability for mission. His leadership has ignited a culture of frontline min- istry, urging every Adventist to view themselves as a disciple-maker and mission partner. With his election as GC President, expectations are high that Köhler will continue advancing this global, mission-driven agenda, fostering unity of purpose while navigating the challenges of a rapidly shifting world landscape. A Life Anchored in Ministry Born in southern Brazil, Erton Carlos Köhler grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist pastoral family and felt an early calling to ministry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology in 1989 from the Adventist Teaching Institute, now part of the Brazilian Adventist University. In 2008, he completed a master’s degree in pastoral theology from the same institution and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Andrews University in the United States. Köhler began his pastoral ministry in 1990, serving local congregations in São Paulo until 1994. He quickly rose through leadership ranks: first as Youth Ministries Director of the Rio Grande do Sul Conference in 1995, and then as Youth Ministries Director for the Northeast Brazil Union in 1998. In 2002, he returned to the Rio Grande do Sul Conference as executive secretary. A year lat- Newly elected officers of the Southern Asia Division of the Seventh Day Adventist Church: Pastor Ch John Victor, President; Pr. Ujwal Kandane, Executive Secretary and Pr. Riches Christian, Treasurer. er, he was appointed Youth Ministries Director for the South American Division (SAD), which oversees the church in eight countries across the continent. In 2007, Köhler was elected President of the South American Division, a position he held for 14 years. Under his leadership, the division saw significant growth in membership, youth involvement, media ministry, and missionary engagement, including strong support for Total Member Involvement (TMI), a global evangelism initiative. In 2021, Köhler became the Executive Secretary of the General Conference, one of the three highest offices in the Adventist Church. In that capacity, he advised key departments such as the Office of Adventist Mission, the Institute of World Mission, and the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research. He also coordinated major agenda items for church policy, the Church Manual, and strategic planning sessions for global meetings. Köhler is married to Adriene Marques, a registered nurse, and they have two children. The couple has traveled extensively, visiting and encouraging church members around the world. Their shared commitment to service and ministry has been a visible and inspiring model of Adventist leadership. The Role of the General Conference President As President of the General Conference, Köhler assumes the highest administrative office in the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. His role includes chairing the GC Executive Committee, guiding the church’s spiritual and strategic direction, and ensuring theological consistency. He works in close collaboration with division presidents, local field leaders, and institutional boards to unify the church’s mission in diverse cultural and political contexts. The president also represents the church at major international and interfaith events, provides oversight to the worldwide network of Adventist institutions—including over 8,500 schools, 200 hospitals, and a robust media infrastructure—and encourages innovation in education, digital evangelism, and community service. About the Seventh-day Adventist Church Organized in 1863, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination with a distinctive emphasis on the imminent second coming of Christ, holistic health, education, and Sabbath observance. It operates one of the largest Protestant school systems in the world and is recognized for its humanitarian arm, ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), which responds to crises globally. With more than 23 million baptized members and tens of thousands of congregations across every continent, the Adventist Church continues to pursue its mission: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ who live as His loving witnesses and proclaim to all people the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels’ Messages in preparation for His soon return.” As Erton C. Köhler steps into this new role of global leadership, the church community prays for God’s guidance over his service. Meanwhile, Pastor Ch John Victor was elected as President of the Southern Asia Division. Along with him, Pr. Ujwal Kandane was elected as Executive Secretary, and Pr. Riches Christian as Treasurer. May God bless the new leadership with good health, clear vision, and unwavering dedication to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
July 11, 2025 Friday 3
July 11, 2025 Friday India This Week India, Ghana Sign Four MoUs to Boost Cooperation in Culture, Health, Standards, and Diplomacy Accra, Ghana, July 3 (ANI): India and Ghana signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas including culture, health, standardization, and institutional dialogue. The agreements were formalized following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra. At a press briefing after the meeting, Secretary (Economic Rela- tions) Dammu Ravi said the MoUs cover cultural exchange, traditional medicine, standards collaboration, and the establishment of a Joint Commission. “After the delegation-level talks, there was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding— one to establish the Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Office level. Second is traditional medicine, where there is scope for both sides to exchange expert training. The third is the cultural exchange program, which we hope will encourage cultural exchanges and tourism. The fourth one is in the area of standard setting,” Ravi said. The Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) aims to foster greater understanding and exchange in the fields of art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. Another MoU, signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), seeks to enhance cooperation in standardization, certification, and conformity assessment. CPI(M)’s M.A. Baby Slams RSS’s Call to Remove ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ from Constitution’s Preamble Kozhikode (Kerala) [India], June 28 (ANI): CPI(M) Polit Bureau member M.A. Baby on Saturday strongly criticised recent remarks by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who called for the removal of the words “secularism” and “socialism” from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Speaking to ANI, Baby stated that the CPI(M) Polit Bureau had already issued a statement condemning the RSS’s position. “Socialism and secularism are not mere additions — they are core values embedded throughout the Constitution,” he asserted. While acknowledging that these terms were explicitly added during the 42nd Constitutional Amendment during the Emergency period, Baby emphasized that the essence of both ideals had been present from the Constitution’s inception. “If you read the Constitution carefully, especially the Directive Principles of State Policy, it is clear that the goal was always to build a secular and egalitarian society,” he explained. He also highlighted that the Supreme Court, as the constitutional authority, has repeatedly affirmed that secularism and socialism are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and therefore cannot be amended or removed. Criticising the ideological roots of the RSS, Baby remarked: “The RSS never accepted the Indian Constitution. When the Constituent Assembly adopted it, their mouthpiece, ‘Organiser’, dismissed it as being filled with foreign influences and even suggested that it should be based on the Manusmriti instead.” Calling the current proposal “dangerous,” Baby warned: “Now the cat is out of the bag. The RSS wants to dismantle the Constitution that upholds equality, fraternity, and secularism, and replace it with Manuvaad. But Indian society will not accept such a regression.” He concluded by saying that the Left will actively mobilise public opinion to defend the Constitution and resist what he described as the RSS’s regressive vision for India. Earlier, RSS Gen- The third agreement, between the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India, focuses on collaboration in traditional medicine education, training, and research. The fourth MoU establishes a Joint Commission Meeting to institutionalize high-level dialogue and regularly review bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Secretary Ravi also confirmed that Prime Minister Modi agreed to support Ghana in developing its agriculture sector. “President Mahama mentioned during the discussions that he sought India’s cooperation in the area of agriculture, to help Ghana become a food basket and ensure food security for its people. Prime Minister Modi agreed to support Ghana in this endeavor,” he said. The leaders also explored opportunities to strengthen pharmaceutical and vaccine production in Ghana. “President Mahama is interested in making Ghana a hub for vaccines. Some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance. He wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in pharmaceu- ticals and vaccines, where India has advanced its capacity,” Ravi added. This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ghana in over three decades. The trip is expected to significantly deepen the India-Ghana partnership and underscore India’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South. dolences on the loss of lives in the incident.”Received the tragic news of an Indian Air Force aircraft crashing in the Ratangarh area of Churu district. Immediately after the incident, the administration is on alert mode, and instructions have been given to officials for relief and rescue operations. May God grant the departed souls a place at His divine feet and give the grieving families the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!” he posted on X.The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh air base with two pilots onboard. A similar incident took place three months earlier, in April, where a two-seater Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a night mission shortly after taking off from Jamnagar Airfield.According to the Indian Air Force, the pilots had encountered a technical malfunction mid-flight and ejected to avoid damage to the airfield and nearby populated areas. One of the IAF pilots, Siddharth Yadav, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during the ejection, while the second pilot was injured in the incident. Earlier, on March 7, a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed near Ambala in Haryana, with the pilot ejecting safely. (ANI) Rajasthan: IAF’s Jaguar fighter jet crashes near Churu eral Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale had suggested reconsidering the inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Constitution’s Preamble. Speaking at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency — jointly organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (under the Ministry of Culture) and the Ambedkar International Centre — Hosabale said the Emergency was not just a misuse of power, but an attempt to crush civil liberties. “Millions were imprisoned, and the freedom of the press was suppressed,” he stated. Hosabale argued that the insertion of the words “socialist” and “secular” during this period was done forcibly and should be reconsidered in light of democratic principles. Churu (Rajasthan) [India], July 9 (ANI): A twin-seater trainer version of the Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Wednesday near Churu district of Rajasthan, resulting in the death of two pilots onboard.The Indian Air Force posted on its official handle on X about the casualties in the accident.IAF further said that no damage has been caused to any civil property, and a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the Indian Air Force posted.Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also expressed con-
July 11, 2025 Friday 5
July 11, 2025 Friday India This Week PM Modi, Brazilian President discuss ways to deepen trade ties and diversify trade Modi-Lula Meeting from page 1 son Randhir Jaiswal stated that PM Modi thanked President Lula for his solidarity and support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. “PM @narendramodi met with President @ LulaOficial of Brazil at the Alvorada Palace, Brazil. PM thanked President Lula for its solidarity & support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” Jaiswal stated on X. “Both leaders held extensive discussions on India – Brazil multifaceted ties, including trade & investment, defence & security, health & pharmaceuticals, space, renewable energy, food & energy security, infrastructure development, digital public infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties and explored avenues for collaboration in the new areas of critical minerals, new and emerging technologies, AI & supercomputers, digital collaboration & mobility. They set a bilateral trade target of USD The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- July 4, 2025 The Deceiver’s Creed It is a tall claim for a demagogue to work for the country, But almost all the time, his interest comes first, He would dare not stand for the nation, When his personal goals are at stake He will tell the people what they want to hear, Concealing his secret goals to himself, Never revealing them to his faithful crew Who stands behind him very firm. Men who don the mantle of leadership, are sworn to forgo all that they possess If they are true and honest to themselves They will not be beguiled by comfort or pleasure Sacrifice is their tenet, their wealth, and time And even their life, they will lay down for The trappings of power are never their goal, They forgo all they have in service to the nation. Only such leaders can change the system For benefit of the common man, Those who see power as their goal, Can never effect a change the better They will create a greater swamp And muddle water still, refusing to Change course, to bless the souls Who empowered them heeding their call What an irony? evil forces use good themes To change course for a change for good, And create a greater swamp than the The one already in place! by Rajan George 20 billion over the next five years. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he added. Jaiswal stated that PM Modi thanked the Brazilian government and the people of Brazil for honouring him with Brazil‘s highest civilian honour, ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’” A testament to the multifaceted India – Brazil Strategic Partnership. President @LulaOficial conferred on PM @naren- dramodi the ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’- Brazil‘s highest honour. PM expressed his gratitude to the government & people of Brazil for this distinguished honour and dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the deep rooted India – Brazil friendship & the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries,” Jaiswal posted on X. Modi, who is on a State Visit to Brazil after participating in the BRICS INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Summit, received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brazil on Tuesday, where President Lula shared a warm hug with PM Modi. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. The national anthems of India and Brazil were played at Alvorada Palace. (ANI) Made-in-India antisubmarine rocket ERASR successfully tested; Rajnath Singh says “will boost striking power of Indian Navy” ERASAR from page 1 sector. The valour that our soldiers have shown during Operation Sindoor, as well as the way we showcased the capabilities of our domestic equipment, has led to an increase in demand for our indigenous defence products. World military expenditure has increased to over USD 2.7 trillion in 2024 – such a big market is awaiting us.” Singh further mentioned that India’s Defence budget is bigger than the GDP of various countries in the world, highlighting the need to utilise the resources in the right way.”…If you look at our Defence budget, it’s bigger than the GDP of some countries in the world. When a significant portion of people’s hardearned income is allocated to the Defence Ministry, our responsibility increases exponentially–we ned effective growth. Our Defence expenditure should be such that not only does the budget increase, but also we should utilise it in the right way – by proper deployment at the right time for the right objective, ” said Union Minister Singh. The Union Minister lauded the decision of the Defence Acquisition Council to grant permission for capital procurement from the GeM portal. The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) is hosting the Controllers’ Conference 2025 from July 7-9 at the Dr SK Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ
July 11, 2025 Friday 7
July 11, 2025 Friday India This Week India looking at importing uranium from Namibia: Indian envoy ahead of PM Modi’s visit Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, India‘s High Commissioner to Namibia, Rahul Shrivastava, said that India is looking at importing uranium from the African country and mentioned that the recent oil and gas discoveries in Namibia are also an area of interest for New Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Shrivastava stated that India is interested in critical minerals in Namibia. He hailed the ties between the two nations, terming them “good” and recalled how India was one of the first nations to support Namibia‘s independence. When asked about the expected takeaways from PM Modi’s State visit to Namibia, he said, “The relationships between India and Namibia are very good because we started long before Namibia got independence in 1946 when India was one of the first countries to support Namibia‘s independence and thereafter when Namibia got independence, this good relations have transformed into good economic relations. So, the Prime Minister’s visit happens after a long gap of 27 years. We have a long range of things that we want to discuss primarily about trade and investment. We are interested in critical minerals in Namibia and some of our PSUs would want to invest here.” “We are looking at export of uranium from Namibia to India and there have been recent oil and gas discoveries in Namibia, that is also an area of interest. We will be discussing about defence cooperation because Namibia wants to procure defence items from India, and capacity building is one of the important pillars of India–Namibia relations that we will also enhance during the visit,” he added. Shrivastava said that PM Modi will be on a State visit to Namibia, where he will hold delegation-level talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, visit Heroes Acre to pay homage to the founding father of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma, address the country’s parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora. “Prime Minister Modi, he comes tomorrow early morning, and the visit is for one day. It’s a state visit, but the programme is very full, apart from the various ceremonial events, such as the welcome ceremony in the State House or the welcome ceremony in the airport where he’s received by the foreign minister of Namibia. We will have delegation-level talks with the President of Namibia. He will be going to the Heroes Acre, which is the national memorial of Namibia to pay homage to the founding father of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma. He will also be addressing the parliament of Namibia and finally, he’ll also have a community interaction with the small but vibrant diaspora in Namibia.” PM Modi on Tuesday (local time) departed for Namibia after concluding his two-day visit to Brazil. He is travelling to Namibia for a State visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. It will be PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia, and the third ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. Shrivastava stated that the two sides will hold discussions regarding cheetahs and expressed confidence that PM Modi’s visit will surely lead to Project Cheetah 2 from Namibia. When asked whether discussions regarding Cheetahs will take place, he said, “Discussions will yes surely take place, and the cheetahs are thriving well in India, but the numbers that are there are not enough to have a good ecological balance. We need more of cheetahs, so at some point in time, and Purnia MP Pappu Yadav meets kin of family burnt alive over witchcraft allegations, calls incident a “black spot for the country” Purnia (Bihar) [India], July 9 (ANI): Purnia MP Pappu Yadav on Tuesday met the kin of the five members of a family who were allegedly burnt alive in Ranipatra village of Bihar‘s Purnia over accusation of witchcraft. He condemned the incident, calling it a “black spot for the country.” Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, “This is a black spot for the country… Our Chief Minister doesn’t take a step without offering prayers, and our MPs and MLAs are busy performing ‘Yagya’ all day… Yet, they will not name the one ‘Baba’ who is doing black magic…” Yadav also questioned the governance in Bihar, alleging a total collapse due to political negligence. “35,000 people died in a year, genocide, deaths in Nalanda, Patna… Who is doing this? What are we doing… Why are most of the MPs and MLAs doing contract work?… Bihar is going towards complete collapse…” he added. He further stressed that such a heinous crime could not have been committed by the poor villagers alone, blaming the influence of local exorcists and deep-rooted superstition. “I have been saying from the beginning that poor people cannot execute something like this… There was an exorcist outside, and they all went to him. That exorcist said that there is a witch in your village who has done something to your child, and due to this superstition, such a big incident happened… The tribal community doesn’t engage in such practices; this major incident occurred solely due to superstition. We would request that all such superstitious things be eradicated from society…” he said. Mean- I’m sure the Prime Minister’s visit will surely lead to Project Cheetah 2 from Namibia.” Rahul Shrivastava emphasised that India‘s leadership in the Global South is “well recognised” and termed Africa a “strong partner” for India. “India‘s leadership in the Global South is well recognised, and Africa is a very strong partner for India in this. The Prime Minister is a great supporter of support to the Global South, and in this regard we have been supporting Namibia, and Namibia participated in all three Voices of Global South summits that was chaired by India under its presidency of G20,” he said. PM Modi is on a five-nation visit, with Na- mibia being his last stop. PM Modi began his five-nation visit on Wednesday in Ghana. From Ghana, PM Modi travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, and then he headed to Argentina and Brazil. In a statement before leaving for his five-nation visit from India, PM Modi stated, “I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development.” (ANI) 8 (ANI): India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on Afghanistan on Monday, urging the international community to adopt more targeted and innovative strategies to address the country’s deepening humanitarian and security crisis. The resolution, titled “The Situation in Afghanistan,” was adopted with 116 votes in favour, two against (United States and Israel), and 12 abstentions, including India. Explaining the decision, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Am- ish, stated that a “business as usual” approach would not yield the results needed to improve the situation in Afghanistan. He stressed the urgent need for coordinated global action to prevent UN-designated terrorist groups from exploiting Afghan territory. “India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan. The international community must coordinate efforts to ensure that UN-designated terrorist entities such as Al-Qaeda, ISIL, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, along with their regional sponsors, no longer exploit Af- India abstains from UN resolution on Afghanistan, calls for efforts to end exploitation of Afghan soil for terrorism Har New York, July bassador Parvathaneni while, Bihar Minister Leshi Singh also reacted to the incident, saying, “…The incident that occurred in Purnea took place in the village itself due to superstition. The police are taking action and have arrested three people. The police administration is continuously monitoring the situation.” Three main accused, including a minor, have been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on July 6 in Titgaon village of Bihar‘s Purnia district, where five members of a family were allegedly burnt alive in a suspected case of witchcraft-related violence.
July 11, 2025 Friday 9 PM Modi, President Lula Set $20 Billion Trade Target; Deepen Strategic Ties Across Multiple Sectors Brasilia [Brazil], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have set an ambitious target of expanding bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthen ties across strategic sectors. The announcement was made during PM Modi’s State visit to Brazil following the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Addressing a special briefing in Brasilia, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said the leaders discussed the “entire spectrum of the partnership,” encompassing key areas such as defence and security, agriculture, energy transformation, climate change, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, industrial cooperation, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The two leaders agreed to elevate trade dialogue through the establishment of a ministerial-level mechanism to monitor commerce and investment. Prime Minister Modi also urged President Lula to support the expansion of the India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement. Lula, in response, confirmed Brazil’s support and instructed his team to work toward this goal, especially as Brazil holds the Mercosur presidency for the remainder of the year. Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Palácio da Alvorada, the official residence of the Brazilian President, marking his fourth visit to Brazil and only the second bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. During their restricted and delegation-level talks, the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen cooperation in sectors critical to both nations’ growth. Florida [US], July 8 (ANI): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), shared his reflections from orbit, calling the experience “a wonderful ride” and a rare privilege. “It is a privilege to be among the few who have got the chance to see the Earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now. It has been a wonderful ride,” Shukla said, as Axiom Space highlighted the significance of its Ax-4 mission. In a post on X, Axiom Space wrote, “Hear from the #Ax4 astronauts about the significance of the mission and how we are expanding access to LEO for countries to pursue their space exploration goals, leading to advancements #ForEarth. We are building era-defining space infrastructure that drives explo- ration and fuels a vibrant space economy for the benefit of every human everywhere.” Emphasizing global collaboration, Axiom tagged key partners, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA), Poland’s space agency POLSA, and the Polish Ministry of Development and Technology, calling the Ax-4 mission “a step forward for humanity.” Earlier, on July 4, Shukla spoke to students at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Karnataka via ham radio, offering a glimpse into life aboard the ISS and underscoring the role of international cooperation. Speaking from orbit, Shukla described his experience of living and working in space, highlighting the physical challenges, the awe of observing Earth, Health and Pharmaceutical Sector Boost A significant highlight was President Lula’s enthusiastic support for Indian pharmaceutical firms to manufacture drugs in Brazil. Both sides discussed fast-tracking approvals for Indian medicines already cleared by the US FDA or European authorities to ensure cost-effective, high-quality drugs enter the Brazilian market. Notably, 15 major Indian pharmaceutical companies already operate in Brazil, many with local manufacturing facilities. India’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, noted that Brazil’s drug regulatory agency ANVISA has recently opened an office in New Delhi, facilitating smoother regulatory processes and greater collaboration. Both leaders supported further joint research and production initiatives in pharmaceuticals to serve public health needs. Energy, Minerals, and Sustainability Recognizing Brazil’s vast reserves of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, Modi and Lula explored joint ventures in mining, processing, and refining to support India’s clean energy transition. They also reiterated their shared dedication to climate action and sustainability, with PM Modi expressing full support for Brazil’s hosting of the COP30 climate summit. The leaders acknowledged the potential for collaboration in renewable energy, including bioenergy. Digital and Technological Partnerships The two nations signed key agreements, including MoUs on combating international terrorism and transnational organized crime, cooperation in renewable energy, and sharing large-scale digital public infrastructure solutions. An MoU on agricultural research was also finalized, highlighting cooperation in food security and technology exchange. PM Modi proposed enhanced collaboration in digitalization, AI, and emerging technologies, while both leaders highlighted India’s strengths in digital infrastructure and Brazil’s interest in leveraging these for public services. Additional discussions were held on strengthening tourism, space exploration, capacity building, and cultural exchange—including India’s leadership in cricket and Brazil’s global stature in football. Recognition and Commitments At the conclusion of the official talks, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the Na- tional Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil’s highest civilian honor for foreign dignitaries. He dedicated the award to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations. President Lula hosted a banquet lunch in PM Modi’s honor, during which both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues, particularly concerning the Global South. They pledged closer cooperation on multilateral platforms such as BRICS, G20, IPSA, and the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi also expressed grat- itude to President Lula for condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Lula to visit India, which was graciously accepted. After concluding his Brazil visit, PM Modi departed for Namibia on July 9 for a State visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia and the third Prime Ministerial visit from India to the African nation. the entire experience is very, very exciting.” However, he acknowledged the physical toll and challenges of resting, saying, “The most difficult task is to go to sleep because of the excitement all around… But you need to take rest.” Reflecting on the view from space, Shukla said, “The most exciting part of being in space is looking back at Earth from such an advantageous point. It makes you realize how fortunate you are to be on this planet.” Shukla, who became the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, launched on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. As Mission Pilot of Axiom Mission 4, he helped pilot the Dragon spacecraft, which docked autonomously with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 p.m. (IST). Shukla and the Ax-4 crew were welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team and began their mission with a safety briefing. The Ax-4 crew comprises former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. They are expected to remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days. (ANI) “It Has Been a Wonderful Ride”: Shubhanshu Shukla Describes Awe of Seeing Earth from Space and the camaraderie with crew members from the United States, Poland, and Hungary. “International collaboration is key for the success of missions like the ISS and space. Even for our mission Axiom 4, agencies like ISRO, NASA, SpaceX, Axiom… everyone is coming together to make this mission happen,” he said. He recounted moments of cultural exchange aboard the ISS, including sharing traditional Indian delicacies with fellow astronauts. “I was able to bring three different types of food… That was aam ras, gajar ka halwa, and moong dal ka halwa. I must tell you everybody here loved it,” he said, noting that the crew appreciated the unique flavors. Describing the atmosphere on board, Shukla remarked, “Working with people from many different countries and nationalities,
Fleepit Digital © 2021