ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ceremony of the International Abhidhamma Divas, an event to celebrate Lord Buddha, and the acceptance of Pali as a classical language.

PM Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony for the Haryana government in Panchkula.

PM Modi also attended a conclave in Chandigarh with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

India-Canada blame game

New Delhi's defiant stance towards Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was criticized by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal for being “cavalier” in handling the catastrophic diplomatic fallout.

Trudeau addresses feud with India:  Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said India made a “horrific mistake” by interfering in the safety and sovereignty of Canada. He also admitted that he acted on intelligence and not evidentiary proof before linking India to the murder plot last year.

External affair ministry blames Canada: The Ministry of External Affairs revealed that 26 extradition requests and several provisional arrest requests for criminals are pending with Canada.

Cooperation with the US and Turkey

Indian enquiry committee in the US: The Indian government expressed seriousness in dealing with the allegations of a plot to kill an American citizen, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. 

India-Turkey announces alliance: India and Turkey announced the constitution for the Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) to foster cooperation in economy & trade, culture & tourism, science & technology, and education between the two countries.

Supreme Court decisions

Supreme Court approves Section 6A of the Citizenship Act: The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in a 4:1 majority judgment, upheld the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which sets criteria for the citizenship of illegal immigrants entering Assam.

Next Chief Justice of India: The current Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the government to become his successor.

Tata leadership 

More responsibilities for Noel Tata: The Tata Trusts board meeting is likely to address the appointment of a third representative to the Tata Sons Board, Noel Tata or another family member is likely to be appointed.

Noel Tata rethinking chairmanship: Noel Tata is reported to be seeking counsel to continue as the chairman of Tata Trusts, after taking over the position last week. 

Economic announcements

RBI weighs securities threat: Following the slowdown in foreign investments, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informally asked banks, especially foreign lenders, about their plans to reduce certain trades and investments in Indian debt markets, including specific interest rate-related deals.

182% surge in direct tax collections: The Income Tax department data shows, that India's net direct tax collections increased 182.02% in the last decade from ₹6.95 lakh crore ($83.73 billion) in FY 15 to ₹19.60 lakh crore ($236.14 billion) in FY 24. 

India will grow significantly in the next decade: Moody's Ratings expects India to remain one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with real GDP growing 7.2% in 2024 and 6.6% in 2025.

India to boost crude oil imports from Brazil: India is trying to boost crude oil imports from Brazil amidst growing tensions in the Middle East. 

Defence deals

India to receive drones by 2030: India will receive the MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), manufactured by General Atomics by 2030.

India aims to supply drones in Africa and the Middle East: To promote Indian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) throughout the Middle East and Africa, SKYBER Aerospace has partnered with Sibia Technologies, a Dubai-based company. 

Read the full story:

SKYBER Aerospace Partners with Sibia Technologies to Supply UAVs in Middle East and Africa

SKYBER Aerospace has teamed up with Dubai-based Sibia Technologies to market made-in-India unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across the Middle East and Africa. The partnership will provide customised military UAVs with advanced data security features, catering to defence and commercial sectors. SKYBER will deliver high-performance UAVs, while Sibia manages sales, service,

Delhi BriefingAmal Anzari

Green investments and predictions

Stride Green announces $500 million for green energy transition: Stride Green, an asset finance and management company, has pledged to facilitate over $500 million in the next two years for India’s green energy transition.

India targets 250 million smart meters by 2027: India is pushing to install 250 million smart meters by 2027, with total investments of over $20 billion.

Energy demands to surge 35%: According to the International Energy Agency's report, India’s energy demands are expected to increase 35% by 2035.

India pushes for greener boats: India plans to offer $2 billion incentives to replace fossil fuel-powered passenger vessels in inland waters.

Servotech’s deal with UK-based Ensmart Power: Servotech Power Systems, India’s largest EV charger manufacturer, has signed a sole distribution deal with UK’s Ensmart Power to expand into the UK and North America.

Adani to defer $1.2 billion 20-year notes: Adani Green Energy has decided to postpone the issuance of $1.2 billion worth of 20-year green bonds until after the US elections due to weak market conditions and increased investor demand for higher yields.

India to cut logistics costs

Cutting logistics costs to a single-digit percentage: The Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, said India will bring down the logistics cost to a single-digit percentage in the next two years.

Rajya Sabha:  Not in session.

Lok Sabha: Not in session.

Delhi Today: Hazy sunshine.