Marcos Aims for Cheaper Medicine, Faster Internet, and Food Security from India State Visit
Speaking before departing at Villamor Air Base on August 4, Marcos said the visit is intended to unlock greater cooperation between the Philippines and India across multiple sectors such as health, defense, trade, and agriculture.
The president, accompanied by Cabinet officials and a business delegation, will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top Indian business leaders in New Delhi and Bengaluru. The agenda includes expanding trade partnerships and investment, particularly in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and technology.
Marcos highlighted India's position as the world's fourth-largest economy and a key global player in innovation and development. He noted that existing Indian companies in the Philippines have already created impact, especially in IT-BPM and pharmaceuticals, and further collaboration could yield even more benefits for both countries.
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"The demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Shibu Soren Ji is an irreparable loss to Indian politics. Shibu Soren Ji's entire life is a symbol of the struggle for justice and upliftment of the tribal community. His passing marks the end of an era. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and provide strength to the grieving family to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti." The hospital, in its statement, said, "He died after a prolonged illness. He was suffering from a kidney ailment and had also suffered a stroke, a month and a half ago. He was on the life support system for the last month." 'Grassroots leader' The Prime Minister had then taken to X to mourn Soren's passing, describing him as a "grassroots leader' who dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal communities and the underprivileged. "Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden." "Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti," he added. Dishom Guru Popularly addressed as "Guruji" or "Dishom Guru" in his home state, Soren served thrice as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand in 2005, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010. His tenures were, however, often short due to political challenges. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, then part of Bihar, Soren belonged to the Santal (Santhal) tribal group. He formed the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh, an organisation focused on tribal liberation and land rights, when he was 18 years old. In 1972, he cofounded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato, seeking a separate Jharkhand state and tribal uplift, and later became its General Secretary. He played a pivotal role in the separate state movement, contributing to the eventual formation of Jharkhand in 2000. Over a four-decade career in politics, Soren was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha member for two terms, with the second stint ongoing. Bihar leaders voice grief RJD National President and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav called it an "irreparable loss." "He was our friend, and we always worked together. His death is a loss not just for Jharkhand, but for the country and the tribal movement. He consistently fought for the poor, the deprived, and the tribal communities. The void his passing has left will be hard to fill. May God grant peace to his soul and strength to his family," Yadav said in a condolence message. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed deep sorrow. "Shibu Soren was a prominent political figure and served as Jharkhand's Chief Minister three times. His contribution to Jharkhand's politics and society was immense. His demise is a major loss for the entire country. I pray for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to his family and admirers," Kumar posted on social media. JDU leader and MLC Neeraj Kumar remembered Soren as a "symbol of struggle and hope" for tribal communities across India. "He worked for those who stood at the end of the social line. A tribal leader reaching the heights of Indian politics was a powerful message of empowerment. His demise is a painful loss for every citizen of this nation," he said. Indo-Asian News Service
