
Indians are among most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team says PM Modi
'I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team. We cheer for them with all our heart, except when they are playing against India,' PM Modi said.
Many legendary West Indies players, including Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Kieron Pollard, have featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gayle, Pollard and Russell are among the most admired West Indies cricketers in India.
Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell were elite Caribbean players in IPL 2025.
President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, presented PM Modi with the award as he became the first foreign leader to be honoured with the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country.
PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation.
The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture.
PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him.
While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, 'May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.'
PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9. His stop in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the second leg of his tour, is expected to boost bilateral relations, with a focus on areas such as digital finance, renewable energy, health, and information technology. (ANI)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Mint
26 minutes ago
- Mint
'Slap, but don't make video': Raj Thackeray's blunt advice to MNS workers after Marathi 'slapgate' case
Uddhav Thackeray patched up with cousin Raj Thackeray nearly two decades after breakup over Shiv Sena succession. The previously estranged Thackeray brothers appeared emphatic while addressing the audience during the rally in Mumbai on Saturday. Speaking in Marathi, Raj Thackeray said: 'Be it a Gujarati or anyone else here, must know Marathi, but there is no need to beat people for that if they don't speak Marathi. Yet, if someone does some drama, you must hit them below their eardrums.' 'If you beat someone, don't make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up; you don't need to tell everyone," Raj added. Mumbai, Jul 05 (ANI): Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray during a joint rally after the Maharashtra government scrapped two GRs to introduce Hindi as the third language, at Worli Dome in Mumbai on Saturday. NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule also present. (Shiv Sena-UBT/ANI Video Grab) The MNS Chief was apparently addressing criticism about the Thackerays' men slapping and intimidating people, including street vendors, over their not speaking in Marathi. The much discussed Thackeray reunion unfolded against the backdrop of 'Marathi pride' sparked by the BJP-led Maharashtra government's move to introduce Hindi as a third language in schools – a decision that was later rolled back following intense backlash. Initially announced as a protest against the original move, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray's rally in Mumbai was converted to a celebration of the rollback. Raj Thackeray's assertion of 'Marathi pride' was followed by Uddhav Thackeray's speech, echoing the same sentiments. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also spoke in Marathi, stating: 'Yes, we are goons; if we have to be goons to get justice, we will do goondagiri.' At the much-hyped Mumbai rally, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray delivered a sharp, ironic jab — praising Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Raj claimed Fadnavis managed to do what even Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray could not. "Uddhav and I are coming together after 20 years… What Balasaheb Thackeray could not do that Devendra Fadnavis managed to do," Raj Thackeray claimed at the massive event in Worli. Uddhav Thackeray's split with Raj Thackeray happened when Bal Thackeray was alive, as he preferred son Uddhav over nephew Raj to hand over the Shiv Sena reins. Uddhav also criticised the BJP - in power in Maharashtra and the Centre - for allegedly imposing the agenda of 'Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan' on India. 'We will protect the ideology of Hindutva, in Marathi language,' he further said. Following the Thackeray brothers' cousins at the reunion rally, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan stated that the introduction of Hindi as a third language from class 1 evoked statewide opposition. "It's fine if Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray claim credit for the withdrawal of the GRs. If they come together politically, our best wishes," Chavan told PTI. The Congress leader asserted that celebrating the withdrawal of Hindi language GRs and a potential political alliance between the two cousins are two separate issues.


Indian Express
33 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Amid impasse over India deal, Trump says tariff letters for 12 nations signed
Amid uncertainty over whether India and the US will sign an interim trade deal before July 9, American President Donald Trump has said that the US has begun the process of informing countries of the reciprocal tariffs they must pay, and that he has already signed 12 letters scheduled to be dispatched on Monday. However, Trump had stated that the reciprocal tariffs would come into effect on August 1, indicating a potential extended window for negotiations with countries, including possibly India, which have not struck a deal with the US before the July 9 deadline. The US had originally announced a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on India. A government official told The Indian Express that agriculture has been a major sticking point in negotiations, particularly because India has adopted an unwavering stance on this sector. However, India has shown willingness to reduce duties across a broad range of tariff lines. Traditionally, India has been defensive in trade pacts concerning agriculture. 'I signed some letters and they'll go out on Monday, probably 12. Different amounts of money, different rates of tariff,' Trump told reporters on July 4, adding that the names of the countries to receive the letters would only be revealed on Monday. This comes as Indian negotiators, led by Chief Negotiator and Special Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, returned on Friday after nearly a week of talks with the US. A government official indicated that the likely interim deal will involve only goods, as services and labour issues are not currently part of the negotiations. While India is seeking greater market access for its textiles, leather and footwear, the US is pushing for access to India's agricultural and dairy markets—a major hurdle, since Indian farmers often operate on small land parcels with limited technological support. In contrast, the US has demanded India to drop GM regulation. Notably, there is significant resistance to genetically modified (GM) crops in India. Only one GM crop—Bt cotton—is approved for cultivation. No GM food crop is commercially grown, although experimental trials continue. However, imports of GM soybean oil and canola oil are permitted. A 2013 report by the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER) emphasised that many studies deeming GM foods safe were industry-funded and that long‑term, independent studies were lacking. 'Environmental studies have shown that widespread use of Bt crops can lead to pest resistance, such as in the pink bollworm, and pose risks to non‑target species such as monarch butterflies, as suggested in a 1999 Nature study. Additionally, the overuse of glyphosate with herbicide-tolerant GM crops has led to 'superweeds' and increased herbicide use,' the New Delhi‑based think tank GTRI said. GTRI further said that GM and non‑GM crops may intermingle at various stages of the supply chain—during transport, storage or processing. 'Once GM material enters, there is a high risk it could leak into local farming systems or processed food chains, posing risks to food safety, environmental integrity, and India's export reputation—especially in GM‑sensitive markets such as the EU,' the think tank warned. The think tank added that the import of GM products, like animal feed, could negatively affect India's agricultural exports to the European Union, which enforces strict GM labelling rules and faces strong consumer opposition to GM‑linked products. Although GM feed is permitted, many European buyers prefer fully GM‑free supply chains. India's fragmented agri‑logistics and lack of segregation infrastructure increase the likelihood of cross‑contamination and trace GM presence in export consignments. This could result in shipment rejections, higher testing costs, and erosion of India's GM‑free image—particularly in sectors like rice, tea, honey, spices and organic foods, GTRI said. Ravi Dutta Mishra is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, covering policy issues related to trade, commerce, and banking. He has over five years of experience and has previously worked with Mint, CNBC-TV18, and other news outlets. ... Read More
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
33 minutes ago
- First Post
Dalai Lama dismisses succession buzz, vows to serve for 30-40 more years at 90
Amid swirling speculation about the future of Tibetan spiritual leadership and China's potential role in choosing his successor, the Dalai Lama remains steadfast read more Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets devotees as he arrives at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. (Photo: AP) The Dalai Lama has quashed the rumours about his succession, vowing to serve people for another three to four decades. While speaking during a long-life prayer ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama said Saturday (July 5) he felt reassured by divine signs. 'Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far,' the spiritual leader told the crowd on the eve of his 90th birthday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid swirling speculation about the future of Tibetan spiritual leadership and China's potential role in choosing his successor, the Dalai Lama remains steadfast. Showing no signs of stepping back, he expressed deep gratitude for his life's journey, despite the challenges of leading Tibetans in exile. 'Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that's where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. Those living here in Dharamshala. I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can,' he said. As McLeodganj gears up for his 90th birthday celebrations, with dignitaries like Indian union minister Kiren Rijiju expected to attend, the Dalai Lama's message highlighted his unwavering commitment to his spiritual mission and his determination to continue guiding his followers for years to come. Earlier on Wednesday, the 14th Dalai Lama stated that the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama would continue and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust– a non-profit body set up by his office in 2011– would have the 'sole authority' to recognise his reincarnation. China responded swiftly and critically. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated Beijing's long-standing position that any reincarnation of the Tibetan spiritual leader must comply with what it calls 'domestic recognition' and receive official approval. Despite China's criticism, India has backed the traditional process for selecting the next Dalai Lama. 'Reincarnation has to be decided by the established conventions and the desire of the present Dalai Lama. No one else has the right to decide on the next Dalai Lama. It is the most important defining institution for all the Tibetans and all those who follow the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism,' Rijiju said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD