PM Modi can't push Hindi in Tamil Nadu: DMK leader on language row
On the Keezhadi archaeological findings, which many scholars believe provide evidence of an advanced, ancient Tamil civilisation, she accused the BJP-led Centre of deliberately downplaying the discovery. 'Keezhadi will turn the whole history around and establish that Tamil is the oldest language. Modi doesn't want this. He doesn't want the Southern states to flourish,' she alleged.In a sharp remark aimed at the Prime Minister, Somu said, 'He is someone who makes a child sit on his lap but also pinches it. That's the kind of split personality we are seeing. You can't pretend to honour Tamil civilisation at Gangaikonda Cholapuram while rejecting Keezhadi findings.'The DMK MP also questioned the Prime Minister's visibility in Tamil Nadu. 'He only comes during elections. And now, when elections are around the corner, he is back here. But at other times, he's out of the country. Why is he touring abroad during election season? He has walked away to some other country.'When asked about the ongoing state tour by AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, she dismissed it as politically inconsequential.'There is a big air of confusion between the AIADMK and BJP. Amit Shah says it's a coalition, and EPS says ADMK will come to power on its own. There's no synchronization", she noted, adding 'EPS is someone who became Chief Minister through the backdoor.'- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
3 minutes ago
- Business Standard
'Friends by choice, partners by destiny': PM Modi on India-Philippines ties
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We are committed to peace, security, prosperity and rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific Region. We support freedom of navigation as per international laws," he said PM Modi expressed India's support for the Philippines' upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN, saying, "Next year, the Philippines will Chair ASEAN. For its success, we will extend full cooperation." PM Modi made the announcement after holding delegation-level talks with Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. "Dialogues at every level and cooperation in every sector have been the identity of our relations for a long time now," PM Modi said, highlighting the strong foundation of relationship between the two countries. The two leaders discussed cooperation, regional issues, and international situations, leading to a decision to strengthen their partnership. "Today, the President and I held a detailed discussion on cooperation, regional issues and international situations. 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PM Modi announced that the International Rice Research Institute's regional centre in Varanasi is working on ultra-low glycemic index rice, a project that combines taste and health. "The Varanasi-located International Rice Research Institute's regional centre is working on ultra-low glycemic index rice. So, together, we are working on both taste and health," PM Modi said. The two countries are also enhancing their development partnership, with plans to increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines. "I am happy to tell you that under the development partnership, we will increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines," PM Modi stated. Additionally, India will cooperate with the Philippines in developing sovereign data cloud infrastructure. "In the Philippines, we will also cooperate in the development of sovereign data cloud infrastructure," he added. Both countries are also expanding their cooperation to space, with an agreement signed during President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr's visit. "We have a strong cooperation on land, now we have started preparing for Space too. For this, an Agreement has been signed today," the Prime Minister said. The defence ties between the two nations are also strengthening, with PM Modi highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation. "The ever-strengthening defence ties are the symbol of deepening mutual trust. As maritime nations, maritime cooperation between the two countries is natural and necessary," he stated. To demonstrate this cooperation, three ships of the Indian Navy, including a hydrography ship, are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines for the first time. "Today, when the President is in India, for the first time, three ships of the Indian Navy are participating in a Naval exercise in the Philippines. India's hydrography ship has also joined them," PM Modi said Both countries also exchange MoUs in the presence of PM Modi and President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines. Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. As part of the welcome, the visiting dignitary was presented with a Guard of Honour. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "A special welcome for a special partner! President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines, on his maiden State Visit to India, was welcomed by a Guard of Honour & ceremonial welcome. Warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan." 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This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office back in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8.
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
‘Setting a plan of action for next 5 years…': PM Modi hails ‘historic day' on Philippines President's Delhi visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. at Hyderabad House. Their talks aimed at further cementing the friendship between the two nations. After the meeting, addressing reporters, PM Modi hailed 'a historic day for bilateral relations' between the two Asian nations. PM Narendra Modi said, 'We are taking India to the level of a strategic partnership. This will give our relationship a new speed and depth, and give strength to our relationship in the Defence and Security Sector.' 'In the last few years, there has been progress in our relations in all sectors: trade, defence, maritime, health, security, food security, development partnership, and people-to-people ties. It is a matter of great happiness that we are setting a plan of action for the next five years,' PM Modi said, adding, 'Till July 2027, the Philippines is India's country coordinator. In 2026, you will preside over the ASEAN Chair'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the Philippines' decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian tourists, describing it as a welcome move. He announced that, in a reciprocal gesture, India would offer free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. PM Modi further stated that efforts would be undertaken this year to establish direct flight connectivity between India and Manila, enhancing travel and tourism ties between the two nations. India and the Philippines have conducted joint naval exercises for the first time in the disputed South China Sea — a significant military deployment that has provoked a strong reaction from China, according to an Associated Press report. Beijing has long-standing territorial disputes with both Asian democracies and a historic regional rivalry with New Delhi. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner, stated on Monday that the two-day joint naval sail and exercises, which commenced on Sunday, were successfully carried out, the AP report added. Brawner expressed hope that Filipino forces would engage in further joint manoeuvres with the Indian military in the future. When asked whether Chinese forces had responded in any way, General Brawner remarked, 'We did not experience any untoward incident but we were still shadowed. We expected that already.' This is the first visit by the President of the Philippines, a Southeast Asian country, to India since he assumed office in 2022. It marks a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Used in Operation Sindoor: IAF, Navy to place big order for BrahMos missile; what makes it crucial
In a major boost to defence, India is planning to place large-scale orders for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which dealt a heavy blow to Pakistani military infrastructure during Operation Sindoor . Top officials told ANI that the defence ministry is expected to soon clear a major procurement proposal for the BrahMos missile system, a joint Indo-Russian venture, to arm Navy's Veer-class warships and the Air Force's Su-30MKI fighter jets. The order will also cover ground and air-launched variants, underlining India's push for rapid force augmentation in the aftermath of the recent conflict, according to a report from news agency ANI. The BrahMos, known for its precision and speed, played a pivotal role in India's four-day offensive, targeting Pakistani air bases, Army cantonments, and terror hubs across the border. In the first wave, Air Force used the missile to take out key terrorist infrastructures, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Pakistan and PoK. PM Modi recently hailed the performance of BrahMos used during the operation, saying, "During Operation Sindoor, the world saw the capabilities of our indigenous weapons. Our Air Defence Systems, missiles, and drones have proved the strength of ' Atmanirbhar Bharat ', especially the Brahmos missiles." With this procurement, India signals both a strategic upgrade of its missile arsenal and a reinforcement of its indigenous defence production, positioning the BrahMos as the centrepiece of its deterrence doctrine in a region fraught with volatility.
