Andy Burnham becomes UK's first Catholic PM, seventh leader in a decade since Brexit



Andy Burnham has been appointed as United Kingdom’s prime minister, becoming the country’s seventh leader in just 10 years, since its departure from the European Union in 2016. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stepped down, to be replaced by the former Greater Manchester Mayor.Andy Burnham is officially the UK’s 59th prime minister. He has been invited by King Charles to form a government in a private meeting at Buckingham Palace.Andy Burnham became leader of UK’s governing center-left Labour Party on Friday (18 July) after Keir Starmer resigned — becoming the shortest serving Labour prime minister in history — following pressure from within the party amid lagging poll ratings and Burnham’s return to parliament.The handover is a carefully choreographed process involving trips to Buckingham Palace to meet with King Charles III who, technically, invites the incoming prime minister to form a government."His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration. The Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP accepted The King’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury." said the Buckingham Palace in an official statement."Ms Marie-France van Heel was also received by His Majesty," the statement adds.Catholic PM- A Historic First for Downing StreetAndy Burnham's appointment makes him the first British prime minister to identify as Catholic, a milestone in the nation's religious and political history.For centuries, legislation and convention rooted in the 16th-century Reformation, when the English Crown broke from the Roman Catholic Church, effectively barred Catholics from holding the office.Andy Burnham- From Greater Manchester Mayor to Number 10Before entering Downing Street, Andy Burnham served as mayor of Greater Manchester, in the north-west of England. He secured the Labour leadership after winning the backing of parliamentary colleagues following Starmer's resignation.His path back into Westminster began with victory in a by-election in Makerfield, north-west England, last month, a contest called specifically to allow him to stand as a sitting member of parliament and pursue the Labour leadership.Labour had won a landslide general election less than two years earlier, yet Starmer's authority steadily eroded as Nigel Farage's right-wing populist party, Reform UK, and the left-wing Green Party gained ground in opinion polls. Allies of Burnham argued he was the only figure capable of halting Labour's declining fortunes, given Starmer's deep unpopularity.Over recent years, Burnham has built a reputation as one of Britain's most popular politicians, his charisma often overshadowing tensions in his public identity. Despite frequently presenting himself as an outsider to Westminster politics, he became a parliamentary researcher at 24, a special adviser at 28 and a member of parliament by the age of 31.Across sixteen years in Parliament, Burnham served under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, eventually becoming health minister before twice failing in bids for the Labour leadership, in 2010 and 2015. In the 2015 contest he was heavily defeated by Jeremy Corbyn, whose victory pulled the party further to the left.Although Burnham initially remained in Corbyn's shadow cabinet, his move to become Manchester mayor in 2017 allowed him to step largely outside the factional battles that consumed Labour during and after Corbyn's leadership.How UK Can Change Prime Minister Without General ElectionUnlike the presidential systems of India, or France, the UK's prime minister is not elected directly by the public. The role goes to the leader of whichever political party commands a majority of MPs in the House of Commons. The only voters who cast a ballot for the prime minister by name are those in his own constituency.This structure means a party can replace its leader, and therefore the prime minister, without triggering a general election, a pattern that has occ
Union Minister Chirag Paswan came across an emergency situation on Sunday while he was travelling from Amritsar to Jalandhar. He stopped his convoy midway to help an injured woman lying by the roadside who seemed to have met a road accident. Before continuing his journey, he ensured that the ailing woman was sent to hospital immediately and received needed medical care.In the video, one can see Lok Janshakti Party National (Ram Vilas) President making sure himself that the woman is rescued and instructed his team to escort her to the hospital in his vehicle for treatment. The incident reportedly occurred near Dera Sachkhand Ballan, around 10–15 km before Jalandhar. While one member of Chirag Paswan's VIP convoy administered chest compressions, another poured water on the injured woman's face to bring her back to consciousness.It was a crucial day for Chirag Paswan, who announced his party's plans to prepare for all assembly seats in Punjab during his visit.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSChirag Paswan stopped his convoy to help the injured woman, ensuring she was sent to the hospital for immediate medical care before continuing his journey.Chirag Paswan visited Punjab to seek blessings and announced plans for his party to contest all assembly seats in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the party's presence in the state.He personally ensured that the woman received medical attention, with one member of his convoy administering chest compressions and another trying to revive her consciousness with water.By calling Punjab his 'Nanke,' Paswan emphasizes his strong personal and familial connection to the state, as his mother is from there.Chirag Paswan's actions during the emergency situation highlight the importance of political leaders taking personal responsibility and acting promptly to assist individuals in need.Before setting off for Jalandhar, Chirag Paswan arrived in Amritsar wearing a yellow turban where he offered prayers at the Golden Temple visited Jallianwala Bagh with his mother. He slammed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal as he emphasised his Punjabi roots. Calling Punjab his 'Nanke' (maternal home), the Union minister of food processing industries said. "I don't know whether there will be an alliance in future or how many seats we would be able to contest. Nevertheless, we are making preparations to fight the election from all seats."Later in the day, the 43-year-old leader visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan, met Dera head Sant Niranjan Dass and offered floral tributes at the statue of Bhagwan Valmiki during his Jalandhar visit.On the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for next year, he said, “I have come here to seek blessings, went to Golden Temple with my mother. I have relation with Punjab, Punjabis, my mother is from here. My father Ram Vilas Paswan wanted party's expansion in other states, after Bihar, we have MLAs in Jharkhand, Nagaland, the party wants the same in UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand,” PTI reported.He added, "With this mindset, we are working to strengthen the party, the organisation has been working here, I took blessings, it was important for me to do that before working further. In UP, we are preparing on 403 seats, in Punjab, 117 seats, the aim is to strengthen the party on all seats, so that it benefits the alliance, even if we fight alone, we should be strong."Suggesting that his Punjab visit is not politically motivated, he note, “I was in Amritsar and am now in Jalandhar via Chandigarh. Today, I have come only to seek blessings, not for any political purpose. Punjab is my 'Nanke' (maternal home), and my mother is a Sikh. My father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, believed the party should expand in Punjab. While the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) aims to strengthen its presence here ahead of the elections, my visit today is solely to seek blessings.”He also addressed the issue of Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi and ca

The Opposition boycotted the all-party meeting after the government invited 20 rebel TMC MPs to the meeting on Sunday, July 19, ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session. They said the move was against the norms and the TMC rebel MPs' merger into "so-called NCPI" has not been approved by the Lok Sabha Speaker.Opposition leaders who had staged a walkout from the all-party meeting later rejoined the meeting, describing their walkout as a symbolic protest, news agency ANI reported."Today, the entire opposition including Congress, the Samajwadi Party, DMK, JMM, Aam Aadmi Party, National Conference, Left parties, Shiv Sena UBT have all walked out of the all party meeting in protest because the so-called NCPI, which is an unrecognized party, the strength of the All India Trinamool Congress in the list provided by the table office is shown to be 28 members. These so-called rebel 20 MPs, their merger has not been approved by the Speaker," TMC leader Mahua Moitra said."The 20 disqualification petitions are still pending. After the 91st amendment, there is no room for a separate bloc," Moitra said, asking, "...on what grounds did the Parliamentary Affairs Minister extend an invitation to these 20 rebel MPs and how are they attending this meeting?""We have registered our strong protest and walked out as a symbol of our protest. And we thank all our opposition parties," the TMC leader added.'Miscarriage of justice'According to PTI, CPM leader John Brittas called invitation to rebel TMC MPs to all-party meet "miscarriage of justice."Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, “All Opposition parties staged a walkout from the All-Party meeting for a few minutes. This was a mark of protest against the decision of the Modi Govt to invite the NCPI that is a parking place for 20 so-called ‘rebel’ TMC MPs when a final decision is still pending with the Speaker.”TMC rebels: 'Speaker has accepted us'One of the TMC rebels, Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, said, "Our 20 MPs have merged with NCPI. The Speaker has accepted us and will make arrangements to give us separate seats."Another rebel Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, "We were invited, and we attended — representing the new party with 20 MPs."Explaining the stance of the rebel leaders, Bandyopadhyay said, "Our stance is that the House belongs to the Opposition; this must be acknowledged.""The government, too, must agree and take the initiative to ensure the House functions smoothly," he said, adding, "...we are committed to our party's principles: secularism, communal harmony, and national unity.""These are the firm policies enshrined in the NCPI's constitution. We believe this is significant because, among the 20 MPs who formed the NCPI, three are Muslim...," Bandyopadhyay said.Sources told PTI that the TMC rebel group of 20 MPs will be seated separately, away from the parent party. No final decision has been taken on the demand of the rebel TMC MPs to be recognised as part of the NCPI, and the matter is still under consideration, they had said.On Shiv Sena mergerShiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant also backed the protest, questioning the recognition accorded to the rebel MPs.Reacted to Lok Sabha Speaker approving the merger of six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) with Shiv Sena (Shinde), Sawant said, “Speaker mentioned the term 'affiliation' is granted to the six MPs; where is this term in the books of law? We have protested and walked out of the meeting.”"There is no provision in Constitution, there is no provision in the schedule 10 to recognize the six members who have defected the party...It is unlawful and therefore we have protested against it," Arvind told ANI.Six Shiv Sena (UBT) "merged" with the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament.Kiren Rijiju's message to OppositionAhead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament which begins on July 20, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition for smooth conduct of proceedings, and reminded the leaders in the

NSA Doval underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to enhanced trust and deeper understanding between the two sides, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.National Security Adviser Ajit Doval welcomes China's Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi at the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting, in New Delhi, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (PTI Photo) (PTI06_23_2026_000074B)(PTI)National Security Advisor Ajit Doval conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that there was need for showing sensitivity to each other's issues of ‘core concern’ as India and China look at rebuilding ties.Doval held talks with Wang in New Delhi this week on the sidelines of a conclave of security officials of the BRICS nations.NSA Doval underlined that "stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to enhanced trust and deeper understanding between the two sides", External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday."The NSA also emphasised the importance of sensitivity being consistently displayed to each other's issues of core concern," he said. Jaiswal, however, didn't elaborate on the core issues.The spokesperson, according to a PTI report, added that this would be in keeping with our overall approach of mutual sensitivity, mutual interests and mutual respect.Rebuilding India-China tiesIn the meeting, the two sides reviewed the overall situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The meeting came amid efforts by the two sides to rebuild the ties that came under severe strain following the over four-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh.According to Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong, Wang said in the meeting that as the two economies with the largest populations, China and India should not only view bilateral relations from a long-term perspective, but also promote cooperation between the two countries from a global perspective."Both sides should take concrete actions to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote their respective development and revitalization through cooperation, and accelerate the modernization process of the Global South," he said.'Imperative to respect each other's core interests'"It is imperative to respect each other's core interests, properly handle sensitive issues, and place the China-India border issue in an appropriate position, so that it doesn't affect the overall situation of bilateral relations," Xu said on social media."The two sides should also actively guide all sectors of society to form a correct understanding, and lay a solid public opinion and social foundation for improving bilateral relations," he added.China supports India in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of BRICS, and is willing to join hands with India in promoting the development and growth of the BRICS mechanism.Stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to enhanced trust and deeper understanding between the two sides.Wang also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, was in New Delhi for the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security.During the meeting, PM Modi said India and China are both ancient civilizations with a history of friendly exchanges spanning thousands of years, and the two countries held leading and dominant positions in the world for a long period of time, news agency Xinhua reported.Get Latest real-time updatesStay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and US news. HomeNewsIndia'Respect issues of core concern': What NSA Ajit Doval told Chinese FM Wang Yi during Delhi talksMore

Ayodhya Ram temple donation case: SIT submits preliminary report to UP govtLucknow, Jun 21 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party workers stage a protest against the alleged theft of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, in Lucknow on Sunday. (ANI Photo)(Naeem Ansari)The Special Investigation Team probing allegations of embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on 23 June submitted its preliminary inquiry report to the Uttar Pradesh government, officials told news agency PTI.The preliminary report was submitted by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, the news agency said. The report is preliminary and investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is still underway and further facts are being gathered.The Uttar Pradesh government had on 13 June constituted the SIT on a request from the temple trust following allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ayodhya Ram temple.After the SIT submitted the preliminary report, Pant told PTI Videos that the SIT was trying to submit its final report within the next 10 to 15 days."Based on the information that has come to light so far and the facts available with us, we have submitted the first report today. This is only the preliminary report and the final report will be submitted after some time," Pant said, adding that the report was confidential and he was not authorised to share details of the findings with the media at this stage.Asked whether the team would return to Ayodhya for further investigation since the report submitted was only preliminary, Pant told PTI, "Of course, we will do that as per requirement."What is the donation row?The Ram Mandir donation controversy is an ongoing controversy involving allegations of massive financial irregularities, theft, and misappropriation of cash and valuables offered by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had previously denied allegations of misappropriation of donation funds and maintained that all the money and valuables offered by devotees are handled through laid down procedures involving counting, verification, and secure deposit mechanisms.On Friday, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said that the “truth will prevail” after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completed its probe into the allegations of embezzlement. Adityanath also appealed to political parties to refrain from making “baseless comments” until the investigation is over.What did Akhilesh Yadav say?Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had on 7 June cited reports claiming that crores of rupees from donations offered at the Ram Temple were missing and urged the courts to take cognisance of the matter.Former UP CM Yadav had demanded daily briefings on the SIT investigation, alleging that public trust in the agency had been eroded due to what he described as "widespread corruption under the BJP government."The SIT probing the alleged embezzlement of funds gad instructed its trust and temple functionaries not to leave Ayodhya. The investigators found discrepancies in documentation of offerings like gold, silver and precious stones, news agencies reported.One of the key findings of the SIT pertains to the records of gold and silver jewellery and other precious stones, including diamonds, offered by devotees to Lord Ram, the news agency said. Investigators found discrepancies in the documentation and accounting of such offerings, the report said quoting unnamed sources.The officials said earlier in multiple agencu reports that major irregularitieshad taken place during the Maha Kumbh Mela period in January-February of 2025, when the temple witnessed an unprecedented influx of devotees.Based on the information that has come to light so far, we have submitted the first report today.They said nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the over a two-month period and donation boxes were reportedly filled with currency n

The BJP-led West Bengal government is exploring possibilities to revive the long-defunct Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). During his first budget speech, Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta suggested that reopening the exchange could help draw private investment and re-establish Kolkata as a financial hub for eastern India.The Calcutta Stock Exchange was suspended in 2023 by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) after it failed to comply with key regulatory requirements, including adequate trading activity, as well as proper clearing and settlement systems. The suspension was subsequently upheld by the courts.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe Calcutta Stock Exchange has been inactive since April 2013 due to suspension by SEBI for failing to meet regulatory requirements, and its future remains uncertain despite revival plans.The West Bengal government aims to revive the Calcutta Stock Exchange to attract private investment and re-establish Kolkata as a financial hub in eastern India, enhancing access to capital and creating jobs.Reviving the Calcutta Stock Exchange could lead to lower listing and trading costs, improved access to capital, and job creation, thereby supporting broader economic growth in Eastern India.Investors should carefully evaluate the revival plans and the exchange's compliance with regulatory requirements before considering investment, as the success of the revival will impact potential returns.The revival could play a crucial role in restoring Kolkata’s financial significance, which may boost regional economic activities and increase investor confidence in the area.While presenting the 2026–27 state budget, Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta said the government aims to revive the 118-year-old institution as part of its broader vision for a “Viksit Bharat” and “Viksit Bengal.”The move comes at a time when the exchange is facing the threat of a complete shutdown.While presenting the first budget of the BJP-led government in West Bengal, Dr Swapan Dasgupta emphasised the need to revive the Calcutta Stock Exchange.He noted that the exchange, one of India’s oldest financial institutions, has been facing prolonged challenges due to legal and regulatory constraints. According to him, its revival could help Kolkata regain its status as a key financial hub, according to a report by India Today.“My Government proposes to support the revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange so as to reclaim Kolkata's place as a financial capital. The revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange would have multifarious advantages, including easier access to capital for Eastern India, lower costs of listing and trading and create new jobs,” said the minister, as reported by India Today.The Calcutta Stock Exchange has been inactive since April 2013, when the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) suspended its operations.The regulator flagged multiple concerns, including compliance lapses, weak governance practices, and inadequate technological infrastructure. After years of legal proceedings with SEBI, the exchange applied in February 2025 for voluntary exit from its status as a stock exchange.However, SEBI has not yet granted final approval for the exit, keeping the possibility of a revival open.Meanwhile, BJP's West Bengal president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya on Monday welcomed the state budget presented by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, describing it as a "comprehensive" and people-oriented document aimed at strengthening the state's economy and improving the lives of people, particularly women, PTI reported.Presenting the budget, Dasgupta announced the filling of 1 lakh government vacancies, a 20 percentage point hike in DA for its employees, and a ₹36,000-crore outlay for the financial assistance scheme for women, Annapurna Yojana.The finance minister said the budget had been framed with the objective of building a "modern, progressive and developed Bengal" in line with the vision of a “Viksi

In a statement issued on 17 June, the party said it had completed all formalities required by the police and submitted details of the proposed protest, including the number of volunteers and other logistical arrangements.Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke clicks a group selfie during a demonstration over the NEET-UG paper leak row and various issues at Samvidhan Chowk, in Nagpur on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)(snehal sontakke)The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has sought the Delhi Police's permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar on 20 June seeking Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over examination related irregularities.The CJP has expressed confidence that its request would be approved. Earlier, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had announced the group would start an indefinite sit-in at Jantar Mantar until Pradhan resigns.In a statement issued on 17 June, the party said it had completed all formalities required by the police and submitted details of the proposed protest, including the number of volunteers and other logistical arrangements.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe CJP is protesting to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.The CJP has completed all necessary formalities with the Delhi Police, including submitting details about the number of volunteers and logistical arrangements for the protest.The temporary ban on Telegram was imposed to prevent the misuse of the platform by organized cheating networks allegedly involved in circulating leaked examination papers ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination.The NEET-UG examination was canceled due to allegations of paper leaks that prompted investigations into the integrity of the exam.The NTA has stated it is committed to zero malpractice and has implemented multiple layers of security to ensure the NEET re-examination is conducted fairly."We have formally intimated the Delhi Police of a peaceful demonstration and dharna at Jantar Mantar on June 20, 2026. Delhi Police has said they will get back to us tomorrow morning. We are confident that the police will grant permission," CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said.In a video statement after meeting police officers, Das said he spent the day at the Parliament Street police station completing procedural requirements related to the proposed protest."I have submitted the entire plan, the number of volunteers required and every other formality as required by the police. We hope that the Delhi Police will cooperate with us," he said. Das said the CJP assured the police of full cooperation and maintained that the protest would be peaceful."Like every other protest that we have had nationwide, this protest too will be a peaceful protest. People from across the country will be joining us at Jantar Mantar to demand one thing - Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation," he said."We have offered our full cooperation, so there is no reason why the Delhi Police would deny us our right to assemble peacefully at Jantar Mantar," Das added.The outfit also issued a 'Chalo Dilli' call to supporters ahead of the proposed protest.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led outfit that emerged from an online campaign, has been raising issues related to unemployment, examination irregularities and recruitment delays.The group gained prominence through social media campaigns and has since organised protests and outreach programmes in several parts of the country.The CJP's first protest at Jantar Mantar saw thousands of people in attendanceon 6 June. Similar protests were later held in other states such as Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Amritsar and Nagpur seeking Pradhan's resignation.The CJP has focused its campaign on alleged shortcomings in the education and examination system, particularly controversies surrounding competitive examinations such as NEET, and has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Telegram banned in In

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, discussing a wide range of issues including trade, maritime security and the evolving situation in West Asia.The meeting, seen as an effort to stabilize ties after months of friction, produced several notable signals.1. India-US Trade Deal Nearing CompletionQuick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe meeting highlighted progress towards a bilateral trade deal, Trump's plans to visit India, the strong personal rapport between Modi and Trump, US support for India against attacks, and discussions on West Asia and maritime security.The trade deal is crucial as it aims to resolve tariff disputes and expand market access, thereby improving economic ties between the two nations after months of tension.Trump praised Modi's negotiating abilities, described his leadership positively, and stated that the US would stand by India if it faced an attack, highlighting the close relationship between the two leaders.PM Modi emphasized the importance of protecting global shipping lanes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and called for increased cooperation on maritime security amid rising tensions in the region.Trump indicated that India has a significant role in West Asia, underlining Modi's leadership as pivotal for India's growing diplomatic influence in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.The biggest takeaway from the talks was Trump's assertion that negotiations on the proposed bilateral trade agreement are nearing the finish line.“We are very close” to a trade deal.Trump praised PM Modi's negotiating skills, indicating that discussions have been challenging but productive.“He's a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest, actually.”The two sides are working toward an interim agreement aimed at resolving tariff disputes and expanding market access.2. Trump announces India visit plansTrump revealed that he intends to visit India, though no timeline was announced.“We will be going to India some time in the future.”3. Personal chemistry remains strongThe meeting highlighted the enduring personal rapport between the two leaders despite recent tensions.Trump used several colourful descriptions while praising PM Modi.“He is the most beautiful looking man, he looks so nice, he is like an angel. But actually he is just tough, he is a killer.”The remarks followed Trump's earlier description of Modi as “calm and cool.”4. Strong US support for IndiaOne of the most striking moments came when Trump suggested the US would stand by India if it faced an attack while PM Modi remained Prime Minister.“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them.”“If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there.”Trump also described himself as a close ally of India.“As long as I am President, they have a great friend in the White House.”5. West Asia crisis high on agendaThe leaders devoted significant attention to developments in West Asia amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and regional shipping routes.Trump underscored India's growing regional importance.“India has a big role in everything as long as he (PM Modi) is the leader.”“India is going to play a big role.”The discussions reflected growing recognition of India's diplomatic influence in the region.6. Strait of Hormuz and maritime securityPM Modi stressed the importance of protecting global shipping lanes and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.“Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy.”He also called for greater cooperation on maritime security.The issue has gained urgency amid disruptions to global energy supplies and commercial shipping.7. Safety of Indian seafarers raised directlyA key concern raised by PM Modi was the safety of Indian sailors working in international shipping, particularly after three Indian seafarers were killed in a recent US military strike near Oman.“The security of Indian se
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) found mention at the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, with leaders expressing divergent views on its significance and intent, news agency PTI said quoting sources.The issue was not part of the formal agenda but was referred to by several leaders in their presentations, the report said.One opposition leader said there were concerns among some participants about the nature of the movement that has a massive presence online and whether there could be political motives behind it.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is a youth-led movement protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive exams and demanding broader reforms in the education system, founded by Abhishek Dipke.The CJP was discussed due to concerns about its political motives and the significant online presence it has gained, reflecting dissatisfaction among young people with the current system.The CJP has gained attention through social media campaigns and public protests, notably a demonstration at Jantar Mantar that attracted thousands of participants.The CJP demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests.Many opposition leaders believe that engaging with such civil movements is essential, as they reflect genuine youth dissent and highlight important educational issues."There were some concerns about the real intent," an opposition leader told PTI, adding that the dominant sentiment in the meeting was that the development reflected genuine dissatisfaction among young people."Generally, the view was that it should be seen as a healthy sign of dissent and disapproval of youngsters against the system," the leader said.‘Doing something right’Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah reportedly remarked that the Cockroach Janata Party is "doing something right", and suggested that the opposition parties should engage with them.TMC chief Mamata Banerjee was quoted by a source as saying that while parties continue to fight political battles, there is also a need to encourage civil movements.Another opposition leader said the subject came up repeatedly despite never being a part of the agenda."The so-called Cockroach Party found a place in the discussion. Different leaders referred to it while delivering their presentations. There were different opinions," the leader said.CPI (ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya appeared to be more hopeful about the phenomenon, while several others expressed reservations. Bhattacharya had attended the 6 June protest by CJP at Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over paper leaks and other exam-related issues.Some leaders felt emerging platforms like the CJP were increasingly attracting attention in spaces traditionally occupied by opposition parties, the news agency said. Another leader said the movement "got its fair share" of attention during the deliberations."Some doubted the scale of participation, its future and its reach. But the majority felt it reflected something and that political parties should look at that," the leader said.Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who attended the INDIA bloc meeting virtually, also referred to the movement, saying such support for it indicated that there was a space for dissent in society.While opinions differed on the origins and trajectory of the movement, sources said leaders across parties broadly agreed that the issues being raised by students and young people deserved attention.At a joint press conference after the meeting, INDIA bloc leaders announced a five-point programme on education-related issues, including a demand for the resignation of the Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.The Cockroach Janata Party, or the CJP founded by US-return Abhishek Dipke, emerged in recent weeks as a youth-led movement protesting agai
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