India-Bangladesh Border Talks Set for February: Key Issues in Focus

Pointers by Vyom Tiwari

15-Jan-2025

BSF and BGB to hold Director-General-level border talks in New Delhi in the third week of February 2025, following delays since November 2024.
Agenda includes safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, recent objections to border fencing work, and attacks on BSF personnel.
Talks occur amid political turmoil in Bangladesh since August 2024, when former PM Sheikh Hasina fled the country due to mass student protests.
BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary will lead the Indian delegation, while BGB DG Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui will head the Bangladeshi team.
Increased infiltration attempts and the arrest of Indian fishermen who crossed into Bangladeshi waters in September 2024 will also be discussed.

Netanyahu expresses regret over tragic mishap killing journalists in Gaza hospital

Pointers by Amit Dutt

25-Aug-2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the tragic incident at Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed 20 people, including five journalists.
The attack involved a double missile strike hitting the hospital’s fourth floor while rescue teams were attending the injured.
Among the deceased journalists were members from Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and NBC.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel values journalists, medical staff, and civilians, and said Israel’s war is against Hamas terrorists, aiming to bring hostages home.
The incident received global condemnation, with calls for impartial investigation and ceasefire to protect civilians and press freedom.

Pointers by Amit Dutt

25-Aug-2025

PM Modi launched development projects worth Rs 5,400 crore in Gujarat across railways, roads, power, housing, and urban infrastructure.
Key railway projects include doubling Mahesana-Palanpur line and gauge conversions to improve connectivity.
Road projects include widening roads and building overpasses to ease traffic and boost trade.
Power sector upgrades focus on distribution efficiency and outage reduction in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar.
Social welfare projects include slum rehabilitation with 1,500 homes for urban poor under PMAY (U).

Pointers by Amit Dutt

25-Aug-2025

PM Modi stated India will not compromise on the interests of farmers and small businesses, even as the US prepares to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports.
The government is ready to face increased pressure and will put the nation’s priorities first.
Modi urged citizens and businesses to support ‘Made in India’ products, promoting self-reliance.
Protection of small entrepreneurs, farmers, and cattle rearers will remain top priority for the government.
Modi condemned the US tariffs as unfair, reaffirming that India stands strong against external pressure.

Pointers by Vyom Tiwari

23-Aug-2025

Builders found human remains on August 15 at a site on Cleveland Road, Lytham, Lancashire.
Police believe the remains may belong to children and are part of a historical burial.
Authorities do not consider the discovery suspicious and treat it as isolated and historical.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the remains, including their age and cause of death.
The remains were removed from the property, and the police thanked homeowners and contractors for cooperation.

Pointers by Vyom Tiwari

23-Aug-2025

India halts most postal shipments to the US starting August 25, except letters and small gifts.
The US revoked duty-free status for imports under $800, effective August 29 under Executive Order 14324.
Only letters, documents, and gift items up to $100 worth remain exempt from customs duties.
Indian postal services paused due to unclear processes for collecting and remitting new US tariffs.
Customers with pre-booked undeliverable parcels can get postage refunds; efforts to resume soon ongoing.