PM Modi and President Macron Expand UPI in France…
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, France, where the two leaders jointly inaugurated the “India Innovates” program, which aims to connect startups from India, France, and other countries. President Macron also welcomed PM Modi. This program will bring together leading innovation startups and venture capital funds from India, France, and other countries. Prime Minister Modi also stated that while different countries in the world trade with each other, there are also policy partnerships between different countries, but some relationships are driven by shared interests as well as shared passions. He described the relationship between India and France as one of strong trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and a shared vision. He emphasized the strength of this relationship, highlighting the strong trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and shared vision that have been the foundation of these initiatives over the years, and they have striven to find solutions to global challenges. He also expressed his happiness at the collaboration between the two countries and the launch of India Innovates. Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks during which the two leaders discussed key issues. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, startups, trade, infrastructure, mobility, and health. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen it, discussing innovation, investment, security, culture, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron sealed the deal. Following the meeting, payments using the UPI payment app will now be available in France. Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Combodia, Mauritius, Qatar, UAE, Singapore and Nepal have already adopted this payment system. France is the first European country to adopt India’s digital payment system, allowing Indian tourists to make payments directly in rupees by scanning a QR code in France. Modi led India’s financial sector to reach global prominence. During his visit to Paris in July 2023, he announced the bilateral agreement. In January 2024, PM Modi hosted the French President in Jaipur, where the President demonstrated the system live by purchasing tea and local handicrafts using UPI. Recently, at the India Innovates 2026 conference in France, PM Modi and the President met, and an agreement was reached to expand UPI to more French transport hubs and cities. Using UPI, Indian tourists can purchase tickets in rupees directly by scanning a QR code at ticket counters online. This world-renowned luxury shopping mall in Paris will also accept merchant UPI payments for Indian tourists. The Ministry of External Affairs also stated that the meeting yielded concrete results in several areas, particularly in the areas of AI, science, space, and startups. Before departing, Prime Minister Modi stated that the relationship holds a special place in the strategic vision of France and India, and during this visit, he will also participate in the G-7 summit and meet with several global leaders, including US President Trump. It is being told that Prime Minister Modi has left France for his visit to Slovakia and during this visit, India-Slovakia relations are expected to become stronger in the field of trade, investment, innovation and strategic cooperation.
PM Modi’s Italy Visit Revives Internet-Favorite ‘Melodi’ Trend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a five-nation tour. He arrived in Italy on Tuesday, the final leg of his tour, where he was welcomed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders are expected to discuss issues such as trade, defense, and strategic cooperation. PM Modi also gifted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a special Melodi toffee, which she thanked on her social media accounts. Following this post by Meloni, discussions about the “Melodi” chocolate intensified on social media. It is worth noting that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shared posts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media every time she has met with him over the past three years, using the hashtag #Melodi. Giorgia Meloni has also shared photos with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on her social media accounts, using the hashtag several times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni’s first meeting is believed to have been at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022. Giorgia Meloni became Prime Minister of Italy just a few days ago. Speaking of Georgia Meloni’s political career, at the age of 15, she joined the Italian Social Movement, a right-wing party associated with the ideas of the Post-Fascist Association. This early involvement laid the foundation for her political career. In 2006, at the age of 29, she became a Member of Parliament and then the youngest minister during Berlusconi’s fourth government. In 2012, Georgia formed her own party, Brothers of Italy. She has led the party since 2014. The year 2022 proved to be a turning point in her career, and she became Italy’s first female Prime Minister.
From TMC Loyalist to BJP’s Strongest Face, Suvendu Adhikari’s Political Story
Suvendu Adhikari is considered one of the most prominent political figures in West Bengal today. Known for his strong public presence and influential leadership, he has played an important role in shaping the state’s political environment over the last two decades. His political journey, marked by major shifts and fierce electoral battles, has kept him at the center of Bengal politics. Early Political Journey He was born on December 15, 1970, in Purba Medinipur district, Suvendu Adhikari belongs to a politically active family. His father, Sisir Adhikari, has also been an influential leader in the state. Inspired by public life from an early age, Suvendu gradually built his political career through grassroots involvement and local leadership. He first gained recognition while working with the All India Trinamool Congress under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. Over time, he became one of the party’s most trusted organizers, especially in the Midnapore region. Rise During the Nandigram Movement Suvendu Adhikari came into the spotlight during the Nandigram Movement in 2007. The protests erupted against a proposed land acquisition project and turned into a major political turning point in West Bengal. Adhikari emerged as one of the leading faces of the movement, connecting strongly with farmers and local communities. The agitation weakened the influence of the Left Front government and strengthened the Trinamool Congress ahead of the 2011 Assembly elections. Joining the BJP In 2020, Suvendu Adhikari made headlines after leaving the Trinamool Congress and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. His move was viewed as a major political development in the state, as he was considered a powerful regional leader with significant public support. The political rivalry between Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee intensified during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Contesting from Nandigram, he defeated Mamata Banerjee in one of the most closely followed electoral contests in the country. Present Political Role At present, Suvendu Adhikari serves as the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He regularly raises issues related to governance, corruption, law and order, and political violence in the state. Supporters see him as an energetic and determined leader, while opponents often criticize his aggressive political approach. Despite political differences, his influence in Bengal politics remains significant. Suvendu Adhikari’s political career reflects determination, strategic leadership, and strong grassroots connection. From being an important member of the Trinamool Congress to becoming a leading face of the BJP in West Bengal, his journey has been filled with major political developments. As the state’s politics continue to evolve, Adhikari is expected to remain a major player in the years to come.
Haryana to Delhi CM Office: Rekha Gupta’s Remarkable Political Journey
Rekha Gupta is currently the Chief Minister of Delhi and the MLA from Shalimar Bagh in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. On February 20, 2025, Rekha Gupta was sworn in as the fourth woman and ninth Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This makes her the 18th woman Chief Minister in India. Rekha Gupta was born on July 19, 1974, in Julana, Jind district, Haryana. Her father, Mr. Jai Bhagwan Jindal, worked as a branch manager at the State Bank of India, while her mother, Mrs. Urmila Jindal, was a homemaker. When Rekha Gupta was just two years old, her family settled in the Pitampura area of Delhi. It was there that she received her primary and higher education. Referring to her political career, Rekha Gupta studied Bachelor of Commerce from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University. During this time, she joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. While active in student politics, she was elected to the post of Secretary of Daulat Ram College. She then won the Delhi University Students’ Union election in 1996-97 and became its president. In 2007, she won the Municipal Corporation election from North Pitampura (Ward 54) and became a councilor. In 2009, she served as the General Secretary of the Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha. Given her dedication and work ethic, she was appointed a member of the party’s National Executive. Rekha Gupta then won the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from the Shalimar Bagh seat, winning a landslide victory and becoming a legislator for the first time. She defeated the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress candidates in this election and was sworn in as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi. Her journey from the Delhi University Students’ Union to the position of Chief Minister of Delhi has been inspiring.
From Monk to Chief Minister, The Journey of Yogi Adityanath
The political journey of Yogi Adityanath stands out in India’s public life for its unique combination of religious commitment and administrative leadership. Yogi Adityanath was Born on 5 June 1972 in the remote village of Panchur, Pauri Garhwal as Ajay Singh Bisht, his early years were shaped by a simple lifestyle, education, and a growing inclination toward spirituality. Spiritual Transformation A major shift in his life came when he moved to Gorakhpur and became associated with the Gorakhnath Math. Under the guidance of Mahant Avaidyanath, he adopted monastic life and took on the name Yogi Adityanath. This transition laid the foundation for his future role as both a spiritual and public figure. His entry into electoral politics marked the beginning of a long-standing association with the Gorakhpur constituency. Elected as a Member of Parliament at a relatively young age, he built a reputation as a leader with a strong local connect and a clear ideological voice. Rise To Leadership In 2017, his political career reached a defining moment when he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Since then, his administration has emphasized governance issues such as law enforcement, infrastructure growth, and policy implementation. His approach has often been described as firm and result-oriented. At the same time, his tenure has also witnessed debates and criticism over various decisions and public statements, reflecting the broader dynamics of democratic politics. Supporters view his leadership as decisive and transformative, while critics continue to question aspects of his governance. From his early days in Uttarakhand to leading India’s most populous state, Yogi Adityanath’s journey represents a distinctive intersection of faith and politics, continuing to influence the state’s evolving political narrative.