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 Begins Six-Day France Visit, to Attend G7 Summit and Strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a Six-day visit to France, starting today. He will participate in a bilateral visit and the G-7 Leaders’ Summit. He will be in Nice on June 13th and 14th, in Evian for the summit on June 16th and 17th, and in Paris on June 17th and 18th. This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seventh visit to France since being sworn in as Prime Minister for the first time. This visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India on February 17th–19th, when relations between the two countries were elevated to the status of a Special Global Strategic Partnership. France is considered one of India’s most favored partners in Europe, and this relationship, based on strategic support and mutual respect, has reached its peak over the past several decades. During his visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India Innovates 2020 program, along with Prime Minister Macron. This program will bring together the best innovation startups from India, France, and around the world. Held during the India-France Innovation Year, this program is expected to attract participation from over 120 Indian companies and startups, along with prominent business leaders from France and other countries. PM Modi will also attend the WebTech Summit During this visit, PM Modi will also attend the WebTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, in Paris on June 18. The Indian pavilion will be the largest this year. The G7 summit is also being capitalized on by US President Donald Trump’s participation, during which India will have the opportunity to reflect on issues affecting its security and economic interests. Defense: Defense cooperation between India and France is deep and wide-ranging, ranging from air and naval assets to helicopter engines and missiles. Some prominent examples of cooperation include the Rafale aircraft, Scorpene submarines, and Shakti helicopter engines. Space: In this area, ISRO and France’s national space agency, CNES, have a rich legacy of cooperation spanning six decades. Highlights include joint launches, the development of satellites such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, and cooperation on India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The two countries are also considering another satellite mission, TRISHNA. Nuclear: The passage of the Sustainable Use and Development of Nuclear Energy to Transform India (SHANTI) Act has created a major opportunity for cooperation between Indian and French industries. Regarding Small Modular Reactors/Advanced Modular Reactors, India and France signed a Declaration of Intent for cooperation in this area in February 2025.
Big Trouble for Mamata Banerjee’s Party…
There’s turmoil within Mamata Banerjee’s party, the TMC. Following the crushing defeat in the assembly elections, MLAs and MPs have launched a campaign against Mamata Banerjee. One by one, MLAs and MPs are defecting and speaking openly against Mamata Banerjee. Now, 19 new members have rebelled against the party and submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, further exacerbating the problems for the TMC and Mamata Banerjee. The names of Shatrughan Sinha and cricketer Yusuf Pathan have also emerged among those who left the party. Shatrughan Sinha is considered very close to Mamata Banerjee, as Mamata trusted him and fielded Anshul in the elections. Recently, Chitrakoot Singh was seen agreeing with every decision Mamata Banerjee made, but now news of his rebellion is suddenly emerging. According to the helpline of Lok Sabha elections 2024, Trinamool Congress MP from Ansul and Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha is the richest MP of West Bengal. According to the helpline filed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his total declared assets are around Rs 210 crore. Earlier in 2019, his total assets were around Rs 112 crore, which means his assets have increased rapidly in 5 years.
Modi Creates History, Surpasses Nehru’s Tenure as Prime Minister…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again made history. He has become the first Prime Minister since independence to complete three consecutive terms. It is worth noting that he first took the oath of office on May 26, 2014, following the BJP’s electoral victory. He subsequently secured the premiership again in 2019 and 2024, making him the first leader since independence to serve three consecutive terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first leader to complete 12 years—or 4,399 days—as India’s Prime Minister. PM Modi claimed the top spot by surpassing the record held by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose tenure lasted 4,398 days. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi holds the third position with a tenure of 4,077 days, while Dr. Manmohan Singh ranks fourth with 3,656 days. On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing three terms, senior BJP leaders Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh described the milestone as a reflection of the public’s strengthened trust in Modi’s work regarding security, culture, and diplomacy. Responding to this, PM Modi remarked that good governance is measured by public service, which in turn reinforces trust. Meanwhile, global leaders from the US, Israel, the Maldives, Australia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, and Africa also extended their congratulations.
NSUI-Congress Protest in Dehradun Over NEET Paper Leak; Demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
NSUI workers protested in Dehradun on June 8th over the NEET exam. Congress workers marched to the Uttarakhand Secretariat and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Also, NSUI workers, led by the organization’s national president, Vinod Jakhar, attempted to surround the Secretariat, but police blocked the protest by erecting barricades on Subhash Road, just outside the Secretariat. During the protest, heated arguments broke out between the police and protesters, and the situation gradually escalated to physical violence. Police use water cannons and barricades to stop protesters Furthermore, during the protest, some protesters climbed atop the barricades and began shouting slogans against the government, expressing their anger over the paper leak. Police used water cannons to dislodge the protesters, but the protesters remained seated on the barricades and continued to raise slogans. In support of the NSUI workers, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Congress Party Election Management Committee Chairman Harak Singh Rawat, and Election Campaign Committee Chairman Pritam Singh also joined the protest. Seeing the growing commotion, the police sent Pritam Singh and NSUI workers to the police lines. Congress leaders and student union activists allege that the examination system across the country is under the scanner. Almost all exams are being leaked before the exam is even completed, and that people associated with the BJP are somehow involved in this. BJP wants to protect the accused in NEET paper leak case – Congress During the march to the Secretariat, Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They also stated that despite numerous allegations, not a single BJP leader has come forward to provide clarification. What can be said about this silence? Furthermore, the Congress alleged that hundreds of children across the country have committed suicide after being victims of paper leaks. No government leader visited their homes to console them or announced any assistance. They say that the government’s announcements or indifference clearly indicate the BJP’s involvement in this entire matter. Therefore, the BJP wants to protect the accused in the NEET paper leak case. Therefore, Congress is taking to the streets over this issue, and this protest will continue until the country’s Education Minister resigns from his post. NSUI workers also announced that they have come to attack the Uttarakhand Secretariat today. If necessary, they will also surround the home of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Cockroaches Are Coming’: Abhijeet Dipke-Led Protest at Jantar Mantar Calls for Dharmendra Pradhan to Quit
The Cockroach Janata Party held a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, June 6th. It is being reported that the Delhi Police has granted permission for their proposed protest. The party announced via social media that supporters would go directly to the protest site and would not need to go to the Parliament Street Police Station. They wrote, “Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar” and “Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is leaving.” It is being reported that on June 6th, under the leadership of Abhijeet Dipke, party members protested at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms to the system over examination controversies. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka also appealed to supporters to bring the tricolor flag, books, flowers, and their families. He appealed to the Prime Minister, saying, “Prime Minister, your Education Minister is incompetent, due to whom our education is being ruined. Paper leaks, the suffering of millions of children, and the increasing number of suicide cases are occurring. Dismiss him and restore our faith in democracy.” As Abhijit Dipke emerged from the airport, he was seen holding a book by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, which he displayed with his hands raised before exiting. He also demanded a VIP exit, for which CJP representatives spoke with GMR officials for 30 minutes. After the talks, the Delhi Police and CISF intervened and rejected Dipke’s demand, forcing him to exit via the normal route. People from various parts of India participated in the protest According to sources, a crowd of lakhs gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, due to which a heavy police force and Rapid Action Force were deployed there since Friday. Due to the large crowd, Delhi Police appeared very cautious about the protest. They only allowed people to enter after checking, and the protesters were also monitored through drones. People from various parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bulandshahr, Uttarakhand, and Punjab participated in the protest, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Some Aam Aadmi Party councillors were also seen at the Cockroach Janata Party protest. The CJP distributed pamphlets in Hindi and English to the protesters, outlining the objectives of the protest. During the protest, two groups shouted slogans against the RSS, leading to an argument between them. Sources indicate that the police began arresting protesters at 4:30 pm, with permission until 5:00 pm. Sonam Wangchuk reached Jantar Mantar and thanked the government for allowing the protest Sonam Wangchuk reached Jantar Mantar and thanked the government for allowing the protest, saying, “I have brought a message of goodwill for everyone. I thank the government for allowing a peaceful protest.” Addressing the crowd from the stage, he said, “Today we have peacefully presented our views. The government has given shelter to cockroaches. We have come to this issue of education, not to demand elections or protests. We hope the government will take positive action in the future. There is talk of resignation, but let’s talk about responsibility.” He also said, “We are happy with the government’s decision because people say they will not allow this to happen. However, since the issue of education has been raised, we hope the government will take the right steps and meet our demands in the coming days.” As Sonam Wangchuk arrived at Jantar Mantar, slogans in his support were continuously raised, “What kind of Education Minister should we have? He should be like Sonam Baghchuk.” Sonam Bagchuk stopped the crowd, saying, “I have no desire; the youth should come forward, and the factories of a developed India are the village schools. The children of all public representatives should be in government schools. When will the system change when their children are in government schools, not private schools?” After this, CGPA organizers, including Abhijeet Dipke, announced the end of the protest on the microphone and told the people to vacate Jantar Mantar.
From Bhagwat Dayal Sharma to Nayab Singh Saini: The Evolution of Haryana’s Chief Ministers
The Chief Minister of Haryana heads the state government and bears the actual responsibility for administration. According to the Indian Constitution, the Governor is considered the constitutional head of the state, but day-to-day governance and decision-making rest with the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers. Following the Haryana Assembly elections, the Governor usually invites the party or coalition that has a majority in the Assembly to form the government. The Chief Minister is then appointed and his Council of Ministers are collectively accountable to the Assembly. If the Chief Minister enjoys the confidence of the House, his term lasts for five years, and there is no fixed term limit for this position. The Chief Minister also plays an important role as the Leader of the House in the Assembly. The state of Haryana was carved out of Punjab in 1966, and since then, many influential leaders have made their mark in state politics as Chief Ministers. The first Chief Minister of Haryana was Bhagwat Dayal Sharma, who played a key role in laying the administrative foundation of the newly formed state. Following this, several prominent names emerged in state politics, notably Bansi Lal, Devi Lal, Bhajan Lal, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Bhajan Lal Bishnoi is remembered as Haryana’s longest-serving Chief Minister. He held the position for approximately 11 years and 10 months, profoundly influencing the state’s politics. Bansi Lal is also considered one of Haryana’s development leaders, bringing about major changes in the areas of roads, electricity, and infrastructure. Devi Lal was not limited to Haryana politics; he also served as Deputy Prime Minister of India twice and became known as a popular leader of farmers. Om Prakash Chautala was a Haryana leader who held the post of Chief Minister four times under different political circumstances. He was also the first non-Congress Chief Minister of the state to reach this position. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, on the other hand, became the first Chief Minister in Haryana’s history to complete two consecutive full terms. During his tenure, industrial development, education, and urbanization received significant impetus. Nayab Singh Saini is currently the Chief Minister of Haryana. He was sworn in on March 12, 2024, becoming the second Chief Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Under his leadership, new schemes are being implemented in the state to address development, employment, agriculture, and infrastructure. In Haryana politics, the position of Chief Minister is not limited to administrative responsibilities; it is considered the most influential position, shaping the social, economic, and political direction of the state.
Siddaramaiah Resigns as Karnataka CM; Buzz Around D. K. Shivakumar Taking Over Intensifies
A significant shift is unfolding in Karnataka politics. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has tendered his resignation at the behest of the party high command, thereby paving the way for the formation of a new government. The Governor of Karnataka has formally accepted the resignation submitted by Siddaramaiah; consequently, speculation regarding D.K. Shivakumar becoming the next Chief Minister has intensified. However, Siddaramaiah will continue to fulfill the role of caretaker Chief Minister until the new Chief Minister assumes office. Siddaramaiah had announced his decision to resign during a breakfast meeting with his cabinet ministers the previous day. Subsequently, he visited the Raj Bhavan and, as the Governor was out of Bengaluru at the time, submitted his resignation from the post of Chief Minister to the Governor’s Private Secretary. One day later, the Governor formally accepted his resignation. Nevertheless, he has been requested to remain in office until the new government is constituted. Reinforcing ‘Ahinda’ Legacy and Social Justice Agenda Prior to tendering his resignation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally accepted the caste survey report submitted by the Backward Classes Commission—a move being interpreted as a significant political statement. It is widely believed that this step, taken just before his resignation, represents an attempt to consolidate his political legacy rooted in ‘Ahinda’ politics and social justice—a legacy that could potentially pose a formidable challenge for the incoming government. It is understood that Siddaramaiah aims to reinforce his political legacy, for which the caste survey has long remained a pivotal element of his political commitments. He has forged his political identity as an ‘Ahinda’ leader, representing the interests of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits.
Assam’s New Uniform Civil Code Proposes Strict Registration Rules and Penalties Across the State..
Assam’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Atul Bora, introduced the Uniform Civil Code (Assam) Bill, 2026, in the state assembly. The bill reportedly establishes a uniform age for marriage at 21 years for men and 18 years for women. It also prohibits polygamy and mandates registration for those in live-in relationships. Different regulatory mechanisms and penalties have been implemented across the state for this bill. Key regulations include requiring couples in live-in relationships to register their partnership within one month, and any child born to a registered live-in couple will be legally legitimate. The bill mandates registration of all divorce cases Minors entering into such relationships will face prosecution, and if either partner is already married, the partnership will be considered valid. The bill mandates registration of all divorce cases, whether a ceremony or order, within 60 days of marriage and divorce. Scheduled Tribe communities and their traditional customs are exempt from this law. Those who disobey this legal proposal will be punished with imprisonment of up to 3 months and a fine of ₹10,000. Those who conceal facts upon declaration will be punished with imprisonment of up to 3 months and a fine of ₹25,000. Failure to register a marriage or divorce within 7 days will result in a fine of ₹10,000. Forging documents during registration will result in imprisonment of up to 3 months and a fine of ₹25,000..
From UAE Energy Deals to Europe Strategic Pacts: PM Modi Concludes High-Impact Five-Nation Diplomatic Tour..
PM Narendra Modi returned to India after concluding his five-nation tour, including the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This visit focused on addressing energy security amid the Middle East crisis. The tour also focused on a strategic partnership in energy security, technology, and climate action, with agreements signed to enhance relations between the two countries. PM Modi’s first stop in the UAE was where the two countries signed agreements to secure long-term LPG supplies, expand crude oil storage facilities, and allow ADNOC to potentially increase its crude oil storage capacity in India by 30 million barrels. On his second visit, PM Modi arrived in the Netherlands, where his visit focused on technology and cultural diplomacy. During this visit, ASML and Tata Electronics signed a major deal to supply advanced lithography tools for a planned $11 billion semiconductor manufacturing fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat. PM Modi also visited the famous Afsluitdijk Dam to study Dutch flood control, water management, and renewable energy infrastructure. The Netherlands officially returned 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India at a ceremony attended by PM Modi. In Sweden, PM Modi’s visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and elevate India-Sweden relations to a formal strategic partnership. The two countries adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan (2026–2030), agreeing on a shared goal of doubling trade and investment over the next five years. India and Sweden also agreed to enhance their cooperation on space, innovation, emerging technologies, and the green transition. In Norway, the fourth country of his visit, PM Modi held talks with Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre, where they officially elevated the relationship to a “Green Strategic Partnership,” focusing on the green energy transition, the blue economy, climate action, and Arctic cooperation. PM Modi also participated in the third India-Nordic Summit, which aimed to enhance trade, investment, and technological cooperation with northern European countries. PM Modi also met with the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway in Oslo to forge a joint front on Arctic strategy and maritime security. In the final leg of his five-nation tour, Modi traveled to Italy, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella. During PM Modi’s visit, India and Italy adopted a joint declaration to strengthen their partnership, including an annual Heads-of-Government Summit and a target of reaching $23.2 billion in bilateral trade by 2029.Agreements were also signed on maritime transport, agriculture, higher education, essential minerals, museum cooperation and the fight against economic and financial crime.