At the outset, volunteers participated with great enthusiasm. IAS officer Ms. Lindia, Civil Defence Controller, attended the event as the chief guest. Meanwhile, Divisional Commandant Home Guards Anil Puruthi joined as the special guest. District Commandant Home Guards Gurlavdeep Singh welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the growing relevance of Civil Defence.

Moreover, Gurlavdeep Singh informed that experts from Civil Defence, Health Department, Fire Services and NDRF would conduct training sessions. These sessions will include both practical drills and theoretical inputs. As a result, volunteers will gain better preparedness for emergencies and disasters.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Lindia praised the strong service spirit of Punjab’s people. She referred to Operation Sindoor and appreciated the role of Civil Defence wardens. Additionally, she urged citizens to learn basic Civil Defence skills to respond effectively during crises.

Similarly, Anil Puruthi described volunteers as the “eyes and ears of the nation.” He stressed their role in disaster response and public vigilance. However, he also warned against misuse of social media.

Finally, Chief Warden Parminder Singh Thind recalled Civil Defence contributions during the Kargil War, flood relief, and recent national emergencies.

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ISRO officials held technical discussions with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC). They also attended the 4th Joint Working Group meeting to review satellite progress.

A joint workshop took place in Port Louis. Mauritian Minister Kaviraj Sukon, Indian Deputy High Commissioner Aparna Ganesan, and other senior officials joined the event. The workshop focused on expanding scientific cooperation and advancing the joint satellite project. The initiative reflects the growing technological partnership between the two nations.

During his March visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen space cooperation. They agreed to train Mauritian scientists at ISRO and to improve climate forecasting, disaster management, and satellite infrastructure.

The two leaders also approved continued collaboration on the ISRO Telemetry and Tracking Centre in Mauritius. They announced a new Earth Observation Application project supported by ISRO and the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the QUAD framework. The project will help Mauritius monitor extreme weather and strengthen climate resilience.

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In Ecuador, he will review preparations to open a resident Indian Mission in Quito — a major step in India’s diplomatic outreach. His visit to Bolivia will include representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected President Rodrigo Paz Pereira on November 8 in La Paz.

Cuba will be the final stop on his tour. There, discussions will focus on collaborations in health, medicine, and digital public infrastructure. Margherita will also meet business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora to promote mutual partnerships.

According to the MEA, the visit underscores India’s commitment to South–South cooperation and deeper engagement with developing nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently congratulated President-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira and expressed hopes to further strengthen India–Bolivia relations. The two nations already share strong ties in minerals, IT, and health, along with growing cooperation in capacity building and development assistance.

The post India’s Latin Push: Pabitra Margherita’s 3-Nation Mission appeared first on India Podcast.

Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, IAS, Surveyor General of India, represented the country at the meeting. He said India’s election reflects the nation’s growing leadership in the global geospatial sector and acknowledges its contributions in innovation, capacity building, and regional cooperation. India will serve a three-year term aligned with the UN-GGIM Strategic Framework.

Makwana highlighted that India’s initiatives will focus on leadership, secure digital transformation, and good governance. He emphasized promoting data-driven decisions, inclusivity, transparency, and strengthening partnerships. The committee will aim to deliver measurable impacts across the Asia-Pacific region.

The UN-GGIM-AP represents 56 countries and works to maximize economic, social, and environmental benefits from geospatial information. It supports global policymaking on geospatial information management and helps member countries share solutions, enhance capacity, and cooperate effectively in using geospatial data.

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Singh met Guatemalan Defence Minister Henry David Saenz Ramos to discuss collaboration in space technology, early warning systems, defence procurement, capacity building, and humanitarian initiatives. Both sides agreed to explore new avenues for mutual support and strategic cooperation.

In the health sector, Singh held talks with Minister Joaquin Barnoya to strengthen collaboration in biotechnology, Ayurveda, medical supplies, medical tourism, and low-cost generic medicines under PMBJP. Singh also confirmed India’s donation of 650 custom-made prosthetic limbs to Guatemala, supporting the planned 50-day artificial limb fitment camp.

India and Guatemala, maintaining diplomatic relations since 1972, celebrated 53 years of partnership in May. The anniversary highlighted growing bilateral ties rooted in shared democratic values, global peace initiatives, and sustainable development, with participation from diplomats, officials, business leaders, and the Indian community.

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On Wednesday, General Dwivedi met Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia of Vietnam. The talks covered UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, strategic coordination, and joint training exercises, which were described as constructive by the Indian Army.

Earlier, he met officials from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to explore defence training initiatives and UN peacekeeping collaboration. Discussions with Kyrgyz and Kazakh leaders emphasized capacity building, training cooperation, and regional stability.

Vice Chief Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh also held talks with Italian Army leaders on joint training and peacekeeping. Additionally, General Dwivedi met French Chief General Pierre Schill, reaffirming Indo-French strategic partnership, joint exercises, counter-terrorism, and defence technology cooperation.

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Jaishankar announced that India’s Technical Mission in Kabul will be upgraded to the status of the Embassy. He emphasised India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence. The ministers reviewed six new developmental projects, provision of medical equipment, vaccines, and rehabilitation support for earthquake-affected areas.

Both leaders highlighted boosting trade and education ties. India will expand opportunities for Afghan students to study in Indian universities. Additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi were welcomed to enhance connectivity. Jaishankar also raised concerns over the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, promising assistance in constructing residences.

Muttaqi expressed gratitude for India’s humanitarian support during the recent earthquake and called India a historic friend. He assured that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against other countries. The two nations agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through continued cooperation in development, trade, and humanitarian assistance.

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George said India’s peacebuilding approach is inspired by the ethos of “the world is one family.” He added that India has actively partnered with countries in the Global South, providing over US$40 billion in grants, concessional loans, and capacity-building projects.

He highlighted challenges in peacebuilding due to rising conflicts and limited finances. George urged countries to develop transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions. He emphasized using technology to improve public services, foster trust, and promote social cohesion for sustainable peace.

Earlier this week, George attended the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) 2025 alongside the UN General Assembly. He spoke on India’s commitment to Commonwealth values and called for reforms to reflect contemporary needs. Ministers from across the Commonwealth joined the discussions to strengthen global cooperation and partnerships.

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Both nations signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Arrangement (ECTA). The MRA simplifies compliance and boosts strategic trade partnerships.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized that India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) ensures integrity, strict standards, and better incomes for farmers. Organic produce commands 30-40% higher prices, benefiting rural livelihoods.

Australia’s Tom Black highlighted India’s fast-growing organic sector and diaspora’s role in trade expansion. He noted opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wines, with Australia having 53 million hectares of organic farmland.

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Jaishankar hosted the second L.69 and C-10 Joint Ministerial meeting, pushing for comprehensive UN Security Council reforms with the Global South. The forum included African Union members like Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.

He also chaired the 13-member Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), reviewing progress on the 12-point action plan announced by PM Modi in Papua New Guinea in 2023. The agenda focused on health, technology, capacity building, and training initiatives.

During bilateral meetings, Jaishankar reaffirmed support for a Cyprus settlement with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. He also met Mexico’s Juan Ramon de la Fuente and other Pacific leaders, discussing roadmaps to enhance partnerships and international cooperation.

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