In today's edition of the Daily Briefing, key developments span international diplomacy, infrastructure progress, public health concerns, and cinematic releases, offering a comprehensive look at India's current affairs.
National Song Vande Mataram Under Government Scrutiny
The national song Vande Mataram, a symbol of India's freedom struggle, is back in the spotlight as the government debates whether disrespect towards it should incur penalties. High-level discussions are ongoing, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to formalize protocols for its recitation, similar to those for the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. The ruling BJP views this as an effort to elevate the song's status, accusing the Congress of having diminished it in the past.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement: A Strategic Shift
As European Union leaders prepare for a state visit to India from January 25 to 27, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a "strategic choice." This agreement aims to reduce reliance on China, Russia, and the US, marking a qualitative shift in bilateral relations. Kallas noted that the EU and India will sign a new Security and Defence Partnership on January 27 during the leaders' summit.
An EU official highlighted that the visit aims to conclude long-pending trade negotiations, with formal signing expected after internal procedures. There is strong political will on both sides to expand relations beyond the FTA. In an opinion piece, Jawed Ashraf explains how this visit could have a significant global impact, steering nearly 2 billion people towards resilience and prosperity in a changing world order.
Chhattisgarh Highway Projects Accelerate Amid Maoist Decline
With Maoists in Chhattisgarh at their weakest due to recent setbacks, the Indian government is accelerating key highway projects in previously no-go areas. These initiatives, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are being fast-tracked to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah's target of eliminating the movement by March 2026. A 500-km journey across Bastar reveals that development in these regions is a double-edged sword, offering opportunities like schools and hospitals while altering traditional ways of life.
Antimicrobial Resistance: A Silent Health Crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister JP Nadda have raised alarms about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), stemming from antibiotic overuse, which poses a silent public health crisis in India. According to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, an estimated 2,67,000 deaths were attributable to AMR in 2021. Kamini Walia, a senior scientist at ICMR, warns that one in ten hospitalized patients in India with infections are resistant to last-resort antibiotics, making common infections increasingly untreatable.
Opinion: Global Solidarity Against Big Power Hegemonism
In today's opinion section, Sanjaya Baru discusses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's address at the Davos World Economic Forum, calling it a "manifesto for global solidarity against Big Power hegemonism." Baru notes that in a different era, post-colonial nations like India would challenge such hegemonism, but now it falls to a member of the western alliance to address issues like Trumpism.
Movie Review: Border 2 Hits Theaters
The much-anticipated film Border 2, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahaan Shetty, has released, depicting conflicts on land, air, and water. In her review, Shubhra Gupta observes that while Pakistan remains the primary antagonist and jingoism is present, it does not dominate the film, offering a balanced narrative for viewers.
This edition wraps up with insights into India's strategic partnerships, infrastructure advancements, health challenges, and entertainment options, providing a well-rounded overview for readers.
