Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on Monday morning, marking a significant diplomatic engagement focused on Gandhian values. The visit, rich in symbolism, preceded the leaders' expected participation in the vibrant Uttarayan Kite Festival.
Diplomatic Tribute at Gandhi's Abode
The high-profile meeting commenced with Chancellor Merz paying a floral tribute to an idol of Mahatma Gandhi at the ashram premises. Following the tribute, both dignitaries took a walk through Hriday Kunj, the simple dwelling where Gandhi lived. A poignant moment of the tour was a demonstration of charkha (spinning wheel) weaving by an ashram staff member, showcasing the iconic symbol of self-reliance. Concluding his visit, the German Chancellor made an entry in the visitor's book, cementing the occasion.
Critical Global Developments Unfold
While the leaders engaged in diplomacy, several critical events unfolded across the globe. In a significant development for global supply chains, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Washington, D.C., to attend a high-level G7 meeting on critical minerals. The meeting, hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, includes several non-G7 nations like India and Australia, focusing on securing mineral supply chains crucial for technology and green energy.
In a concerning development for public health in the United States, nearly 15,000 nurses across major New York City hospitals, including Mount Sinai and Montefiore, are poised to go on strike as early as Monday. The potential walkout, the largest in the city's history, comes amid a severe flu season, raising alarms about hospital capacity and patient care.
Security, Legal, and Law Enforcement Incidents
A security alert briefly disrupted the travel plans of US President Donald Trump in Florida. His motorcade was rerouted on Sunday evening after a "suspicious object" was detected during routine security sweeps near Palm Beach International Airport. The US Secret Service described the route change as a standard precautionary measure.
In Bengaluru, police made a breakthrough in a tragic case, arresting an 18-year-old man from Kodagu district for the murder of a 34-year-old woman software engineer. The death, initially thought to be a result of a fire accident in her east Bengaluru apartment, is now alleged to be a crime committed after the woman rejected the accused's sexual advances.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, a court began hearing sentencing arguments for 78-year-old pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Convicted last month of national security offences, including conspiring to collude with foreign forces, Lai faces a potential life sentence.
Other notable updates include Britain's discussions with NATO partners on Arctic defence amid concerns over Russia and China, and continued political prisoner releases in Venezuela following interim President Delcy Rodríguez's pledge for cooperation with Washington.
