India has issued its first official response on the Dalai Lama’s succession plan. Speaking to mediapersons in Delhi on Thursday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Dalai Lama holds a deeply significant position not only for Tibetans but also for millions of his followers around the world. The minister added that the decision regarding his successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama.
Dalai Lama’s announcement
On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama had reiterated that the responsibility for selecting his successor would rest solely with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust. Reacting to it, China had asserted that the successor must be approved by its central government.
Ghana’s national honour for PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” for his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.” PM Modi, who is currently in Ghana as part of his five-nation visit, received the award from President John Dramani Mahama. He accepted it as a recognition on behalf of “1.4 billion Indians,” dedicating it to the youth of both nations.
India-US defence framework
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Pete Hegseth have agreed to finalise a 10-year framework to expand defence and strategic ties between India and the US. The Pentagon announced the decision on Wednesday, a day after Singh and US Defence Secretary Hegseth held a phone conversation. The statement said Singh and Hegseth will sign the 10-year US-India Defence Framework when they next meet later this year.
India-US: Mini-deal soon?
According to an NDTV report quoting sources, the two countries are likely to sign a mini-trade deal in the next two days. Talks for a full-fledged trade agreement are reportedly stuck over agricultural and dairy products. The mini-deal is expected to come through before the July 9 deadline, when the pause on US reciprocal tariffs is set to end.
ALSO: Trump says India trade deal is coming; Mini-deal could drop soon: Report
Meesho files IPO papers
According to a PTI report, SoftBank-backed e-commerce firm Meesho has filed draft papers with markets regulator Sebi through the confidential route. The report, quoting sources, says the company plans to raise at least ₹4,250 crore in its initial public offering.
ALSO: Mukesh Ambani’s solar surge: The bet that’s powering Reliance’s future
Sharp cuts in late trade
Indian equities failed to hold on to early gains for yet another session, seeing sharp cuts in late trade. The Sensex slipped almost 600 points from the day’s high to close under 83,500 once again. The Nifty also ended lower, staying below the 25,500 mark.
