Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration, by His Majesty the King of Bhutan in a public ceremony at the Tendrelthang, Thimphu. Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign leader to be given this prestigious award.
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His Majesty the King of Bhutan had announced the conferment of the award during Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations held at the Tashichhodzong, Thimphu in December 2021. The award recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Bhutan friendship and his people centric leadership.The citation added that the award also honours India’s rise as a global power under his leadership, and celebrates Bhutan’s special bond with India. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation, and that India’s moral authority and global influence have grown.
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Prime Minister underlined that the award was an honour bestowed on the 1.4 billion people of Bharat and a testament to the special and unique ties between the two countries.
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As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honor system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
India is seeing a week of intense engagement with global partners while making headway in important domestic sectors. The European Commission leadership visited India, trade discussions with Latin America moved forward, and international businesses expanded their presence in the country. Meanwhile, India’s logistics, healthcare, and aviation sectors are undergoing changes that could have lasting economic effects.
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India and the European Union: Deepening Ties Amid Global Trade Shifts
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with 21 members of the College of Commissioners, visited India this week. The visit shows the EU's intent to strengthen its relationship with India, especially in light of potential global trade realignments. Both parties are eager to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of the year, aiming to improve cooperation in trade, technology, and defense.
Salil Gupte on India's Robust Talent Pool
President of Boeing India Salil Gupte, has praised the country's strong talent base, emphasizing its role in the aerospace giant's growth. In a recent interview, Gupte noted that India's skilled workforce has been instrumental in scaling Boeing's operations, reinforcing the company's commitment to "Make in India" initiatives.
Transforming Logistics: The Role of Open Networks
India's logistics industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the integration of physical and digital infrastructure. Open networks are increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and boosting GDP growth. As businesses embrace digitization, the streamlined movement of goods is creating a more connected and competitive marketplace, benefiting both enterprises and consumers alike.
Daikin's Expansion: Replicating India's Success in Africa
Japanese air conditioner manufacturer Daikin Industries plans to replicate its successful Indian business model in Africa. Aiming to become the leading player in the African market, Daikin's strategy reflects the scalability of business models proven in India and their applicability in other emerging markets.
Merck's Commitment: Doubling Workforce in India
Global pharmaceutical company Merck has announced plans to double its workforce in India, focusing on integrating healthcare expertise with technological advancements. This expansion is expected to significantly impact patient care and reflects India's growing importance in the global healthcare and technology sectors.
India: Emerging Hub for Clinical Trials
India is on the verge of becoming a global hub for clinical trials, with the market estimated to reach $1.51 billion by 2025. Factors such as a diverse population and cost-effective research capabilities are attracting global pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials in India, strengthening the country's position in the global healthcare landscape.
Strengthening Ties with Latin America
Under its policy of "strategic autonomy," India is expanding its presence in Latin America. Countries in the region have welcomed this push, leading to diversified trade and stronger bilateral relations. This move is part of India's effort to build economic partnerships beyond its traditional allies.
Bengaluru's New Cargo Terminal: Boosting Domestic Logistics
India's largest domestic cargo terminal has been launched at Bengaluru International Airport. This facility is set to improve the efficiency of domestic air cargo operations, supporting the growing logistics sector and contributing to economic growth. Spanning over 7 acres, the DCT features a peak handling capacity of approximately 360,000 metric tons, with a potential to expand to 400,000 metric tons.
Preserving History: Donation of a Century-Old Saudi Royal Letter
An Indian family has donated a century-old letter written by King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, to a scholar named Ghulam Rasul Meher. This act reflects the deep-rooted people-to-people ties between India and Saudi Arabia and the role of citizens to preserve shared heritage.
India’s economic, diplomatic, and industrial engagements are moving at a steady pace. Discussions with the EU on trade, expansions by global firms, and structural developments in logistics and healthcare all point to a country positioning itself for long-term gains.
