Major News and Events of 26 February 2017

Navtej Sarma, India’s envoy to the US, has met the newly elected US President Donald Trump at White House’s Oval Office for the first time after Trump was sworn in as the President of USA on January 20. President Trump met all new foreign ambassadors and had individual photographs with everyone. Navtej Sarna, a 1980 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, arrived at the United States just a few days before the 2016 Presidential elections, held on 8 November 2016.

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu made scathing attack on senior Congress leader and former home minister P Chidambaram by calling the latter’s statement on Kashmir as “highly shocking, irresponsible and bordering on anti-nationalism”. Chidambaram had earlier said that people of Kashmir are agitated. Naidu discarded Chidambaram’s statement by saying that communal amity is thriving in Kashmir. However, former home minister brushed aside Venkaiah’s attack by saying that no one takes him seriously.  

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found no evidence to corroborate the initial “confessional statement” of Faisal Hussain Awan and Ahsan Khursheed made to the Indian Army after the infamous Uri attack. In this end, NIA has also filed a closure report, which essentially means the two youths have been exonerated of all charges. The 2 youths were initially suspected of helping the terrorists that attacked Indian Army camp in Uri. As per "goodwill" arrangement between India and Pakistan, the duo is likely to be returned to Pakistan as the latter returned Indian Army soldier Chandu Chavan to India last month.

Rwanda's Senate hard sold its picturesque hilly surroundings to India by hosting a luncheon for Vice President of India Hamid Ansari at Hotel des Mille Collines, the oldest luxury hotel atop Kigali, giving a stunning hilly view. “Remarkable Rwanda” is now alluring “Incredible India” and urging the Indian film (Bollywood) fraternity to shoot films in its salubrious surroundings. Hamid Ansari’s visit is the first high-level visit to this East African country. Ansari was accompanied by Secretary, Economic Relations in the MEA, Amar Sinha. 

While Shiv Sena and BJP count their numbers and try to gain support of independents, Congress Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam bowled a googly by telling media that his party will contest for the coveted BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) mayoral post by garnering support from NCP and other smaller political parties. While Shiv Sena increased their tally to 88 by garnering support of 4 independents, BJP celebrated Vijay Diwas in every district headquarters throughout India to mark victories in Odisha and Maharashtra civic polls. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis did away with the speculation of roping in Congress. Shiv Sena is expecting support from MNS to stake claim of BMC’s Mayoral post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started addressing his 29th Mann Ki Baat by quoting renowned Sufi poet Amir Khusrow’s verses about arrival of Spring season. He praised ISRO scientists for creating a world record by sending 104 satellites in one go. While quoting Mahatma Gandhi regarding the need of science to satisfy human needs, PM Modi highlighted how innovations showcased during a competition organised by NITI Ayog can help general people. While one app provided important information to fishermen, other helped in combating hardships during floods. PM stressed upon the need of empowering women and highlighted how “Beti Bachao, Beti Badhao” is changing people’s mindset about social evils. He stressed upon celebrating International Women's Day on March 8 and the need to transform it into a mass movement.