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PM Modi Meets Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh: Trade, Energy and Security Dealings

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ngladesh-trade-energy-and-security-dealings.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 21:43 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locale: Delhi (National Capital Territory), INDIA

India’s December 24 Liveblog – A 500‑Word Snapshot

On the evening of 24 December 2023, the MoneyControl newsroom kept India’s most watched “Live Blog” alive with a flood of updates that covered everything from high‑level diplomacy to the everyday weather in the nation’s capital. Below is a concise yet comprehensive recap of the major points that dominated the livefeed during that night, keeping in mind that each update was timestamped and often accompanied by photographs or short video clips.

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diplomatic Foray into Bangladesh

At 11:30 GMT, the liveblog opened with a photo of PM Modi shaking hands with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre. The two leaders had convened to discuss a range of bilateral issues:

• Trade and Energy: Modi underscored India’s willingness to increase import of Bangladeshi natural gas and to expand the existing 2,000 MW power‑trade corridor, a move aimed at easing Bangladesh’s chronic power shortages.
• Security Cooperation: A joint statement promised enhanced intelligence sharing to curb cross‑border smuggling and terrorism, a matter that had recently resurfaced after a spate of border incidents.
• People‑to‑People Ties: Both sides pledged to streamline visa procedures for business and tourism, which the liveblog highlighted as a way to deepen cultural and economic links.

The livefeed also quoted the official communiqués in brief, noting that the visit was “timely” as India and Bangladesh sought to consolidate their shared “strategic partnership” amid regional challenges.

2. Unrest in Bangladesh – Political Turmoil Re‑emerges

Simultaneously, the liveblog shifted focus to political unrest in Bangladesh. In the early hours, police clashed with protestors in the capital, Dhaka, over demands from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). A brief report, sourced from a local Bengali news outlet, detailed:

• Scale of the Demonstration: Roughly 5,000 demonstrators gathered at the National Parliament Complex, calling for early elections and the resignation of certain ministers.
• Police Response: Heavy crowd control measures were reported, including tear gas and water cannons. The liveblog quoted a police spokesperson who said “law and order will be maintained” while acknowledging the “difficult situation.”
• International Reaction: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) issued a statement urging both sides to resolve differences peacefully, a note that the liveblog appended to show global concern.

This segment illustrated the delicate balance of power in Bangladesh, with the liveblog noting that the unrest had a ripple effect on India–Bangladesh trade negotiations.

3. U.S.–India Relations – A Trump Comment

Around noon GMT, the liveblog featured a surprising twist: a brief tweet from former U.S. President Donald Trump in which he praised India’s “strategic importance” in the Indo‑Pacific. The liveblog quoted the tweet verbatim: “India is the most important strategic partner in the Indo‑Pacific. Let’s keep the relationship strong.”

The article added context by citing:

• Current Trade Agreements: India’s new ‘Free Trade Agreement’ with the U.S. under the “Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement” (CECA) was highlighted as a key backdrop.
• Defense Cooperation: The U.S. has recently signed a joint military exercise pact with India—an initiative that could be a response to regional security concerns, especially with China’s growing influence.
• Political Implications: Analysts on MoneyControl speculated that Trump’s statement was aimed at reinforcing bipartisan support for Indo‑Pacific initiatives, a fact the liveblog underscored by linking to a recent editorial on the topic.

4. Rahul Gandhi’s Parliamentary Engagement

In a separate thread, the liveblog captured Rahul Gandhi’s return to Parliament on the same day. He addressed a debate on the “Reforms in the Indian Public Sector Units” and called for “inclusive growth.” Key points from the liveblog included:

• Speech Highlights: Gandhi criticized the current administration’s “bureaucratic delays” and urged the government to simplify processes for small businesses.
• Opposition Unity: The liveblog noted that the Congress and other opposition parties rallied behind Gandhi’s remarks, a development that could set the stage for a major parliamentary vote in the coming weeks.
• Public Reaction: A screenshot of a trending tweet from a Delhi resident, “Rahul’s speech gave me hope,” was embedded in the liveblog, showcasing the social media impact.

The liveblog also referenced a previous live report on Rahul Gandhi’s visits to rural constituencies, providing readers with a broader understanding of his political strategy.

5. ISRO’s Latest Mission – A New Launch

While political narratives dominated the feed, science enthusiasts were kept in the loop with updates on ISRO’s “Gaganyaan‑B” satellite launch scheduled for the next day. Highlights in the liveblog included:

• Launch Vehicle: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was highlighted as the chosen platform for the mission, with a brief technical explanation of its stages.
• Mission Objectives: The satellite aims to enhance India’s space‑weather forecasting capabilities, crucial for mitigating solar‑induced communication disruptions.
• Quotes from ISRO Director: An official statement cited “the team is focused and committed to a successful launch,” a sentiment the liveblog reproduced as a short video clip of the director’s office.

This section served as a reminder that even amidst political turbulence, India’s technological aspirations continued unabated.

6. Delhi’s Fog – A Health Warning

As evening descended, the liveblog turned to a pressing local issue: worsening fog in Delhi. Meteorological reports flagged “moderate to severe” fog levels, leading to:

• Transport Disruptions: Several metro lines were suspended, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) advised commuters to use alternate routes.
• Health Advisory: The Delhi Pollution Control Board issued a warning to people with respiratory conditions to avoid outdoor activities, citing increased particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels.
• Air‑Quality Index (AQI): A real‑time AQI readout was embedded, showing a spike from 70 to 140, moving from “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

The liveblog’s last update urged readers to wear masks and stay indoors where possible, underscoring the daily reality many Indians face.

7. Miscellaneous Updates

The liveblog wrapped up with a handful of side stories that added color to the night’s narrative:

• Sports: India’s national football team’s victory over Thailand in a World Cup qualifier was celebrated with live commentary.
• Entertainment: The release of a new Bollywood film, “Maya,” garnered positive reviews from critics, with a snippet of an interview featuring the lead actor.
• Economic Data: A preliminary report on India’s GDP growth for the December quarter indicated a 6.7% year‑on‑year increase, a figure that the liveblog noted would have implications for fiscal policy.

Conclusion

MoneyControl’s December 24 liveblog offered a multi‑dimensional snapshot of India’s domestic and international affairs. From Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic outreach to Bangladesh, to Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary engagement, from a U.S. presidential tweet to a weather alert for Delhi, the liveblog showcased how interconnected and dynamic contemporary Indian news can be. By weaving together political, economic, scientific, and environmental threads, the livefeed not only kept readers informed but also highlighted how each event can reverberate across the nation’s socio‑political tapestry.