On Wednesday, Meta India issued an apology for remarks made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a podcast, in which he claimed that the incumbent government in India lost power in the 2024 elections. The company described the statement as an “inadvertent error.”

Meta India’s Vice President, Shivnath Thukral, addressed the situation in a post on X, stating: “Dear Honourable Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw, Mark’s observation that many incumbent parties were not re-elected in the 2024 elections applies to several countries, BUT not India. We apologize for this inadvertent error. India remains an incredibly important country for @Meta, and we look forward to being at the heart of its innovative future.”

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously criticized Zuckerberg’s comments from the Joe Rogan podcast, asserting, “Zuckerberg’s claim that most incumbent governments, including India in the 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect.” In his post on X on January 13, Vaishnaw emphasized the significance of India’s 2024 elections, where over 640 million voters reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Minister condemned Zuckerberg’s remarks as misinformation and underscored the importance of accuracy and credibility for Meta. He cited various achievements under PM Modi’s leadership, including providing free food to 800 million people, administering 2.2 billion free vaccines during the pandemic, and establishing India as the fastest-growing major economy. “Zuckerberg’s comments are disappointing, and it’s essential that we uphold facts and credibility,” he stated.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who chairs the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, announced on Tuesday that the committee would summon Meta in light of Zuckerberg’s comments regarding the Lok Sabha election.

“My committee will call on Meta to address this incorrect information. Misleading statements about any democratic country can tarnish its image, and this organization will need to apologize to the Indian Parliament and its citizens for this mistake,” Dubey remarked in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the Indian Army, ex-servicemen, Veeranganas, and their families on the occasion of the 77th Army Day, celebrated on January 15. He commended the Army’s pivotal contribution to India’s progress towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.

Speaking on the theme “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena,” PM Modi praised the Indian Army’s unmatched dedication and sacrifices, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the nation and fostering its growth.

A legacy of valor and transformation

Army Day marks a significant milestone in India’s history, commemorating the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, taking over from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi highlighted the Army’s professional excellence, their ability to tackle diverse challenges, and their unwavering commitment to national security.

“Our Army has a glorious history of managing inaccessible borders, disaster situations, and internal challenges. Their discipline and professionalism have earned them global recognition,” the statement read.

Embracing modernity and self-reliance

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the transformative strides the Indian Army has made in recent years. From enhancing strategic capabilities to spearheading initiatives for self-reliance in defense production, the Army has adapted to meet modern demands effectively.

“Unprecedented steps have been taken in the last decade to strengthen our military forces and achieve self-sufficiency in defense production. The indomitable spirit of our armed forces will play a critical role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he remarked.

A tribute to courage and sacrifice

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers, PM Modi emphasized the gratitude of the nation. “The nation remembers with reverence the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our soldiers in serving Maa Bharti. On behalf of all Indians, I salute the brave martyrs, Veer Naaris, and ex-servicemen.”

The 77th Army Day serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s enduring legacy and its critical role in shaping a strong and self-reliant India.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday inaugurated the party’s new headquarters at 9A Kotla Road, marking a significant milestone for the historic party, which had been based at its 24 Akbar Road location for the past 47 years.

The inauguration was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal, along with other senior leaders. The event featured party leaders raising the party flag and singing “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem. Sonia Gandhi officially opened the building by inviting Kharge to join her in cutting the ribbon at its entrance.

The new state-of-the-art headquarters, named Indira Gandhi Bhawan, represents the Congress party’s ongoing commitment to honouring the vision of its founding leaders. As AICC general secretary for organization K.C. Venugopal noted, “It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new.” The construction of Indira Gandhi Bhawan began during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as party president.

Located at 9A Kotla Road in New Delhi, the new headquarters is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, equipped with modern facilities to facilitate administrative, organizational, and strategic activities.

Venugopal remarked, “This iconic building reflects the Congress party’s forward-looking vision, while also paying tribute to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social landscape of India.”

Despite the move, sources indicate that the party will retain its 24 Akbar Road office, which has served as its headquarters since 1978 after the formation of Congress (I), and it will continue to host some of its operational cells. The construction of the new headquarters faced several delays due to funding shortages, particularly following the party’s loss of power at the national level. Similarly, the BJP has yet to vacate its former headquarters at 11 Ashoka Road, despite relocating to its new office at Deendayal Upadhyay Marg.

While longstanding members of Congress acknowledge the necessity for modern amenities and a larger space, they also recognize the enduring emotional connection to 24 Akbar Road, a site rich in history for the party. The Akbar Road bungalow was once home to Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of the executive council under Viceroy Lord Linlithgow, and it also hosted a young Aung San Suu Kyi in 1961 when her mother served as ambassador to India.

For Congress, 24 Akbar Road has been more than just an office; its expansive lawns have witnessed the leadership of seven Congress presidents, solidifying its significance in the party’s legacy.