S. Jaishankar bolsters strategic collaborations across Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines

During his official visit from March 23 to 27, 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar showcased India’s commitment to fostering regional stability and economic growth through strategic partnerships in fintech, maritime security, renewable energy and more.

Maldives: a country at the crossroads

The idyllic island nation of the Maldives, famed for its turquoise waters and luxurious resorts, is making waves on the international stage. Following the election of Mohamed Muizzu as President in November 2023, the Maldives has embarked on a significant shift in its foreign policy, marking a departure from traditional alliances and embracing a more diversified and strategic approach to international relations.

UPI goes to UAE: PhonePe users can pay via Neopay terminals

PhonePe users travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can make payments via the PhonePe app at Mashreq’s Neopay terminals across retail stores, dining outlets, as well as tourist and leisure attractions, the company said in a release today.

India’s sacred relics revered across Thailand

Sacred relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his two disciples Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, were on display for 26 days at various locations across Thailand, attracting millions of visitors, and were returned to India on March 19.

New Zealand links Parliament hacking to China state-backed group

New Zealand said Tuesday a Chinese state-sponsored hacking operation targeted New Zealand’s parliament in 2021, an allegation that came a day after the United States and Britain took actions in response to their own attacks by China-backed hacking groups.

Baltimore bridge crash causes supply chain concerns

BBC: Concerns have been raised of a “ripple effect” on global supply chains after a container ship, that was heading towards Sri Lanka, crashed into a bridge in the US city of Baltimore.

US, Britain take action against China-linked firm, hackers for cyber attacks

The United States and Britain on Monday have sanctioned two individuals and one Wuhan-based company that allegedly targeted critical infrastructure sectors in the US as part of an expansive hacking effort.

India’s tax revenue grows beyond expectations, shows recent data

India’s direct taxes have experienced a significant and sustained increase in growth over the time. The Gross Direct tax collection for the year 2023-24 (as on March 17, 2024) registered an increase of 18.7% over the corresponding period last year (2022-23).

Indian Army, US Marines, US Army National guard train together for joint sub-conventional operations in HADR

As part of the Exercise Tiger Triumph, Indian Army, US Marines and US Army National Guard train together for joint sub-conventional operations in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief scenario.

Taiwan detects eight Chinese naval ships, six military aircraft around nation

The Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that it detected eight Chinese naval vessels and six Chinese military aircraft operating around the nation from 6 am (local time) on Saturday to 6 am (local time) on Sunday.

Taiwan declares Chinese social media app TikTok a national security threat

Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang, has declared TikTok, the social media platform owned by a China-based company, as a significant national security threat, Central News agency Taiwan reported.

India extends ban on onion exports indefinitely ahead of general election

India has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely - a surprise move that comes ahead of a general election and is set to exacerbate high prices in some overseas markets.

UK aid to China drops by 90% since 2019 but transparency is falling - watchdog

UK aid to China has fallen by 90% since 2019 – but transparency about how the money is spent is declining, a watchdog has warned.

Gunmen kill more than 60 in concert attack near Moscow, IS claims responsibility

Camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire at concertgoers with automatic weapons on Friday, killing at least 60 people and injuring 145 more in an attack claimed by Islamic State militants.

Princess of Wales says she is undergoing cancer treatment

The Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after cancer was found in tests.

US strongly opposes China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh

The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and ’’strongly opposes’’ any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by China across the Line of actual Control, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

Mission Divyastra: India enters elite MIRV technology club

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the success of Mission Divyastra. This test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), marking India’s entry into the prestigious MIRV technology elite club. The indigenous Agni-5 missile is equipped with multiple warheads that showcase India’s technological stride in defense capabilities.

Uganda’s president appoints son as military chief

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as head of the military, the defence ministry said on Friday.

Taiwan protests after China boards a tourist boat near Kinmen Island

Taiwan on Tuesday protested China’s boarding of a tourist boat, as tensions rise around the Kinmen archipelago, which lies a short distance off China’s coast but is controlled by Taiwan.

India manufactures world’s cheapest drug to treat Sickle Cell Anaemia

Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, aligning with the Narendra Modi government’s vision of eliminating sickle cell anaemia, has slashed the price of its key drug by 99 per cent.

Chinese fraud gang: 3 Bangladeshi associates held in Dhaka

Detectives have arrested three Bangladeshi associates of a Chinese gang that has been embezzling a huge amount of money through various online scams targeting Bangladeshis.

Trump unable to get $464m bond in New York fraud case, his lawyers say

Donald Trump’s lawyers have said finding a bond to cover the $464m (£365m) judgement in his New York fraud case is a ’’practical impossibility’’.

LAMITIYE-2024: Indian Army contingent departs to Seychelles for joint exercise

An Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles on Sunday to participate in the 10th edition of Joint Military Exercise ’LAMITIYE-2024’, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Vladimir Putin claims landslide Russian election victory

Vladimir Putin has claimed a landslide victory in Russia’s presidential vote, as thousands in the country and around the world protested against his deepening dictatorship, the war in Ukraine and a stage-managed election that could have only one winner.

EAM Jaishankar defends CAA, challenges critics on their understanding of history

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday boldly addressed criticism on the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act ( CAA ) and questioned the global understanding of historical events, adding that the government has an obligation to the people who were let down at the time of partition.

India to hold world’s biggest election in seven stages from April

India’s general election will take place in seven phases over April and May, the Election Commission says.

Countries reconsider engagements with China, favor India for stability

In recent years, a notable shift has been witnessed in global dynamics, particularly concerning business partnerships and infrastructure projects. Amidst this transition, one significant narrative emerges: China’s diminishing reliability as a business partner. Various countries have started reconsidering their engagements with China, opting for alternatives that promise stability and trustworthiness.

India, Singapore sign MoU for cooperation in law, dispute resolution

India and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of Law and Dispute Resolution on Thursday.

Tibetans demand China halt Derge dam work

The Tibetan community in the region has demanded that the Chinese government stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Drichu river in Derge town in Dege County in Sichuan in Southwest China.

Funeral for Sri Lankan family slain in Ottawa to be held on Sunday

A public funeral for the six people killed last week in Barrhaven will be held on Sunday afternoon.