'World does not give things easily, sometimes one has to seize it': EAM Jaishankar on India's permanent UNSC membership
- Highlighting the increasing global backing for India’s permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that sometimes things are not given generously and one has to seize it.
India to sign clean, fair economy deal under Indo-Pacific economic framework
- India is expected to sign a much-awaited deal on two more pillars of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework—clean economy and fair economy—early next year, two officials aware of the matter said.
Taiwan Elects US-Friendly President, Defying China Warnings
- Taiwan elected current vice president Lai Ching-te as leader of the global chip hub at the center of US-China tensions, putting in power a man Beijing has branded an “instigator of war.”
Who is Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s new President?
- Lai Ching-te, a former doctor from a poor mining family, was propelled into politics by a military crisis in the Taiwan Strait 27 years ago. On Saturday, Lai, 64, the current vice president from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won a widely watched election to become Taiwan’s next president.
Read ahead at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/14/asia/profile-lai-ching-te-taiwan-new-president-intl-hnk/index.html
Maldives-India diplomatic tension: President Mohamed Muizzu’s party loses Male Mayoral poll to pro-India Opposition candidate Adam Azim
- In a major setback to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, the Male Mayoral poll was won by Pro-India opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in a landslide victory.
- MDP candidate Adam Azim has been elected as the new mayor of Male. The Mayoral polls, held on Saturday, was marked by a low turnout.
Read ahead at: https://toi.in/Maldipd
Red Sea crisis will lead to oil price hike in India: World Economic Forum chief
- Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea would negatively impact oil-importing countries, including India, where a $10-20 increase in oil prices would be harmful to its economy, according to World Economic Forum (WEF) president Borge Brende.
Read ahead at: http://tinyurl.com/bdjvh4ev
Taiwan loses an ally
- Nauru, in the Pacific breaks ties with Taiwan as it recognises people's republic of China.
Nine held for sending people to Europe through 'donkey' route: Delhi Police
With the arrest of nine people, including four Bangladeshi nationals, the Delhi Police on Monday claimed to have busted an international racket that used to send people to European countries on the basis of illegal documents.
Read ahead at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/nine-held-for-sending-people-to-europe-through-donkey-route-delhi-police/article67742921.ece
Taiwan’s new Vice President is a Free Tibet supporter
- Hsiao Bi-Khim has been vociferous about TIBET issue. In 2020, she was part of Taiwanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet which wanted DalaiLama to visit Taiwan.
Read ahead at: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va4NwgJAO7RJ1vWMFx11/1559
India, China tensions continued through 2021 and 2022, new details reveal
- Tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continued through 2021 and till end 2022 in the backdrop of the standoff in eastern Ladakh and continued attempts by China to ingress into Indian territory, new details have revealed.
Read ahead at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-china-tensions-continued-through-2021-and-2022-new-details-reveal/article67746294.ece
Malaysia to review migrant labour deals to stamp out exploitation
- Malaysia will review bilateral agreements with 15 nations from which it sources labourers in a bid to address exploitative practices and manpower imbalances that have left thousands of migrant workers stranded without jobs, officials said
China's economy expanded 5.2% last year, hitting the government's target despite an uneven recovery
Official data shows that China’s economy grew by 5.2% for 2023, but indicators point to a largely uneven recovery for the economy
Guantánamo Breakthrough: Malaysians Plead Guilty in Bali Bombings, Offer Key Testimony
- Two Malaysian prisoners at Guantánamo Bay plead guilty to conspiring in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, killing over 200 people.
- Guilty pleas seen as a breakthrough for military prosecutors, offering a resolution to long-standing cases against former C.I.A. prisoners.
- Defendants agree to testify against the accused ringleader, Hambali, potentially avoiding the use of statements tainted by C.I.A. torture; sentencing scheduled for next week.
Read ahead at: https://nyti.ms/48VfhsR
DRDO's Pinaka Rockets Spark South American Interest After Successful Deployment in Armenia
- DRDO actively develops Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers with ranges of 120 km and 200 km, drawing interest from two South American nations post-successful deployment in Armenia.
- The rockets, compatible with existing Indian Army launchers, showcase cost-effective solutions and operational efficiency in long-range targeting.
- India's defense capabilities garner international attention, fostering potential collaborations with South American nations seeking advanced rocket launcher systems.
Israeli Team in India for Collaborative Construction Workforce Recruitment
- A 15-member Israeli team arrives in India for recruitment drives, primarily focusing on hiring construction workers across various Indian states.
- The collaboration highlights international cooperation in addressing labor needs, fostering partnerships between Israel and India.
- The recruitment initiative signifies the global nature of workforce dynamics, with Israel seeking skilled individuals from India for specific sectors like construction.
KABIL Secures India's First Overseas Lithium Deal in Argentina, Boosting Supply Chain Diversification
- Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) signs India’s first overseas lithium deal in Argentina, aiming to secure lithium supplies and reduce dependence on China.
- The agreement supports India's lithium mining and downstream sectors, contributing to diversification of the supply chain and achieving Global Net Zero goals.
- India's entry into the US-led Mineral Security Partnership enhances efforts to develop sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains globally, crucial for the energy transition.
President Xi's Military Purge Raises Global Concerns Over China's War Readiness
- China's President Xi Jinping engages in a struggle within the military, aiming to purge commanders and reshape the PLA for potential combat, raising concerns about war readiness.
- Xi dismisses senior officers, emphasizing a need for military preparedness; analysts suggest corruption removal aligns with war preparation.
- Escalating tensions in East Asia, particularly concerning Taiwan, prompt warnings of a global conflict; US officials believe pervasive corruption decreases China's likelihood of significant military operations.
Read ahead at: https://toi.in/XiJin
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Challenges Imran Khan's Policies, Pledges New Direction in Pakistan's Political Landscape
- Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticizes Imran Khan's government for sending ISI chief to Afghanistan post-Taliban takeover, expressing concern over peace talks with Taliban and their resettlement in Pakistan.
- Vows to confront challenges, promises a new direction in upcoming elections, emphasizing PPP's commitment to end division and tackle terrorism.
- Highlights the narrowing political landscape, urges voters to choose between PPP and PML-N, questioning Nawaz Sharif's leadership and emphasizing PPP's dedication to the interests of the poor.
Read ahead at: https://toi.in/Weinv
BSF Apprehends Pakistani National Near Jammu Border, Raises Security Concerns
- Border Security Force (BSF) apprehends Pakistani national, Muhammad Sadiq (20), near Makwal border in Jammu district.
- Sadiq's arrest raises security concerns along the International border; his possession of a Pakistani National Identity Card adds to the alert.
- The incident emphasizes the ongoing challenges in maintaining border security and the vigilance required by security forces in the region.
Source: Resonant News
Arakan Army Seizes Key Logistics Base in Myanmar, Raises Concerns for Regional Security
- Significant setback for Myanmar Army as Arakan Army captures crucial logistics base in Paletwa town, Chin state.
- Loss jeopardizes border security with India and Bangladesh, impacting strategic military positions in the region.
- The Arakan Army's gain highlights the ongoing struggles in Myanmar, posing threats to regional security and border management.
Source: Resonant News
Maldives Orders Indian Military Withdrawal Amid Diplomatic Strain Over Social Media Dispute
- Tensions rise as Maldives President orders Indian military withdrawal by March 15 amid diplomatic row over derogatory social media posts against PM Modi.
- Maldives President, perceived as pro-China, strains ties with India; historical defense cooperation at risk as India considers directive from government.
- Strategic location of Maldives in the Indian Ocean gains significance for India, with implications on regional stability, energy supply routes, and tourism-driven economies.
Read ahead at: http://tinyurl.com/4tvc6pnb
Surging Food Prices in Pakistan Spark Concerns, Government Urges Action to Stabilize Markets
- In Lahore, Pakistan, egg prices hit PKR 400 per dozen, surpassing government rates. Onions are being sold at PKR 230-250/kg, exceeding the fixed rate of PKR 175/kg.
- The ECC directed the NPMC to work with provincial governments to stabilize prices and combat hoarding.
- Pakistan's total debt reached PKR 63.399 trillion by November 2023, with concerns raised about the economic model's effectiveness and rising poverty, according to a World Bank report.
Election Commission Mandates 5% Female Representation; PTI Faces Symbol Uncertainty Ahead of Pakistan Polls
- The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed political parties to ensure a mandatory 5% representation of female candidates on general seats for the upcoming February 8 elections.
- Parties must submit lists of male and female candidates within five days as per Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017.
- The PTI faces symbol allocation challenges, with a pending Supreme Court ruling on its iconic "bat" emblem.
- The top court recently nullified the Peshawar High Court's decision, impacting the PTI's symbol and potentially causing voter uncertainty.
News bits compiled by:
Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Drafted by:
Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Deepanjali Singh (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Published by:
