In a historic milestone for Saudi Arabia’s space exploration program, SpaceX successfully sends the first Saudi Arabian astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). This significant achievement marks a major leap forward for Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in space and opens up new avenues for scientific research and international collaboration.
In a significant partnership, Israel has joined hands with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), to establish a state-of-the-art Water Technology Centre. This collaboration aims to leverage Israel’s expertise in water management and conservation, combined with IIT-M’s technical prowess, to address the pressing water challenges faced by India.
The G7, also known as the Group of Seven, is an influential and exclusive forum consisting of seven advanced economies that collectively shape global economic policies. Comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the G7 plays a crucial role in addressing pressing global challenges, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting sustainable development.
Nepal has officially declared the year 2025 as a Special Tourism Year, aiming to promote its unique cultural and natural heritage to a global audience. This initiative seeks to attract tourists from around the world and boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the country’s economy. With a focus on sustainable tourism practices and the preservation of its rich heritage, Nepal aims to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors while creating opportunities for local communities and fostering economic growth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the end of the global health emergency for MPOX, a contagious disease that had posed a significant threat to public health worldwide. After extensive monitoring, containment efforts, and successful vaccination campaigns, the WHO has determined that the risk of a widespread outbreak has significantly decreased. This declaration marks a significant milestone in the global fight against MPOX and brings hope for a return to normalcy.
India and Canada have reached a mutual understanding to enhance dialogue and engagement on facilitating the movement of skilled professionals and students between the two countries. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral relations, promote educational opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of talent, knowledge, and expertise.
Saudi Arabia has launched a new e-visa system, and India is one of the seven countries chosen to benefit from this initiative. The e-visa system simplifies the visa application process, allowing eligible Indian travelers to obtain their visas online, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
After years of exclusion, Syria’s reentry into the Arab League marks a significant milestone in the country’s diplomatic relations. With the normalization of ties with President Bashar al-Assad’s government, this decision has far-reaching implications for Syria and the wider Middle Eastern region.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has taken the lead in bolstering India’s finest athletes on their journey to the Olympics. As the nation aims for sporting glory, TOPS has emerged as a comprehensive support system, focusing on the development and nurturing of India’s top talent. With its relentless efforts and strategic investments, TOPS is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian sports.
In a landmark ruling, the Sri Lanka Supreme Court has paved the way for the decriminalization of homosexuality in the country. This decision marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and is seen as a victory for equality and human rights advocates in Sri Lanka.
In the face of a severe economic crisis, Pakistan has made the decision to hand over its Hajj quota to Saudi Arabia. This move comes as a result of the financial challenges the country is currently experiencing, which have made it difficult to facilitate the pilgrimage for its citizens. By giving up its quota, Pakistan aims to alleviate the burden on its economy while ensuring that Pakistani Muslims still have the opportunity to perform Hajj through Saudi Arabia’s Hajj program.
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2023, an annual high-level international meeting, emphasized the pressing need for immediate and decisive climate action. Held virtually, the conference brought together global leaders, policymakers, and climate experts to discuss key challenges, strategies, and collaborative efforts in combating climate change. The discussions underscored the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and mobilizing financial resources to address the climate crisis.
The Australian High Commission in India has announced a government grant to support a development project in Kargil, a district in the Union Territory of Ladakh. This initiative aims to enhance community infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the region. The grant signifies the deepening bilateral ties between Australia and India and reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting local communities in India.
Russia celebrated the 78th anniversary of Victory Day with a parade in Moscow, showcasing the country’s military might and honoring its fallen soldiers.
India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation, with a focus on key technology areas such as aerospace, electronics instrumentation, civil infrastructure and engineering, environment, mining, chemicals, petrochemicals, and agriculture.
During a special meeting chaired by Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell in Srinagar, it was announced that the Australian Government Grant for a project in Kargil will be the first of its kind in the history of Ladakh.
According to data from analytics firm Kpler, India has become Europe’s largest supplier of refined fuels this month, while also buying record amounts of Russian crude. Europe’s reliance on Indian crude oil products has grown since the ban on Russian oil, with Europe’s refined fuel imports from India set to surge above 360,000 barrels a … Read more
Chinese state-owned firm China Merchants Group has revealed plans to invest $2bn in Sri Lanka by constructing a major logistics hub. The move comes as Sri Lanka looks to recover from its economic crash after defaulting on its foreign debt last year. The logistics centre project will bring China Merchants Group’s accumulated investment in Sri … Read more
The preliminary results of Uzbekistan’s referendum show that 90.21% of voters supported the changes proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to rewrite the country’s Constitution. The reforms promise more freedoms to the people of the former Soviet republic and could also see the President extending his rule beyond his current two-term limit.
The Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has identified India as one of the five countries referred to as “Laundromat” countries, which buy Russian oil and then sell processed products to European countries, thereby bypassing European sanctions against Russia.
Poland announced on Saturday that it had seized a high school building near Moscow’s embassy in Warsaw that was intended for the children of diplomats, a move that the Russian envoy deemed “illegal.” The dispute over the multi-storey building, which dates back to the 1970s and is known as the “spy nest” among Warsaw locals, … Read more
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, and his British counterpart, UK Minister George Freeman, have announced the creation of an India-UK “NET Zero” Innovation Virtual Centre. The centre will bring together stakeholders from both countries to work on decarbonization of manufacturing processes and transport systems and green hydrogen … Read more
The US and South Korea have reached a landmark agreement to counter the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Under the Washington Declaration, the US has agreed to periodically deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations. In return, South Korea has agreed not to develop its own nuclear weapons.
On April 25, 2023, United States President Joe Biden announced his bid for a second term in the 2024 presidential election. In a video shared on Twitter with the caption “Let’s Finish The Job”, Biden emphasized the need to continue working towards the betterment of the country and not to be complacent in the face of challenges.
Australia is set to host the third in-person Quad Summit on May 24 in Sydney. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprises of India, the US, Japan and Australia.
Mongolia’s first oil refinery, built and funded with Indian assistance, will be completed by 2025, said the country’s Ambassador Dambajav Ganbold. In an interview, Ganbold said the first stage of Mongol Oil Refinery, built with a $1.2 billion Indian soft loan, will be completed at the end of this year.
In a significant boost to reproductive rights, Japan’s Health Ministry has approved the country’s first abortion pill. While abortion pills are widely available in many countries across the globe, the medication was not approved by Japan’s Health Ministry. The approval came from the Health Ministry’s Pharmaceutical Board after it approved the MeFeego Pack abortion pill manufactured by British pharmaceutical Linepharma.
According to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2023, published by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth, New York City has emerged as the wealthiest city in the world, with 340,000 resident millionaires. Tokyo with 290,300 resident millionaires, ranked second, followed by The Bay Area, London, and Singapore.
The US has emerged as India’s biggest trading partner in 2022-23 on account of increasing economic ties between the two countries.
According to the provisional data of the commerce ministry, the bilateral trade between India and the US has increased by 7.65 per cent to USD 128.55 in 2022-23 as against USD 119.5 billion in 2021-22. It was USD 80.51 billion in 2020-21.
Russia’s Gazprombank has expanded its ties with banks in India to expedite trade between the two countries in national currencies, as Russia this year has become the biggest supplier of oil to India. It is the third-largest lender of Russia by assets and a key conduit of the Russian energy trade.
The 2nd India-Peru Joint Commission Meeting was held in New Delhi in which both sides reviewed their traditionally friendly relations and discussed ways to take forward cooperation in areas of mutual interest including trade and investments.
Britain is ready to provide an extra $500 million of loan guarantees to Ukraine, British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said. British loan guarantees had been important to underwrite a broader $15.6 billion four-year package of support for Ukraine from the International Monetary Fund.
The Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2022 conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) shows that the poverty rate in Bangladesh has declined sharply from 24.3 percent in 2016 to 18.7 percent in 2022.
A powerful cyclone Ilsa hit Western Australia close to Port Hedland as a category five storm today. The storm has been however downgraded to category three, but a red alert remains in place for some inland communities.
Germany is going to shut down its 3 remaining nuclear power plants- Isar 2, Emsland and Neckarwestheim 2 all of which are set to go offline soon.
Montana becomes the first US state to pass legislation banning TikTok on personal devices. TikTok has been accused of posing a national security risk through data gathered from users. The bill, known as SB 419, passed by a vote of 54 to 43.
Fierce fighting has been reported as clashes erupted between the Army and paramilitary forces in Sudan. Tensions prevailed over a proposed transition to civilian rule. Capital Khartoum is under duress as civilians are struggling to seek shelter, due to the ongoing power struggle.
India on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) paving the way for sending 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.
During External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Kampala (Uganda), he has launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ of Varanasi.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj has handed over the contribution of USD 2 million to the UN Trust Fund in support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Bangladesh, Japan, and India will hold a meeting in Tripura on 11-12 April, 2023, for connectivity initiatives to harness the commercial potential of the region.
The first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Emine Dzhaparova is on a four-day visit to India from April 9, 2023.
During the visit, she will hold talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to the Forbes Billionaire 2023 list, Mukesh Ambani has regained his spot as Asia’s richest person after rival Gautam Adani (USD 47.2 billion) tumbled to No. 24. Ambani (65) was ranked at No. 9 on the world billionaire list with a net worth of USD 83.4 billion.
Amit Kshatriya, a decorated Indian-American software and robotics engineer was appointed as the first head of NASA’s newly-established Moon to Mars Programme that will help the agency ensure a long-term lunar presence needed to prepare for humanity’s next giant leap to the Red Planet.
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has approved to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to state news agency, Saudi Arabia also approved a memorandum on granting the kingdom the status of a dialogue partner in the SCO.
A senior Russian diplomat has said that Moscow will no longer inform the US about its missile tests. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Moscow has halted all information exchanges with Washington after previously suspending its participation in the last remaining nuclear arms pact with the US.
Japan will provide USD 1.24 billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan to Bangladesh for three infrastructure and connectivity projects in the country.
The Eecutive Board of Directors of the World Bank has approved a $108 million loan to improve disaster preparedness and enhance flood forecasting in Assam, a state which faces serious floods almost every year.
The project will benefit around six million people and is part of a larger $500 million investment programme for Assam, the bank said in a statement.
First Citizens Bank, one of the nation’s largest regional banks, is buying large pieces of Silicon Valley Bank more than two weeks after the lender’s collapse sent tremors through the banking system.
The world’s tallest hotel is on track to open in Dubai in the first quarter of 2024, according to the UAE-based property developer First Group. At 365-meters, the 82-story hotel Ciel will be ready early next year, the company announced on Wednesday.
US President Joe Biden would present the 2021 National Humanities Medals to Indian-American Vera Mindy Chokalingam, known professionally as Mindy Kaling, among others, the White House announced 20th March, 2023
India and Japan have signed two documents on the sidelines of the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The agreements include the Renewal of the Memorandum of Cooperation in Japanese language, and Exchange of notes on JICA loan for 300 billion Yen on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina on Saturday jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh friendship diesel pipeline.
Recently, at the United Nations Least Developed Countries (LDC) Summit that concluded on March 9 in Doha, Qatar, the landlocked Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will no longer be on the list of LDCs and will become only the seventh country to graduate from the list.
She Changes Climate campaign: Climate entrepreneur Shreya Ghodawat has been appointed as India’s ambassador for She Changes Climate– a global campaign driving awareness of the crucial role of women in accelerating just climate action.
The United States of America (USA) Senate approved the appointment of Eric Garcetti as the next US Ambassador to India. With the development, 52-year-old Garcetti will now fill in the key diplomatic position that had been vacant for more than two years.
India is still the world’s largest importer of military equipment, despite an 11% decline in arms purchases between 2013–17 and 2018–22, according to a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri).
A two-day flower festival, showcasing the vibrancy and colourful display of G20 members and guest countries, is being held at Delhi’s Connaught Place from today.
Startup-focused lender Silicon Valley Bank Financial Group became the largest bank to fail since the 2008 financial crisis, in a sudden collapse that roiled global markets, left billions of dollars belonging to companies and investors stranded.
Colombia has opened military service to women for the first time in 25 years. A cohort of 1,296 women have been enlisted in Colombia’s Army in the month of February.
In an election overshadowed by political instability, Nepal elected Ram Chandra Poudel as its President Thursday (March 9).
The United States and India will sign a memorandum of understanding on semiconductors as both countries discuss coordination of investment and continue dialogue around policies to spur private investment, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Indian American attorney Arun Subramanian became the first member of the community to become a Judge of the Manhattan Federal District Court of New York, also becoming the first South Asian judge to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping was on 10th March endorsed by hand-picked Communist party elites for an unprecedented third term as president in a ceremonial vote at the Great Hall of the People. With this, 69-year-old Xi has emerged as China’s most dominant leader in decades, rivalling in stature the iconic Mao Zedong.
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has appointed Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani as the country’s new prime minister.
Kuwait’s crown prince re-appointed Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah as Prime Minister and asked him to nominate a cabinet on Sunday, according to the state news agency KUNA. This comes more than a month after the government resigned due to increased tensions with the parliament.
India hosted the Quad Foreign Ministers in New Delhi on March 3, 2023. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar chaired the meeting. The Foreign Ministers of Australia and Japan and the Secretary of State of the US participated in the meeting. It is an opportunity for the Ministers to continue their discussions held at their last meeting in New York in September 2022.
The government of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, has announced plans to establish RAK Digital Assets Oasis, the world’s first free zone dedicated to digital and virtual asset companies. The announcement was made at the Blockchain Life 2023 conference.
The first G2O Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Meeting under India’s presidency is being started in Bangalore.
Former US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton announced a Global Climate Resilience Fund of 50 million dollars for women to fight climate change. This fund will also help to provide new livelihood resources and education.
Bangladesh will start receiving electricity from the Godda power plant in Jharkhand from the first week of March, says state minister for power Nasrul Hamid. Talking to media in Dhaka on Sunday, Nasrul Hamid said 750 megawatt power will come from the first unit of Adani power plant in Godda in March. Another 750 megawatt of power will come from the second unit of the Godda power plant in April.
In Chile, at least 23 people were killed in devastating forest fires which occurred following a blistering heat wave in the central part of the country. A senior official said, Chile has extended the state of emergency. The orders allow for the deployment of soldiers and additional resources to deal with the natural disaster.
India will be invited as the focal country at the Madrid International Book Fair in 2025, the Ambassador of Spain to the country Jose Maria Ridao said.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the biggest book fair of Bangladesh ‘Ekushey Boi Mela’ in Dhaka. Theme 2023: Poro Boi, Goro Desh: Bangbandhur Bangladesh” (Read books, build the country, a country of Bangabandhu’s dream)
The global business firm, BioAsia has selected the United Kingdom (UK) as its country partner for the 20th edition of the largest event in the biotechnological industry of Asia.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan launched the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and Innovation Bridge. Innovation Bridge will connect both countries’ defense startups.
India and Egypt sign an MoU to facilitate content exchange, and Co-Productions between Prasar Bharati and the National Media Authority of Egypt.
Brazil’s government has declared a medical emergency in the Yanomami territory, after the reports of children dying of malnutrition and other diseases caused by illegal gold mining.
The American India Foundation (AIF) has inaugurated India’s first STEM Innovation and Learning Center (SILC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
With the theme of ‘lifestyle for Environment’, 5 km marathon ‘Run for Life’ was organised by Indian Embassy in Kathmandu today. Hundreds of college-going students, rescued human trafficking victims, sports persons, health enthusiasts, medics, and children ran the marathon promoting running as a healthy lifestyle.
India has handed over two sea ambulances to help the MALDIVES NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (MNDF). India has completed 23 out of 45 impactful community development projects.
Dr. Jaishankar announced an additional grant of 100 Million Maldivian rupiyas for more such community development projects.
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum started in Davos, Switzerland, on January 16 and will continue till January 20, 2023.
Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel (28) has been crowned the Miss Universe 2022 at the 71st Miss Universe pageant organized in New Orleans, Louisiana.
European officials and Carl XVI Gustaf (Swedish King) have inaugurated the first mainland orbital launch complex of the European Union at Esrange Space Centre near the city of Kiruna, Sweden.
Swedish state-owned mining company, LKAB, has discovered more than one million tonnes of rare earth oxides in the northern area of the country. This is the largest known deposit in Europe.
India has assumed the chairmanship of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement for one year on 1st January 2023.
India will take over the leadership of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) having its Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand from this month.
The Communications Ministry said, the APPU is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
The G20 foreign minister meet is scheduled to take place in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in March 2023.
The government has issued an expected guest list that includes Joe Biden (US President), Vladimir Putin (Russia President), Rishi Sunak (UK Prime Minister), Xi Jinping (China Presidet), among others.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Bombay in collaboration with European universities are working towards building a low-cost technology to check the quality of potable and other water in India.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has been named the Secretariat for Science 20 (S20), the G20 summit’s science working group.
S20 2023 theme is ‘Disruptive Science for Innovative and Sustainable Development.’
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the World Trade Organization’s 2024 ministerial conference, the largest global gathering of trade ministers. The meeting will take place in Abu Dhabi in the week of February 26, 2024.
The Golden Boot, is awarded to the World Cup’s top goal scorer, is presently tied for first place with five goals each between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final game.
The men’s FIFA World Cup, the most important event in international football, features the top national teams in action. Football is widely perceived as the most popular sport in the world, and the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years, spectacularly draws massive crowds.
Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa, a Hawaiian princess whose lineage included the royal family that once ruled the islands and an Irish businessman who became one of Hawaii’s largest landowners, passed away at the age of 96 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried into space the first ever Arab-built lunar spacecraft.
The 4-day meeting of G20 Development Working Group (DWG) will begin in Mumbai under the India’s Presidency. The Development Working Group meetings aims to discuss developmental issues in Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries and Island Countries.
India has inked an agreement on a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership with Germany, to help the citizens of both the nations to study, do research and work in each other’s country.
India has assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of December. It is the second time in its two-year tenure as an elected member of the UN Security Council that India has assumed the Presidency of the Council. India had earlier assumed the Presidency of the UNSC in August 2021.
India will assume chairmanship of the plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement for a year on January 1, 2023, just five years after joining the 42-member voluntary export control regime that monitors transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use goods.
