International Relations

A recent statement by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that India can play a “stabilising” and “bridging” role, at a time when the world no longer offers an “optimistic picture”, is intriguing. He stated that India can contribute towards the “de-risking of the global economy” and in political terms, “in …

The 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal will be conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi (Nepal), from 16 – 29 December 2022. Exercise “SURYA KIRAN” is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare &counter terrorism …

China has set up a ropeway near the TorsaNala on its side of the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, and is strengthening roads and other infrastructure along the entire eastern sector, according to defence sources. In the Yangtse area of Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh, which saw a scuffle last week, defence officials …

At least six civil society groups, comprising 50 local people, which met the 27-member fact-finding delegation of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) recently in Srinagar were headed by ex-Army personnel. Sources privy to the meetings held between the MEPs, drawn from the far-right parties, and the civil society …

Pakistan on Wednesday issued a commemorative coin to mark Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary in November. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a picture of the coin. The coin comes ahead of the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor on November 9. Last November, both India and Pakistan …

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong’s legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the ci ty’s pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city. Chief Executive Carrie Lam has faced an outpouring of anger from her opponents …

Damascus on Thursday said Syrians are unified against a cross-border Turkish assault, in its first statement since deploying troops in Kurdish-controlled areas to contain Ankara’s offensive. “The Syrian government renews its absolute rejection and strong condemnation of Turkey’s blatant aggression,” said a Foreign Ministry statement carried by state news agency …

Prime Minister Boris Johnson Johnson on Thursday urged MPs “to come together” and support his “excellent” Brexit deal without any more delay. But he is facing a desperate scramble for votes to pass the deal in Parliament, as his Conservative government is well short of a majority. MPs will debate …

Tells allies to forgo deals with Russia On a day when External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had said that he was “reasonably convinced” of persuading the U.S. to accept India’s decision on the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system, U.S. officials warned that any such purchases may risk …

War, climate change, mental illness and online misinformation are rising threats Protracted conflicts, the worsening climate crisis, a rising level of mental illness among young people, and online misinformation are some of the most concerning emerging global threats to children, cautions UNICEF. In an open letter issued by the organisation’s …