World
India discusses Maldives debt
EAM says ties based on ‘mutual interests'
India asks Iran to free Indians on seized ship
The MSC Aries, owned by Zodiac Maritime, was seized close to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint
US mentions Kejriwal arrest, Congress allegations; India responds
Washington also seemed to dismiss New Delhi’s concerns on earlier comments by the US on Wednesday over the arrest of Kejriwal
Kerala man killed in missile attack in Israel
According to media reports from Jerusalem, the deceased has been identified as Pat Nibin Maxwell, a resident of Kerala's Kollam district
Houthis target oil tanker to India
This marks the third incident in the past month where Houthi missiles have targeted India-bound ships
Asia
Cyclone Sitrang hits Bangladesh, hundreds of thousands of people evacuated
At least five people had been killed in the districts of Barguna, Narail, Sirajganj and the island district of Bhola
South Korea to test AI-powered facial recognition to track COVID-19 cases
The nationally funded project in Bucheon is due to become operational in January, a city official told Reuters
Protests over China’s COVID controls spread across country
President Xi Jinping’s government faces mounting anger at its 'zero-COVID' policy that has shut down access to areas throughout China
Kim vows North Korea to have world's most powerful nuclear force
Kim exhorted the scientists and workers to 'expand and bolster up the nuclear war deterrent of the country at an exceptionally rapid speed'
India pushes Russia for 'return to talks, diplomacy' in Ukraine
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar once again conveyed India’s message to Russia that 'this is not an era of war'
Middle East
Navy Rushes to Aid Ship Hit by Houthi Drone
The merchant ship had nine Indians among its 22 crew members onboard
Pakistan opens air route to Afghanistan for commercial cargo
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan International Airlines said that it had immediately suspended its operation in Kabul citing 'security reasons'
UN expresses concern over human rights violations in Afghanistan
The UNAMA Human Rights said that there is a need for investigations, transparency and accountability of such cases
US, Taliban to hold first talks since Afghanistan withdrawal
Since the Taliban took power, IS extremists have ramped up attacks on the militant group, as well as ethnic and religious minorities
Qatar court commutes death sentence of 8 Navy veterans
The legal battle is however not concluded, as the eight individuals have not been acquitted
Africa
Mauritius oil spill ship operator to pay $9.4 million
More than 1,000 tonnes of oil is believed to have leaked from the ship, with the rest siphoned out before it spilled
African continent hits 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases
African health officials also worry that the continent will suffer as richer countries buy up supplies
Maduro announces arrest of 'American spy' near Venezuelan refineries
The arrest occurred after a 'plan to cause an explosion' was 'discovered and dismantled' at El Palito refinery, authorities say
Biden administration proposes massive hike in immigration fees including H-1B visas
The application for the H-1B visa increases from USD 460 to USD 780, and L-1 from USD 460 to USD 1,385
BRICS to Add 6 New Members
Brics also agreed to support India’s proposal for membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20
Europe
Boris Johnson to resign, will stay UK PM until new leader elected
The move came after days of high drama and a steady stream of resignations from his Cabinet since Tuesday
Maldives may be small but it doesn't give them license to bully us: President Muizzu
His comments came amid a diplomatic row with India over derogatory social media posts by three of his ministers against PM Narendra Modi
Russia announces opening of humanitarian corridors in Kyiv, other cities
Russian forces, for humanitarian purposes, are declaring a 'regime of silence' from 10:00 am on 7 March, the Russian defence ministry said
Germany unveils cannabis liberalisation plan, with caveats
The plan calls for the sale of cannabis to adults at licensed outlets, and the aim is to combat the black market
Modi Defends Indian Interests Well, Says Putin
The praise comes at a time when India is facing increasing pressure from the US on the alleged plot to kill pro-Khalistan extremist Pannun
Americas
Indian journalist attacked, envoy threatened at Khalistan protest in US
The Indian mission thanked the law enforcement agencies for their prompt response in the matter
US ready to support India in diversifying its energy imports
The remarks come amid increasing disquiet in the West over India's indication to buy larger volumes of discounted crude oil from Russia
US fighter jets shoot down high-altitude airborne object in Canada: White House
The decision in this regard was taken following a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
US lifts COVID-19 test requirement for international travel
A senior senior administration official said that the agency would reevaluate the need for the testing requirement every 90 days
Not familiar with it, familiar with shared values with India: US on BBC documentary
Price said that there are numerous elements that bolster the US' global strategic partnership with India
Oceania
Indian student stabbed multiple times in Australia allegedly for cash
The incident took place on Oct 6 at about 10.30 pm, as Shubham Garg walked along the Pacific Highway, NSW Police Force said in a statement
New Zealand extends Delta outbreak lockdown
PM Jacinda Ardern said the initial three-day lockdown, which would have expired overnight Friday, would be extended by another four days
Coronavirus cases surge across Australia as omicron explodes
The surge has already overwhelmed testing stations, prompted new vaccine mandates and caused at least one state to cut back on surgeries
Facebook to restore Australia news pages as deal reached on media law
Prime Minister Scott Morrison had angrily accused Facebook of making a decision to 'unfriend' Australia
New Zealand temporarily suspends entry of travellers from India amid COVID-19 surge
The travel restriction comes after New Zealand recorded 23 new COVID-19 cases in managed isolation on Thursday, of which 17 came from India