World
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
New Delhi, Male agree on mutually workable solution to continue operation of Indian platforms in Maldives
The two sides decided to set up the core group following a meeting between Modi and Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai
Asia
WHO asks China to regularly share data on Covid-19 situation
The global health agency has asked Chinese health officials to share data on genetic sequencing, hospitalisations, deaths and vaccinations
China welcomes first batch of int'l travellers after scrapping of quarantine norms
First flights under China's new 'no quarantine' rules for international travellers landed at airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen on Sunday
PM Modi holds talks with British counterpart Sunak
After his talks with Sunak, Modi said India attaches great importance to the robust India-UK ties
China to reopen borders, scrap quarantine for international travellers from Jan 8
Previously passengers coming from abroad had to mandatorily stay in over two weeks of quarantine in government accommodations
Xi Jinping secures third term as China leader: State media
President Xi was picked as the party's general secretary for another five-year term in a closed-door vote
Middle East
Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh killed during Israeli raid in West Bank
Ali Samoudi, another Palestinian journalist, was hospitalized in stable condition after being shot in the back
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
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
Blinken to visit Kyiv on Sunday: Zelensky
It will be the first official visit by US government officials since the February 24 invasion
Russia 'would deploy nuclear arms' near Finland, Sweden if join NATO
Finland said this week it will decide whether to apply for NATO membership within weeks and Sweden is also discussing membership
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
Americas
U.S. monitoring rise in human rights abuses in India: Antony Blinken
Ministers Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar, who spoke after Blinken at the briefing, did not comment on the human rights issue
SFJ protests grip Indian missions in Canada
According to Canadian TV channel CTV News, the protesters burned the Indian flag and shouted slogans against India
US sanctions Russia for 'beginning' invasion of Ukraine
Russia's upper house, the Federation Council, gave Putin unanimous approval to deploy 'peacekeepers' to two breakaway Ukrainian regions
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
Salman Rushdie on ventilator, likely to lose an eye, liver stabbed and damaged
According to Rushdie's agent, Andrew Wylie, the Mumbai-born controversial author was on a ventilator and could not speak
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