Author: Arif ArifArman

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Singapore’s move to double property taxes for foreigners signals that policy makers are growing more cognizant of surging money inflows from wealthy Chinese, even though the higher rates are unlikely to cool home prices. In new measures announced Thursday, foreigners will pay 60% tax on any residential purchase, while the rate for using an entity or a trust was raised to 65%, preventing any circumvention of the rules. Permanent residents and citizens buying their second residential property will also pay more. The additional buyer’s stamp duty, or ABSD, comes on top of a multi-tiered existing tax that all…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Violations of agreements on the contentious India-China border “eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations”, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told his Chinese counterpart in New Delhi on Thursday. Singh also told visiting Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu that bilateral ties were premised on the “prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders”, a statement from India’s Ministry of Defence said. The defence ministers of the two countries had not publicly met since September 2020, when General Wei Fenghe, Li’s predecessor, talked to Singh in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India has slammed Pakistan after its envoy at the UN raised the Kashmir issue and said no amount of misinformation, rhetoric and propaganda from any country can deny the fact that the union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “were, are and will always remain” an integral and inalienable part of India. Speaking at the UN General Assembly plenary on ‘Use of the veto’ on Wednesday, Pratik Mathur, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, also spoke on the adoption of the ‘veto initiative’ by the Assembly said India’s position has been consistent and clear.…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The report examines how the government should engage with faith groups in England and identifies the need for a more nuanced understanding of “subversive and sectarian activity” within the Sikh community. The report warns that some pro-Khalistan Sikh groups aim to artificially inflate their influence by lobbying political bodies under the guise of human rights activism, presenting a false appearance of legitimacy. It also notes that some groups use various aliases to “subvert the British political order”, a strategy used historically by white supremacist and Islamist terrorist groups. It notes that the subversive, sectarian, and discriminatory activities of…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The United Kingdom and India on Wednesday signed an agreement to collaborate on science and innovation. The agreement between the two nations was signed after the meeting between the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and UK Science Minister George Freeman. The memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations on research will enable quicker, deeper collaboration on science between the two science powerhouses that will drive economic growth, create skilled jobs and improve lives in two nations and worldwide, UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said in a press release.…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio have welcomed the commencement of negotiations on agreement concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology, recognising the future potential. The two premiers decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” as a guiding principle to lead the two countries’ journey into the next 50 years and beyond, according to a joint statement issued here today. Both leaders shared the determination to enhance cooperation, specifically cooperation for peace and stability in the region and beyond, deepening economic cooperation for mutual benefits and regional prosperity, and…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The stage is being prepared for the first of its kind international event–G20 tourism working group meeting under India’s presidency in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir–Srinagar, slated to be held on May 24-26, 2023 while the projects prioritized for the major event are in the finishing stage. For the first time after the abrogation of the Articles 370 and 35-A, Jammu and Kashmir will be hosting an international event in which delegates from G20 member states, guest countries and several international organizations will participate. Srinagar’s south and eastern pockets are getting a new facelift ahead of…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Bollywood is once again making its presence felt in the valley! The move is expected to give a significant boost to the economy of Kashmir and promote tourism in the region. The shooting of back-to-back Bollywood films in Kashmir has generated excitement among locals and tourists alike. According to Iliyas Ahmad, CEO of the Sonamarg Development Authority, the arrival of Bollywood stars like Shahrukh Khan and Taapsee Pannu will not only bring economic benefits to the region but also put Kashmir on the global map of tourism.” Shah Rukh and Taapsee reached Kashmir for the shoot of Rajkumar…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: American companies in China are increasingly pessimistic about the relationship between Washington and Beijing as geopolitical tensions escalate, even as they have a more favorable view of the nation’s economic recovery, according to a new survey. Some 87 per cent of respondents to a flash survey taken last week said they were at least slightly pessimistic about US-China ties, according to the survey published on Wednesday (Apr 26) by the American Chamber of Commerce in China. That was 14 percentage points higher than the chamber’s previous poll. “Bilateral relations between the United States and China have substantially deteriorated,”…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: According to a UN report, the demographic imbalance in China is likely to have far-reaching implications for the economy including labour shortages, rising employment costs and weakened spending power which would be a drag on economic growth. China’s working-age population between 16 and 59 years has been falling by an average of 0.14 per cent annually between 2011 and 2022 and the annual average decrease is expected to decelerate further to 0.83 per cent between 2022 and 2035. The working-age population fell to 62 per cent of the population at the end of 2022 from 62.5 per cent…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In order to explore opportunities for expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries on election matters, Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday (today) held productive discussions with the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan Dasho Sonam Topgay in Bhutan. The discussions took place at Democracy House, Thimphu, Bhutan today. According to an official press release by the Election Commission of India, the visit to Bhutan by CEC Rajiv Kumar happened almost after a decade, on the invitation of the CEC of Bhutan to further strengthen the cooperation between the two EMBs. During the visit, Chief…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting to be held in Srinagar from May 22 to 24 is an unprecedented opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to showcase its tourism potential to the world. As Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh rightly pointed out, the tourism sector is providing an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the country’s tourism offerings and share its success stories on the global stage. This event, to be attended by over 100 international delegates and 50-100 Indian members, will be the first major international event to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in August…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: On 24 May Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Sydney. It will be the first time Australia has hosted the Quad Leaders’ Summit and follows the Prime Minister’s attendance at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in May 2022. It will be the third in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “I am honoured to host the first ever Quad Leaders’ Summit in Australia in Sydney.” PM Albanese looks forward to welcoming his Quad counterparts to Australia for the Summit. These visits build on the meetings the Prime Minister has…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India participated in the Ninth BRICS Middle East North Africa (MENA) Meeting, on Wednesday, in Cape Town, under the chairmanship of South Africa. During the meeting, the member countries exchanged views on hotspots and the overall regional situation. On Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) met today in a hybrid format in Cape Town, under the chairmanship of South Africa. Members exchanged views on hotspots and overall regional situation.” During the meeting, they noted that rising global instability and uncertainties…

Mosharraf Zaidi: Three urgent national crises will remain unaddressed no matter who comes out on top in the political and institutional free-for-all battle royale that currently rages among Pakistan’s elite. The reason for this is simple, none of the key actors in the political spectrum, none of the Supreme Court judges and no individual civil servant, none among the twos, three-or-four-star generals, nor any of the BPS 22 secretaries has any interest in addressing these three urgent national crises. Regardless of who ends up ‘winning’ the current set of battles, Pakistanis will continue to suffer from living in a country…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Taiwan and the U.S. have signed two deals worth close to $420 million for maintaining fighter aircraft operated by the self-governing island that China considers its own territory. Based on the agreement, around $323 million will be allocated for a parts contract that runs through March 2028, according to a local news report. The smaller deal, which runs through June 2027, covers nonstandard parts and aviation materials. The deals were signed on Sunday. Taiwan has relied on the U.S. for air defense capability to secure its airspace and prepare for a possible Chinese invasion. China has been ramping…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The recent imposition of a USD 2.48 million fine by a Pakistan civil court on China National Petroleum Corporation for allegedly violating the contract signed with the Petroleum Exploration (Pvt.) Ltd. has again brought forth the increasing economic mistrust between the two countries accentuated by the financial crisis in Pakistan. Already many projects under the CPEC, like the Main Line1 (ML-I) railway line between Karachi and Peshawar and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), have been stalled and have become financial liabilities. There have also been unresolved differences between the two governments, which have stalled many projects. China has…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The third batch of another 135 stranded Indians, aboard the second IAF C-130J aircraft that had left strife-torn Sudan on Wednesday has reached Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah. Earlier today, Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, received the second batch of the 148 evacuated Indians as the first IAF C-130J reached Jeddah airport. The naval vessel INS Sumedha reached Jeddah port with 278 evacuated passengers today as well “#OperationKaveri in full swing. The second IAF C-130J flight departs Port Sudan for Jeddah, carrying another 135 passengers. This is the third batch of evacuees under #OperationKaveri,” MEA had tweeted.…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: A two day long Tsükhenyie 2023 (Chakhesang tribal festival) culminated today with traditional gaiety at Pfutseromi village under Phek district. The festival was organized by Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Nagaland. Gracing the cultural event today, MLA Dr. Neisatu Mero thanked tourism & higher education minister Temjen Imna Along for gracing the inaugural function of the festival on April 24. He also thanked the presence of CAWD & taxes advisor Kudecho Khamo, NPF Legislature Party leader MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and MLA Kevipodi Sophie. He acknowledged CPO, tourism department, district administration, various…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In recent years, Kashmir has been witnessing a growing community of farmers who are revolutionizing the way agriculture is practised in the region. These farmers, who are often referred to as trendsetters, have been successful in adopting innovative practices that have helped them increase yields and improve the quality of their produce. According to a report, their success has not only brought them financial benefits but has also inspired many others in the region to follow suit. A farmer in the Kashmir valley has exponentially increased his income by making a strategic shift from growing apples to cultivating…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: At first glance, Ima Keithel is much like any other market. Lines of vendors are here from dusk until dawn, eagerly flogging everything from fresh fruit to fish and fabrics. But after walking through its huge network of more than 5,000 stalls spread across three multi-story buildings and a sea of surrounding tin shacks, one unique aspect becomes hard to ignore: every single trader, without exception, is a woman. “We are just like family, we’re sisters,” says Meilani Chingangbam, a 65-year-old who has been selling religious ritual products like incense and shrine decorations at the market since 2002.…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: As we delve into the annals of World War II, certain stories, battles, and sacrifices stand out, seared into our collective memory. However, the Battle of Imphal remains a largely unexplored and forgotten chapter in this monumental conflict. This poignant tale of courage, sacrifice, and resilience highlights the vital role played by the local people of Manipur, especially in the city of Imphal, in turning the tide of the war, according to a report. “In March 1944, the picturesque capital of Manipur, Imphal, found itself at the heart of a fierce and protracted battle between the Japanese 15th…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, the Nepali Ambassador to China, has finally presented his letter of credence to Chinese President Xi Jinping, eight months after his appointment to the post. Chinese President Xi Jinping received the credentials from ambassador Shrestha at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Shrestha was appointed as ambassador in August of last year by then President Bidya Devi Bhandari, following the recommendation of the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government. During the occasion , Xi said that China is willing to work with the international community to promote the implementation of the Global Development…

FEATURE DESK: In a moment of great pride, a theatre at the University of New South Wales in Australia was renamed after Annada Gohain, an Assamese born who was the first woman to graduate from UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering. The Annada Gohain Theatre will replace Lecture Theatre G06 at the university’s CLB and will be on the tour of the Kensington campus. Annada completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Honours in 1948 from Cotton College, Guwahati after which she travelled to Australia in 1955 to participate in a special two-year Food Technology programme offered by the University of…