Author: Arif ArifArman

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focussing on indigenous development in different emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence and quantum technology. The Prime Minster approved on April 19 the National Quantum Mission for domestic development of technologies in secure communications, healthcare responses and disaster management through better predictions. The mission, from 2023-24 to 2030-31, will cost Rs 6,003.65 crore and will nurture scientific and industrial R&D, besides creating a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in quantum technology (QT) in India. Already India had been recognised a global leader in digital technology and IT enabled services, this…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has made two oil and gas discoveries in Mumbai offshore, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The company has named these discoveries ‘Amrit’ and ‘Moonga’, which are about 100 km and 30 km from the landfall points, respectively. Both these discoveries are located in the blocks the company won under the new Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) in the last few years. The company didn’t give more details on the discoveries as it is engaged in a detailed assessment currently. It has notified the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) about…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Australian assistant minister for foreign affairs Tim Watts has said that Bangladesh and Australia work closely together to promote their shared interests in regional peace and security, and have a growing trade and investment relationship. ‘I look forward to continuing discussions on our political and economic cooperation while in Bangladesh,’ he said. The Australian assistant minister is representing Australia at the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in Bangladesh, said the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. The conference is the flagship forum for key partners in the Indian Ocean region to discuss regional cooperation, growth, and security. This year’s conference…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in a special bulletin today said the Cyclonic storm “MOCHA” (Pronunciation: MOKHA) over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved Northwards, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the same area and was centered at 6pm today. “The severe cyclonic storm “MOCHA” over Southeast Bay and adjoining central Bay moved Northwards, intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over central Bay and adjoining Southeast Bay and was centered at 6am today about 1095 KMS South Southwest of Chattogram port, 1025 Kms South-Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1055 Kms South Southwest of Mongla port…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Amid political instability and economic crisis, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign reserves continue to decline due to loan repayment, reported Geo News. The foreign exchange reserves continued their downward trend and fell to USD 4.38 billion in the week ending May 5, central bank data showed on Thursday. Pakistan’s foreign reserves have declined sharply in recent months to a critically low level. The current reserves are not sufficient for even a month’s imports- a position that has remained the same as the country faces an acute balance of payments crisis, reported Geo News. In its weekly…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday issued notices to the federal government and others over the suspension of internet services across the country as protests broke out after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, ARY News reported. The Lahore High Court, while hearing the petition, filed by Lawyer Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi, has sought a reply from the authorities by May 22. In the petition, lawyer Abuzar Salman pleaded before the court to order the restoration of internet services and social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, as per ARY News. The petition said, “This…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The arrest of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has shifted the limelight from the issue of elections in the country quite effectively as the ongoing political turmoil is the talk of the town, Asian Lite reported. Pakistan is in utter chaos as a country, which was already under extreme economic crisis, is also facing political turmoil. It is now facing public outrage against the government and Army. The army has gathered its own forces under the command of Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir, whose appointment Imran had fought to stop both while he was…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In a major boost towards the testing and authentication of Pashmina, a state of art equipment OFDA 4000 stands procured by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir, an official statement said. The equipment was inaugurated by Director Handicrafts and Handlooms Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, on Wednesday at the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre, Bagh e Ali Mardan Khan Nowshera, Srinagar, the statement added. On this occasion, Director was briefed that the equipment was unique and its availability would enhance the testing process for the classification of Pashmina and other fibres. He was also informed that the testing…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Bangladesh and India have expressed satisfaction at the level of bilateral cooperation in various fields. This satisfaction was expressed when Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. “Both sides have expressed satisfaction at the level of bilateral cooperation in various fields,” he said. During the meeting, they discussed the South Asian regional economy amid the emerging situation in the backdrop of the post-Covid and Ukraine War. Besides, they also discussed the 6th…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Eight years into the major infrastructure project China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with which China has gained access to the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, Beijing is ready to invest and strive more, as it plans to push its State sector and autonomous enterprises into investing more even as they run losses in their projects abroad, Port Plus.si reported. In Pakistan, the ambitious plan takes into consideration the lack of capacity, necessary infrastructure, inadequate human and technical capabilities, and security threats to its installations and personnel from Gilgit-Baltistan in the north to Balochistan in the south of Pakistan.…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the rich countries to support the efforts to ensure universal healthcare for the lagging behind countries of the world. “Rich countries must step forward to ensure universal healthcare. In this connection, funds (finance) have to be disbursed,” she said. The prime minister said this while addressing a high level programme titled ‘Accelerating Universal Health Coverage Towards Smart Bangladesh’ at Hotel InterContinental. She said that many countries are still lagging behind. They need assistance. Enough fund should be created to support health and nutrition in areas that are not yet developed or…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The dangers of protectionism, hegemony and power politics that China warned the world about at the recent SCO foreign ministers’ meeting is precisely what the communist country advocates as it looks at Taliban-ruled Afghanistan as its new resource region. Foreign minister Qin Gang said in Goa, India, at the meeting that the world is faced with multiple crises and challenges featuring a resurgence of the Cold War mentality, headwinds of unilateral protectionism, and rising hegemonism and power politics. He called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to uphold strategic independence and deepen security cooperation. Around the…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Africa’s participation in the ongoing G20 presidency under India has been the highest ever, the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said. The G20’s focus on Africa has been consistent in recent years. However, India’s G20 Presidency is very unique given India’s track record of amplifying the voice and concerns of the Global South and developing countries. The Ambassador pointed this out while she was addressing the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development 2023. The 2023 ECOSOC Financing for Development (FfD) Forum was held from April 17-20 at UN Headquarters in New York. Additionally, the…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: While inviting Canadian businesspersons to participate in the journey of growth of the Indian economy, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said India offers a stable business environment with decisive and popular leadership. He appreciated Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng for her leadership and involvement in taking the Canada-India partnership to the next level. Piyush Goyal has invited Canadian businesspersons to participate in the journey of growth of the Indian economy during the Round Table of Indian and Canadian CEOs in Toronto, Canada on May 9. He…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The White House has announced the state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington DC next month. The visit has been in the works for months, with Indian officials working out the logistics for Mr Modi’s first state visit during the Biden administration. “President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023,” the announcement said, adding that the visit will “affirm the deep and close partnership” between the…

Dr Rakesh Shukla: India’s growth story is being projected as an outlook that may perhaps be second to none. With its private sector booming and demographic dividends beginning to yield returns, India’s economic outlook is amongst the more positive in today’s fragmented global financial environment. In a time when countries are struggling with incurred debt, India is poised to lead negotiations to help the developing world recover from unsustainable balance sheets. This in essence is not only a marker of India’s economic strengths but is also quite telling of its political will to project its leadership aspirations in a manner…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: The third Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Malaysia was held at foreign ministry here today. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Deputy Secretary General of Malaysian foreign ministry led their respective sides, a press release said here today. During the meeting, various issues on bilateral relations, including cooperation in the areas of trade and commerce, investment, energy, halal trade, tourism and culture, education, health, defence and security, agriculture, fisheries and livestock, ICT and telecommunication and shipping came under discussion. They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interests in the regional and international arena. Both…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Prime minister Sheikh Hasina here on Friday will inaugurate the two-day Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) which will bring ministerial-level delegations from at least 25 countries to discuss strengthening cooperation among the regional countries. “We are expecting that the sixth edition of the conference will make numbers of recommendations to face problems and challenges of Indian Ocean region that will play a vital role in formulating future work plan of this area,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said in a briefing at the foreign ministry here today. The partnership of Bangladesh with the countries in the Indian Ocean…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohammad Enamur Rahman on Wednesday said Cyclone Mocha is likely to intensify into a super cyclone. However meteorologists are predicting by the time it makes landfall, it would most likely take the form of a severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone is likely to make landfall on Cox’s Bazar coast by Sunday (May 14), he said. The state minister made the remarks at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon. Earlier, the state minister held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss preparations for Cyclone Mocha. “We have predicted that it will…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In the summer of 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status. This move was met with mixed reactions from the locals, with some feeling hopeful about the potential economic and social benefits, while others remained sceptical of the government’s intentions. For local entrepreneurs, the abrogation of Article 370 brought about several changes. With the removal of the special autonomous status, it became easier for businesses to operate in the region, as they were no longer subject to some of the regulations that had previously hindered their growth. The government also…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Canada has decided to expel a Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei following an uproar in the country over allegations of political meddling. However, Beijing has fiercely denied any election interference, calling the claims “purely baseless and defamatory”. “Canada has decided to declare persona non grata Mr. Zhao Wei,” read a statement by Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. “I have been clear: we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs. Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behaviour, they will be sent home,” she added. “This decision has been…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in October 2019, one of the main agendas discussed was the possible extradition treaty between Nepal and China. The draft of the treaty was prepared with the help of the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Nepal Police. However, due to concerns over its impact on international relations and pressure from the European Union countries and the United States, the treaty was not signed. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law have kept the draft of the treaty in their International Desk since its preparation.…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Tuesday met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the strengthening of strategic relations between India and Israel. With PM Modi, the Israeli Foreign Minister discussed expanding the Abraham Accords and also promoting a free trade agreement. Following his meeting with the PM, Cohen tweeted. “India is a world power, the fifth largest economy and the most populous country in the world. I spoke with PM Modi about strengthening the strategic relations between the countries, expanding the Abraham Accords, and promoting a free trade agreement that will boost Israel’s economy.” His tweet…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today witnessed the first drone flight at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science ( TRIHMS ) connecting the hospital under the Medicine From Sky program with East Kameng district. He along with Health Minister Alo Libang also flagged off 100 medical utility vehicles from the hospital complex. Chief Minister also dedicated to the people Block II of the TTRIHMS housing the newly functional Emergency and Trauma department and newly installed three Tesla MRI machines at the state’s lone medical college cum hospital here at Naharlagun. Addressing officials of state health…