Gulveer Singh Breaks 16-Year-Old National Record In 10000-Metre

Asian Games bronze medalist athlete Gulveer Singh displayed exceptional prowess in the men’s 10,000m event at The Ten in San Juan Capistrano, California, setting a new national record that had stood for 16 years.

The 25-year-old Gulveer completed the race in a remarkable time of 27:41.81, surpassing the previous record held by Surendra Singh since 2008 by over 20 seconds. Despite his outstanding performance, Gulveer fell short of the Olympic qualification mark for the Paris Games, missing it by a significant margin of over 41 seconds.

Meanwhile, Kartik Kumar also demonstrated remarkable prowess by placing ninth with a time of 28:01.90, surpassing Surendra’s prior national record. However, Avinash Sable faced a setback as he did not finish his heat, withdrawing from the race during the 15th lap at the 6,000-metre mark.

In the women’s 10,000-metre event, Parul Chaudhary’s performance was below expectations, as she finished in 20th place with a time of 32:02.08. Parul, like her male counterparts, missed the Paris qualification standard of 30:40.00.

Despite the varied results that awaited the Indian athletes during The Ten, Gulveer Singh’s unprecedented achievement serves as an example of his ability and determination, thus highlighting the potential of India on the global athletics platform.

India To Hold World’s Largest Elections From April-June

The largest general election in history is expected to take place in India from April to June, with the announcement of the results on June 4. The election, which will determine the 18th Lok Sabha and have around one billion eligible voters, is a significant democratic endeavour.

Almost a billion people will cast ballots in this six-week, seven-phase election extravaganza, which will see unprecedented participation. Concurrently, four state assemblies—Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim—will also conduct polls, with Odisha’s elections spread over four phases.

To facilitate this mammoth electoral process, over one million polling stations will be established across the country, accommodating more than 960 million voters. In the previous 2019 election, the PM Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a majority. PM Modi’s leadership has significantly increased India’s economic growth and diplomatic influence, particularly in regions where emerging and developing nations represent India.

The opposition parties have escalated their criticism of PM Modi’s administration, citing worries over economic inequality and claims of religious division, even though polls suggest that the BJP is likely to retain its majority. As PM Modi runs for a third term in a row, all eyes are on the BJP’s performance, with a particular focus on any changes that might occur in the parliamentary dynamics.

EAM S Jaishankar To Pay Five Day Visit To Singapore, Philippines & Malaysia

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to embark on a significant five-day diplomatic mission to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, commencing on March 23. The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and address shared regional concerns. Jaishankar’s itinerary begins in Singapore, where he will engage with counterparts and dignitaries. The visit, extended at the invitation of host countries, highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing ties with key partners in Southeast Asia.

According to S Jaishankar, the tour will prioritise strengthening bilateral relations with the three countries and offer a forum for discussion on regional issues of shared interest. It is expected that talks will cover the strategic dynamics of the Red and South China Seas, emphasising the promotion of peace, stability, and compliance with international law, especially UNCLOS.

India’s defence and strategic cooperation with the Philippines have notably progressed in recent years, exemplified by a substantial USD 375 million missile deal finalised in January 2022. Furthermore, discussions during the visit may also address emerging security challenges, like the recent incidents involving Houthi militants targeting cargo vessels in the Red Sea and other critical waterways.

Rishi Sunak Plans Tax Cuts Ahead Of Autumn Election

The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is preparing a strategy to avert a Conservative Party defeat in the upcoming election. His strategy calls for the announcement of an additional tax-cutting budget proposal in September, followed by elections in October or November.

However, implementing this strategy could present difficulties. Sunak’s political advisors anticipate this difficulty, especially after he definitively ruled out a snap election on May 2, ending weeks of speculation. Although the exact date of the election is still uncertain, the Prime Minister’s team is confident that they can leverage the anticipated reductions in interest rates, declining inflation, and available fiscal space to implement additional pre-election incentives.

Despite Britain’s strained finances, advisors have proposed significant income tax reductions, cuts to property stamp duty aimed at first-time buyers, and potentially revolutionary changes to council tax.

The goal is to corner the opposition Labour Party by proposing tax cuts to a degree where Labour would have to oppose them, creating a point of contention in the campaign.

Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, reduced the national insurance payroll tax by two percentage points in two fiscal statements. Labour had pledged to do the same, although it has reservations about further reductions due to concerns about the deterioration of the public service.

Nasa Is Sending ‘Paani’ To Jupiter’s Moon Europa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to launch the Europa Clipper Mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa, this October, aiming to uncover its mysteries. Extraterrestrial life may exist on Europa because its icy crust hides a huge ocean that is larger than all of Earth’s oceans put together.

NASA engraved a message on the spacecraft in 103 languages, including Hindi, that represented the word “water” in visual waveforms together with the American Sign Language symbol for it, symbolising Earth’s link with Europa. The goal of the Europa Clipper project is to promote curiosity and connectivity over cosmic distances, drawing inspiration from the golden record of the Voyager expedition.

The spaceship is carrying a silicon microchip with over 2.6 million names, which stand for human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration, as well as a literary homage written by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón. The mission’s vault plate, according to NASA’s Planetary Science Division Director Lori Glaze, combines science, technology, education, art, and arithmetic.

As humanity ventures into the depths of Jupiter’s moon, the Europa Clipper mission symbolises our boundless curiosity and collaborative spirit in the cosmos.

EU To Fund Egypt With Billions of Euros To Strengthen Ties

EU leaders are set to announce a €7.4 billion funding package in Cairo to strengthen ties with Egypt, aiming to address migrant flows across the Mediterranean. This agreement elevates the EU-Egypt relationship to a “strategic partnership,” focusing on renewable energy, trade, and security cooperation.

There will be €5 billion in macro-financial assistance, €1.8 billion in investments, and €600 million in grants over the next three years. Immediate emergency funding of €1 billion will be provided, with the remaining €4 billion subject to European Parliament approval.

The initiative, developed closely with the IMF, aims to alleviate Egypt’s economic challenges, exacerbated by high inflation and financial strain. Conflicts in neighbouring Sudan and Gaza highlight Egypt’s strategic importance. A delegation of prime ministers from Italy, Greece, Austria, Belgium, and Cyprus is led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Egypt has secured $20 billion in multilateral support and has largely curbed irregular migration since 2016. However, there’s a rise in Egyptians attempting to cross via Libya, prompting EU funding to address migration. Critics question Western support for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, citing human rights concerns and mass incarcerations. The Human Rights Watch organization criticises the plan for being flawed and neglectful of abuses.

EU Parliament Gives Final Nod To AI Law

The European Parliament has granted final approval to the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, marking a significant milestone in global AI regulation. Passed after five years of deliberation, the Act aims to steer AI development towards a human-centric approach, ensuring human control over the technology for societal progress and economic growth.

The law classifies AI applications according to risk levels, imposing more stringent regulations on high-risk applications, including vital infrastructure and medical devices. Companies must adhere to voluntary standards and codes of conduct, while certain AI applications, like social scoring systems and predictive policing, are outright banned due to their perceived risks.

The EU’s regulatory framework sets a precedent for other nations grappling with AI governance. While the U.S. is drafting its own AI legislation under President Joe Biden, China has introduced interim measures for managing AI, emphasising fair and safe use. Brussels’ initiative emphasises its leadership in shaping global AI governance, urging other governments to follow suit in ensuring responsible AI deployment.

The AI Act signifies a shift towards proactive regulation in the face of rapidly advancing technology, reflecting the EU’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and fundamental rights. By providing a comprehensive framework for AI governance, the EU aims to foster innovation while mitigating the potential risks associated with AI proliferation.

Government Panel Recommends Cutting Short State Assemblies’ with ‘One Nation, One Election’

A government panel has recommended India adopt simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the national parliament, aiming to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and governance efficiency.

Before the upcoming elections, the panel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration appointed submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. However, implementing the proposed “one nation, one election” policy would require parliamentary approval and state ratification, and it might encounter opposition from states run by PM Modi’s rivals who raise federalism concerns.

The panel, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, argued that asynchronous elections cause instability, impacting supply chains, investments, and economic growth. It implied that conducting polls concurrently could accelerate GDP growth. In the past, India held elections simultaneously; however, this tradition was interrupted, which resulted in the current staggered system.

The group suggested that local body elections be integrated within a hundred days after state and national polls, after first coordinating elections for the lower house of parliament and state assemblies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which supports the proposal, emphasises potential cost savings and the preference for governance over electioneering. Nevertheless, the concept encounters difficulties when traversing India’s intricate federal politics.

India’s Defence Ministry Inks Deals Worth $975 Million For Indigenous Helicopters

On Wednesday, India’s defence ministry signed contracts worth $975 million (80.73 billion rupees) with Hindustan Aeronautics, procuring 34 indigenous advanced light helicopters for the army and coast guard. The Indian Army strengthened its capabilities by signing a deal to purchase 25 ALH helicopters. This includes improving combat readiness in the Western Desert Zone and building a new ALH Dhruv attack helicopter squadron in Jodhpur.

These helicopters, like the ALH Dhruv Mk III UT, are versatile and made for various operations, such as casualty evacuation, troop transport, and search and rescue. They have demonstrated that they operate well in high-altitude areas like Ladakh and Siachen Glacier.

The acquisitions represent a step towards indigenous defence manufacturing, as the army and coast guard will receive 34 ALH Dhruv Mk III helicopters to support their fleets. Additionally, Apache attack helicopters are going to be provided to the Indian Army; the first squadron is going to be based in Jodhpur. Considering the recent conflict in the northern area, this acquisition is crucial.

Through these acquisitions, India hopes to improve its defence capabilities by utilising indigenous technology and strategic alliances with nations such as the US.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay Begins A Five Day India Visit

Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, embarked on a significant five-day visit to India. It is his first overseas trip since taking office in January. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tobgay are expected to have an extensive range of discussions to strengthen the long-lasting relations between India and Bhutan.

When Tobgay arrived in New Delhi, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey greeted him warmly, demonstrating the friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

It coincides with the Union Cabinet’s acceptance of important accords, such as an agreement allowing cooperation in food safety between Bhutan and India’s FSSAI and a Memorandum of Understanding on energy efficiency cooperation. Significant diplomatic developments regarding Bhutan’s boundary issue with China also occurred during Tobgay’s visit.

A three-step roadmap agreed upon in 2021 is the basis for recent talks between China and Bhutan to speed up the resolution process. Given the 2017 standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the Doklam region, this problem is strategically significant for India.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the fragile geopolitical balance in the area and India and Bhutan’s joint interests in maintaining stability and security in the region.