Malaysia and Singapore Strengthen Ties to Advance Cross-Border Digital Trade
Politics

Malaysia and Singapore Strengthen Ties to Advance Cross-Border Digital Trade

MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG) and Singapore Trade Data Exchange Services (SGTraDex) have formed a strategic cooperation to boost cross-border digital trade. This collaboration focuses on developing interoperable digital systems that allow for the easy, secure, and paperless interchange of trade-related information between the two countries. The partnership's goal is to align digital infrastructures to facilitate easier economic flows and increase regional connectivity. The project thus adds to the larger goals of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which promotes mutual

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France, Vietnam Deepen Ties with Airbus and Defence Deals During Macron’s Visit
Politics

France, Vietnam Deepen Ties with Airbus and Defence Deals During Macron’s Visit

During French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit to Hanoi, the two countries inked multiple important agreements, including a big purchase of 20 Airbus aeroplanes. This is the French president's first official visit to Vietnam in nearly a decade. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic connections while also reinforcing France's strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. The trip comes amid rising trade tensions between the United States and the European Union. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports, raising European fears. Vie

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U.S. Welcomes Qatari Gift of $400M Jet for Presidential Use
Politics

U.S. Welcomes Qatari Gift of $400M Jet for Presidential Use

The United States has received a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar, which will be used as part of the Air Force One fleet. The Pentagon said on Wednesday that U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth accepted the aircraft, valued at around $400 million, as a gift from the Qatari royal family. Sean Parnell, the Chief Pentagon spokesperson, claimed that the jet was accepted in accordance with all federal requirements. The Defence Department is currently trying to upgrade the plane's security systems and mission-ready configurations to suit the president's operational requirements. The

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PM Modi to Inaugurate Rising North East Investors Summit in Delhi
Politics

PM Modi to Inaugurate Rising North East Investors Summit in Delhi

On Friday at 10:30 a.m., Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rising North East Investors Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The two-day event, held on May 23 and 24, aims to promote the North East Region (NER) as a booming investment location. It will bring together key stakeholders, including politicians, domestic and international investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners. The summit follows a series of pre-event activities aimed at building momentum. These included state-specific roundtables, promotional roadshows, and strategic forums like t

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Macron Embarks on Asia Tour to Promote France as Neutral Ally Amid Global Power Rivalries
Politics

Macron Embarks on Asia Tour to Promote France as Neutral Ally Amid Global Power Rivalries

French President Emmanuel Macron is travelling to Southeast Asia to strengthen France's reputation as a trusted and transparent global partner. As geopolitical tensions between the United States and China escalate, Macron seeks to position France and the European Union as credible alternatives without political conditions. French officials indicated that his visit will indicate a commitment to fair cooperation. Macron's tour begins on Sunday in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking the first visit by a French president in nearly ten years. He will then fly to Indonesia before concluding in Singapore, wh

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India’s All-Party Delegations Take Anti-Terror Message to Japan and UAE
Politics

India’s All-Party Delegations Take Anti-Terror Message to Japan and UAE

On Thursday, two Indian all-party delegations met with Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and UAE Minister for Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak to underline India's strong opposition to terrorism. The delegation to Japan, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, highlighted India's cross-party commitment to combating terrorism. Iwaya underlined Japan's support for India's anti-terror activities and emphasised the importance of bringing offenders to justice, as shared by the Indian embassy in Tokyo. This delegation includes BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Hemang Joshi, and Pradhan Baru

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PM Modi Chairs High-Level Review Meeting to Revive Indian Tourism Sector
Politics

PM Modi Chairs High-Level Review Meeting to Revive Indian Tourism Sector

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting to analyse and improve the performance of India's tourist industry. The high-level meeting came in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in a significant drop in tourist traffic and prompted safety worries across the country. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, Union Tourism Secretary V Vidyavathi, and other top officials attended the review session. The discussions were primarily focused on rebuilding tourist confid

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Macron’s Vietnam Visit to Focus on Strategic Energy and Infrastructure Partnerships
Politics

Macron’s Vietnam Visit to Focus on Strategic Energy and Infrastructure Partnerships

French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Vietnam next week, marking the first visit by a French head of state in nearly ten years. Macron's state visit to Hanoi is scheduled for May 25, as part of a larger Southeast Asian tour that will also include visits to Indonesia and Singapore. His visit coincides with heightened worldwide interest in Southeast Asia's growing economic and geopolitical importance. Infrastructure, energy, and satellite technology are among the top priorities, according to officials. France is ready to sign up to 30 agreements with Vietnam, with a probable

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UK and EU Sign Historic Post-Brexit Pact Covering Defence, Fisheries, and Energy
Politics

UK and EU Sign Historic Post-Brexit Pact Covering Defence, Fisheries, and Energy

The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed on a comprehensive post-Brexit agreement that addresses defence, security, energy, and fisheries. This significant agreement, unveiled at a big summit in London, is viewed as a turning point in relations following years of political tension. It includes a 12-year extension of EU fishing rights in British waters, a substantial concession by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government that has elicited both praise and criticism at home. Defence cooperation takes the stage, allowing the United Kingdom to participate in EU procurement initiati

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Thailand and Indonesia Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Deepen Trade, Investment Ties
Politics

Thailand and Indonesia Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Deepen Trade, Investment Ties

Thailand and Indonesia have committed to increasing trade and investment cooperation while stepping up collaborative efforts to tackle cybercrime and drug trafficking. During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's first official visit to Bangkok, the two economies in Southeast Asia upgraded their relationship to that of a strategic alliance. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced that Thailand will hold the first joint trade committee meeting later this year to discover specific opportunities for economic cooperation. Both countries intend to pursue new transactions through c

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