As a significant diplomatic engagement, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, arrived in Moscow for a key visit, with the agenda primarily centered on discussing bilateral issues between India and Russia. This visit is particularly noteworthy given the current global geopolitical climate and the longstanding relationship between the two nations. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including strategic partnerships, trade, defense, energy, and regional stability. Both countries have historically maintained a close relationship, with Russia being a critical
The Lok Sabha approved three revised criminal law bills on December 20, signalling a substantial transformation in the Indian criminal justice system. Aimed at establishing a "justice system based on Indian thinking," the bills propose to replace key legal frameworks. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita seeks to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita aims to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita is set to replace the Indian Evidence Act. Introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, these bills address a colonial mindset inherent
After a decade of delay, Iraqis voted in local elections Monday, with apathy trumping excitement. Only 41% turned out, mirroring the 2021 parliamentary vote. Disillusionment among youth, plagued by unemployment and corruption, is likely the culprit. Despite the sluggish turnout, the stakes were high. The election, seen as a precursor to 2025's general vote, tested the balance of power in a nation where Iran-aligned groups hold increasing sway. Local elections last took place in 2013. They were postponed due to the war against Islamic State militants who took over large parts of Iraq but we
Kuwait has announced the succession of Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new emir, following the passing of the late Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah at the age of 86. The royal court disclosed that Sheikh Nawaf had been admitted to the hospital last month due to an emergency health issue, and the cause of his death has not been immediately revealed. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, 83, has been serving as Kuwait's de facto ruler since 2021, having assumed many duties from Sheikh Nawaf due to the latter's declining health. According to Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince
In a ceremony on Wednesday, Switzerland welcomed Viola Amherd as its new president, succeeding Alain Berset in the rotating honorary role within the country's cabinet. Amherd, currently the defence minister, is set to assume the presidency from January. The change comes as part of the annual rotation tradition among cabinet members. In tandem with this transition, the Swiss parliament elected Beat Jans to the seven-member cabinet, succeeding Berset, who opted to step down by the year's end. The cabinet reshuffle maintains the existing political balance, with Jans hailing from the centre-le
New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, announced on Monday a renewed commitment to strengthen ties with intelligence partners, including the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia. The four countries, which together with New Zealand are known as the Five Eyes, have shared intelligence since World War Two, though the alliance has come under pressure in recent years. Peters, a key figure in the right-of-center government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, aims to bolster defense and security engagement, marking a departure from New Zealand's traditionally moderate stanc
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the President's authority to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, leading to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading the five-judge Bench, affirmed that the President could unilaterally issue a notification to cease the existence of Article 370. The court emphasized that the President possessed the power to abrogate Article 370 when "special circumstances warrant a special solution," and that the judiciary could not question the decision based on the
In a significant move aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and addressing shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, the Indian and Vietnamese armies commenced an 11-day joint military exercise on Monday. The exercise, named "VINBAX-23," is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from December 11 to 21, marking the latest chapter in the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The primary objective of VINBAX-23 is to foster collaboration and promote interoperability between the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces. With 45 personnel from each side participating, t
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that India host the 33rd Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 33) in 2028. Speaking during the opening ceremony's high-level segment, PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to the UN Framework for Climate Change process. "India is committed to the UN Framework for Climate Change process. That is why, from this stage, I propose to host the COP33 Summit in India in 2028," expressed Prime Minister Modi, making a significant commitment to addressing global climate concerns. Asserti
Winston Peters, New Zealand's Foreign Minister, has announced that the country would seek to strengthen engagement with the United States on strategic and security challenges while also looking to unlock potential in their economic relationship. Addressing the United States Business Summit in Auckland, Peters emphasized the crucial role that New Zealand, as a small democracy with deep regional relationships, can play in promoting shared values and economic opportunities. The speech marked Peters' first as foreign minister under the recently elected centre-right government in New Zealand