Asia to continue driving global growth, development in years to come, says Kazakh president

BOAO, Hainan, March 28 (Xinhua) -- As the world economy faces various challenges calling for a new development paradigm, Asia is well positioned to continue driving global growth and development in the years to come, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said here Thursday.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024, Tokayev said the meeting takes place against a backdrop of unprecedented global uncertainty, fueled by geopolitical turbulence and economic upheavals, and "the outlook is not very promising."

Australia's ABC staff concerned network is ‘favouring Israeli narrative’ on Gaza

27 March 2024; MEMO: Internal communications at Australia’s national broadcaster reveal staff warnings about the Gaza war coverage, indicating an overreliance on Israeli sources and language “favouring the Israeli narrative over objective reporting.”

India: Delhi HC dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL seeking the removal of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal from the post of chief minister following his arrest in the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan refused to comment on the merits of the issue, saying the same fell outside the scope of judicial interference.

"It is for the other wings of the government to examine in accordance with the law," the bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet PS Arora, said.

USA: Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship collision

WASHINGTON, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Francis Scott Key Bridge in the U.S. city of Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after a large ship collided with it, leaving six people missing.

The tragic incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. local time (0530 GMT) on Tuesday. A Dali container vessel experienced a power failure before the collision. The operators of the cargo ship issued a mayday call moments before the vessel crashed.

Belgian capital set to ban purchase of products from Israel settlements

27 March 2024; MEMO: The Brussels City Council has passed a motion to halt the public procurement of products from Israeli settlements, Anadolu Agency reports.

The motion, brought by Benoit Hellings, a Councillor in the capital of Brussels, was adopted unanimously in a vote late Monday.

Brazil launches its third submarine under partnership with France

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Brazil launched the "Tonelero" submarine on Wednesday, the third one it has built through a partnership with France under the Submarine Development Program (ProSub).

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron attended the launching ceremony held at the Itaguai port on the Rio de Janeiro coast.

India, China exchange views on complete disengagement, resolving remaining issues along LAC

New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Amid a lingering border row in eastern Ladakh, top diplomats of India and China held a fresh round of talks and both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact" through diplomatic and military channels, with no indication of any breakthrough.

India: Fiscal deficit at Feb-end touches 86.5 pc of full-year target: Govt data

New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) The government's fiscal deficit at Rs 15 lakh crore touched 86.5 per cent of the revised annual target at the end of February, according to official data released on Thursday.

In the corresponding period last year, the fiscal deficit or gap between the expenditure and revenue was 82.8 per cent of Revised Estimates (RE) of the Union Budget 2022-23.

For 2023-24, the government's fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 17.35 lakh crore or 5.8 per cent of the GDP.

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli seizure of 800 hectares of Palestinian land in West Ban

28 March 2024; MEMO: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s decision to seize 800 hectares of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, joining the growing list of nations opposing the move, which violates international law.

Last week, the Israeli authorities seized more land in the Jordan Valley area of the occupied West Bank, in a move overseen by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for the purpose of enabling the construction of more illegal settlements for Jewish settlers.

Ireland: Simon Harris set to become new prime minister

LONDON, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Simon Harris is set to become Ireland's new prime minister, or Taoiseach, after he was confirmed on Sunday as the new leader of the governing Fine Gael party.

He is to replace Leo Varadkar, who unexpectedly announced his resignation Wednesday as party leader and Taoiseach, citing "both personal and political" reasons.

"It's the absolute honor of my life... to accept the leadership of this great party," Harris said in his first speech as the party leader, according to Sky News.

Russia: 4 suspects charged following Moscow concert hall attack, Ukrain hand suspected

MOSCOW, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The four individuals directly involved in the Moscow concert hall attack have been charged with terrorism, local media reported on Monday.

A Moscow district court sent all the four suspects, identified as citizens of Tajikistan, to pre-trial detention. They will remain in custody until May 22, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

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