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Kerala may increase retirement age of govt staff to 57

Kerala, Aug 29 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extends his warm wishes on the occasion of the Onam festival, on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. …reports Asian Lite News

The Kerala government is mulling to increase the retirement age of government employees to 57 years.

Sources said that talks between various government stakeholders are underway and an announcement is likely to be made during the New Year when the state budget for the new fiscal will be presented in February by State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.

Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. During the tenure of Oommen Chandy (2011-16) to standardise the retirement age of all employees, it was decided to increase the retirement age from 55 to 56 years.

As per a recent study by a committee, the state government will be able to divert more than Rs 5,000 crores if the retirement age is increased by one year as the retirement benefits including gratuity and end-of-service benefits for capital spending.

If the state government is able to go ahead with the proposed plan for the government employees, it will be a major image booster for the CPI-M government as state government employees are unhappy with the Vijayan government on the issue of increase in DA arrears, which at present is around 19 per cent.

With the local bodies poll due in the second half of 2025 and the Assembly polls scheduled to take place in April 2026, the step is seen as a major step by Vijayan-led government.

Bypoll underway

A day after the high voltage campaign for bypolls to Kerala’s Palakkad Assembly seat ended, the three political fronts — LDF, NDA and UDF — on Tuesday claimed that victory will be theirs on November 23 when the votes are counted.

Incidentally, Palakkad is one of the very few Assembly constituencies among the 140 in the state, where the BJP finished second in the 2021 polls. The by-election campaign witnessed aggression from each side to outdo each other.

The election was forced upon the electorate after sitting Congress legislator Shafi Parambil contested the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency where he won after trouncing one of CPI(M)’s most popular faces, sitting legislator and former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja.

All three political fronts — Left Democratic Front (LDF), National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Democratic Front (UDF) — witnessed internal bickering over the candidate selection.

Of the blocks first was the Congress party which decided to field their popular face and Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil, who is not from the district and soon came expression of displeasure from a few sections. The Congress lost its leader Dr P. Sarin who walked into the CPI(M) camp and was instantly fielded as the Left Independent candidate.

Things were no different in the BJP too. After a round of discussions and debate, much against the wishes of a section, the BJP decided to field a local leader and a familiar face during election time, Krishnakumar.

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-Top News Australia India News

India-Australia renewable energy partnership launched 

The Renewable Energy Partnership aims to provide a framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Tuesday (local time), during which they launched a Renewable Energy Partnership aimed at boosting investment between the two nations. 

The official announcement came as the two leaders convened the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil. 

The Renewable Energy Partnership aims to provide a framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage. 

Following the annual summit, the Ministry of External Affairs released a joint statement, “India and Australia have shared ambitions to move faster, work together, and deploy our complementary capabilities to drive climate action. The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP), which provides the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas, and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future.” 

Australian PM Albanese expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am delighted to welcome the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. This is a significant milestone in our cooperation. Our new partnership will boost two-way investment in renewable energy.” 

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the increasing two-way trade, business engagements, and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). 

“Today, we had a very productive meeting at the second India-Australia Annual Summit. Over the last two years, this was my 11th meeting with my friend Albanese. This symbolises the new energy in our bilateral relations. Since the ECTA came into force, our bilateral trade has increased by 40%. In defence, we have enhanced cooperation through joint exercises and exchanges between young officers.” 

Meanwhile, PM Albanese accepted India’s invitation to attend the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in 2025. 

“PM Albanese has accepted our invitation for the QUAD Summit to be hosted by India next year,” PM Modi said. 

During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad. 

“The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad as a force for global good, delivering real, positive, and enduring impacts for the Indo-Pacific. They appreciated the Quad’s ongoing efforts in undertaking ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease, respond to natural disasters, strengthen maritime domain awareness and security, build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure, invest in critical and emerging technologies, confront climate change, bolster cyber-security, and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders,” the joint statement noted. 

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held discussions with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and Argentine President Javier Milei on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. (ANI) 

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India calls for climate justice, carbon space at COP29 

Singh pointed out that the historically high carbon emission pathways of developed nations have left very little room for the Global South to grow within the carbon budget…reports Asian Lite News

India on Tuesday emphasised the urgent need for developed countries to take leadership in mitigating climate change and providing adequate carbon space for developing nations, highlighting the disproportionate financial burden on the Global South. 

Delivering the national statement at the COP 29 summit in Baku, Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh called for ambitious, clear climate finance decisions, stressing that the evolving needs of developing countries must be addressed to ensure sustainable development and poverty eradication. 

Singh pointed out that the historically high carbon emission pathways of developed nations have left very little room for the Global South to grow within the carbon budget. “Our growth trajectories for fulfilling the primary needs of sustainable development and poverty eradication cannot be compromised,” he said. 

He further emphasised that, despite the Global South’s minimal contribution to the problem, countries in this region continue to bear significant financial burdens due to climate actions for mitigation and the losses caused by climate change. “This severely limits our capacity to meet our developmental needs,” Singh added. 

carbon market

He also stressed the importance of climate justice in the decision-making process at COP29. “The decisions on NCQG must be ambitious and unambiguous, taking into consideration the evolving needs and priorities of the developing countries,” Singh asserted. 

Singh highlighted the urgency of the upcoming round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due next year, warning that the breach of carbon space could become imminent towards the end of this critical decade. “It is imperative that the developed countries show leadership in mitigation actions, as required under the Paris Agreement, by not just advancing their net-zero targets but providing enough carbon space for developing countries like ours to develop,” he said. 

India’s climate efforts were also highlighted, with Singh noting that India has exceeded its 2015 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on emission intensity reduction and renewable energy generation. “India’s renewable energy capacity has nearly tripled from its 2014 levels, and we are on course to achieve the 500 GW target by 2030,” he said. 

Singh also called for the establishment of new, ambitious climate finance goals to meet the evolving needs of developing countries. “The decisions must be ambitious and unambiguous, taking into consideration the evolving needs and priorities of the developing countries, and their commitment to sustainable development and eradication of poverty,” he added. 

At COP29, Singh emphasised the urgency of ensuring that the next round of NDCs, due for submission next year, take into account the crucial need for carbon space and financial support for developing countries. “What we decide here will determine the course of history,” Singh concluded, urging all countries to work with determination towards making COP29 meaningful and impactful in its outcomes. 

India has also continued its leadership on the global stage with initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuel Alliance. Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to cooperating fully for a successful COP29 and ensuring that the outcomes reflect the urgent needs of developing nations in the fight against climate change. (ANI) 

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-Top News India News UK News

IOD Signs MoU With UKABC  

This MoU with IOD India represents an important step forward in building stronger, more resilient business networks between the UK and India, as well as with broader international markets like the EU, Africa and the CIS…reports Asian Lite News

In a significant step towards strengthening global business ties, the UK Asian Business Council (UKABC) and the Institute of Directors (IOD) India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).  

The agreement was formalised by Mr. Taha Coburn-Kutay, Chairman of UKABC, and Mr. Manoj Raut, CEO of IOD India, underscoring a shared commitment to promoting corporate governance, professional development, and leadership training. 

This partnership aims to create stronger, more resilient business networks between the UK and India while extending reach to international markets such as the EU, Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The collaboration reflects both organisations’ dedication to enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of cross-border trade and investment while fostering growth and development among their members. 

“This MoU represents a pivotal moment in building stronger business networks between the UK and India and connecting with broader international markets,” said Mr. Taha Coburn-Kutay. “We are excited to partner with IOD India to create opportunities for our members, enhancing their ability to succeed in today’s globalized economy.” 

Mr. Manoj Raut added, “This partnership aligns with our mission to foster excellence in corporate governance and leadership. Together, we will empower businesses to achieve their full potential through innovation, education, and collaboration.” 

Key Initiatives Under the MoU: 

1. Events, Conferences, and Webinars 

The two organisations will co-host events, conferences, and webinars, providing platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and fostering meaningful connections across diverse regions. 

2. Executive Training Programs 

Specialised training programs for business leaders in the UK, India, Africa, and Asia will be developed to enhance leadership skills and encourage collaboration in international business. 

3. Industry Research and Policy Advisory 

Joint research projects and policy advisory services will focus on emerging industries and markets, integrating insights from the UK, India, Asia, and Africa to drive impactful outcomes. 

4. Business Delegations 

Coordinated delegations will promote trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between Asia, Africa, and the UK, strengthening economic and social ties. 

5. Certification Programs 

New certification programs will empower Asian and African business leaders by equipping them with skills and credentials in global business management. 

As part of the discussions during the MoU signing, the idea of establishing an office for IOD India in the UK was proposed, demonstrating the commitment to expanding collaboration. This initiative will be actioned in the coming months, further enhancing the strategic partnership. 

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Leaders of Guyana, Barbados welcome PM Modi at airport 

During his visit, PM Modi will address a special sitting of Guyana’s parliament….reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was received by President of Guyana Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley along with four ministers from Guyana at a hotel in Georgetown. 

Earlier in an unprecedented gesture, PM Modi was received at the airport by President Irfan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips and over a dozen Cabinet ministers. He has become the first Indian PM to visit the South American country in 56 years. 

During his visit, PM Modi will address a special sitting of Guyana’s parliament. He will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. 

Randhir Jaiswal took to social media platform X to post, “A special welcome! PM @narendramodi lands in Georgetown on a State visit to Guyana. In a special gesture, PM was warmly received by President @DrMohamedIrfaa1, PM Mark Anthony Phillips & Cabinet Ministers of & was accorded a ceremonial welcome, on arrival at the airport. This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Guyana in 56 years.” 

In a press briefing ahead of the PM’s visit to Guyana, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that the Prime Minister’s visit comes at the invitation of Guyanese President Mohammad Irfaan Ali. 

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said, “Recently, there has been an uptick in high-level contacts between India and Guyana. President Irfaan Ali himself was a chief guest at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023”. 

Elaborating on the Guyana visit, Mazumdar said that the PM will engage in delegation-level talks with President Irfaan Ali. 

The MEA official further said that Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world and asserted that India in future will get the opportunity to partner with them in various fields. “It is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and we will have opportunities for partnering with them in diverse fields,” Mazumdar said. 

“My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament,” the Prime Minister had earlier noted. (ANI) 

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India-Philippines at 75: A Look Back and Ahead 

As India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of their diplomatic relations, it is pertinent to note that both have traversed a long path in their bilateral journey, holding common position on sensitive multilateral and regional issues, writes Mahesh Ranjan Debata 

On November 13, External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr Subramaniam Jaishankar, along with the Ambassador of the Philippines to India Josel F Ignacio and the Vice-Minister of Tourism of the Philippines Maria Rica C. Bueno released a joint logo, commemorating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. 

The logo has elements of the countries’ national flags and birds, signifying “enduring friendship, cultural bonds and shared values” they have maintained and sustained for over seven decades. 

What is more important about this special occasion is that it coincides with the completion of 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s Act East Policy, within the ambit of which India shares a special relationship with this Southeast Asian nation. 

The last couple of months have been eventful regarding the bilateral relationship between the two countries. 

On September 9, 2024, during the 14th India-Philippines Policy Consultation Talks and the Fifth Strategic Dialogue, and subsequently on the occasion of first ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue a month later on October 16, 2024, India and the Philippines agreed to enhance the existing cooperation in almost all the sectors, such as “defence and security, the maritime domain, trade and investment, healthcare, education, energy, agriculture, digital and financial technology, space, connectivity, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.” They vowed to take it to a new height. 

Joint Commission of India-Philippines Bilateral Cooperation 

The last one and half decades have witnessed a “growing and dynamic bilateral partnership” with the establishment of the Joint Commission on India-Philippines Bilateral Cooperation in 2011. The Joint Commission met further in 2013, 2015, 2020 and 2023, alternatively in New Delhi and Manila, providing the much-needed fillip to the bilateral relationship between the two through the signing of Joint Statements on their overall relationship. 

It is essential to mention the outcomes of two Joint Commission meetings in 2013 and 2023. The Joint Commission meeting on October 21, 2013 emphasized the need to convene a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in 2014 at New Delhi, which symbolized the commitment of both nations to combat the global menace. 

Last year (2023), India’s EAM and his Filipino counterpart discussed substantial cooperation in the above  mentioned sectors. They signed the Joint Statement on the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation on June 29, 2023, which covered all the elements of bilateral cooperation. Both leaders stressed further expansion of cooperation in the two most important sectors, such as defence and trade. 

Defence Cooperation 

Defence cooperation included regular high-level interaction and dialogue between both countries’ defence agencies, training, and joint military exercises, and opening an Indian resident Defence Attache office in the Filipino capital. India agreed to extend a concessional Line of Credit to meet the defence requirements of the Philippines. 

Within the ambit of this bilateral defence cooperation, the Philippines became the first overseas client of India’s Brahmos shore-based anti-ship missile. BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) signed a contract for a $375 million deal with the Department of National Defence of the Republic of Philippines on January 28, 2022 for supplying Brahmos missiles. This significantly boosts bilateral defence cooperation, specifically in India’s endeavour to become a major arms supplier worldwide under its ambitious ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme. 

Trade Cooperation 

Trade has remained the mainstay of New Delhi-Manila overall cooperation in the last few decades. Trade between India and its Southeast Asian neighbour has increased in the last one and half a dozen years. 

As per the Indian Commerce Ministry’s latest export-import data, the bilateral trade rose from $1 billion in 2010 to $ 1.9 billion in 2017 and nearly $3.6 billion in 2023-2024. During this period, India’s exports to the Philippines were $2.1 billion, and imports were almost $1.5 billion. 

During the second quarter (April-August) of 2024-2025, the trade between the two countries was $1.337 billion. During this period, India’s exports were $931 million, and imports from the Philippines were $406 million. 

Cooperation on Critical Regional and Global issues 

In addition to cooperation at the bilateral level, both countries have a common position on sensitive multilateral issues (working within the ambit of the UN, terrorism, and climate change.) and regional issues (cooperation within the ASEAN framework, Indo-Pacific, etc.) 

The steadfast support from Manila for India’s constant efforts for reform in the UN, especially in the UN Security Council, has added a new feather to their bilateral cooperation on international issues. 

Manila’s appreciation for the successful organization of the Voice of the Global South Summit in India last year (2023) symbolizes their decade-long relations and efforts towards the developing world. 

Besides, both countries have mutually agreed on a “free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region” so that this region is immune from any geopolitical tensions. 

In addition, both countries have shown tremendous interest in highlighting how bilateral cultural connection matters the most in realizing the potential of their bilateral partnership. 

Conclusion 

Suppose one analyses the bilateral engagement between India and the Philippines in the last 75 years. In that case, he can deduce that the two countries’ friendship, relationship and partnership are based on their mutual trust, understanding, and agreement on various bilateral issues, from trade and investment to defence and security to a joint stand on regional and global issues. 

Both nations know that specific problems, such as non-traditional security threats, confront humanity daily. Therefore, they make no stone unturned to raise concerns over these issues at regional and global fora. 

The way this relationship has progressed in the last decade or so, one can quickly sum up that this will herald a new-age Strategic Partnership auguring well for both nations. For India, the Philippines has been and will be helpful in future in realizing its engagement with Southeast Asian countries under the auspices of its ambitious Act East Policy. For the Philippines, India will be a friend in the coming times. 

(The writer teaches at the Centre for Inner Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; views expressed here are his own) – India News Network ‘

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India News Sport Sports

Champions Trophy Plans in Limbo 

Sources said behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing to explain to the PCB why the hybrid model is the best option and why an ICC tournament needs the Indian cricket team…reports Asian Lite News 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) officials are trying to urge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to work towards the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next year through back-channel talks, as per sources. 

Sources said that back channel talks are going on to make PCB understand why the hybrid model is the best way to go for the tournament and why there cannot be an ICC tournament without the Indian cricket team. The sources have also said that top ICC officials are trying to get Pakistan stop making any statements against India. 

There are discussions going on with the host Pakistan and other participating teams of the Champions Trophy next year about the schedule and it is likely to be out in a couple of days or so, the sources added. 

India, the 2017 finalists, will not be playing their matches in Pakistan and their matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the source. 

PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking reasons behind India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan to play the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Geo News reported. 

India conveyed its stance of not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing ‘security concerns’. 

Speaking at a press interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said that PCB is still waiting for a reply from ICC. He also asked not to mix sports and politics.”We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. 

He added that all the countries who qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 are ready to visit Pakistan except India.”At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit,” he added. 

Earlier in the month, ICC conveyed to the PCB in writing that India would not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, which will be held in early 2025.PCB consulted with the Pakistan government on the issue and is looking to present its stance. 

The Pakistan board wants India to travel to Pakistan as their team also went during the time of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023. Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asian Trophy, but it was held in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka. India and Pakistan played their last bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, a white-ball series and now mostly play in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup. (ANI) 

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Kharge seeks President’s intervention in Manipur 

Churachandpur [Manipur], Nov 19 (ANI): Members of Kuki organisations hold a rally carrying mock 'coffins' in remembrance of the deceased members of their community who died during unrest in the Manipur, in Churachandpur on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Kharge in his letter emphasised that both the central and state governments have failed to restore peace and normalcy in the state …reports Asian Lite News

Amid the continued tension and unrest in Manipur, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, wherein he blamed the the “inordinate inaction” of both Centre and state governments towards restoring peace, and called for her intervention to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of the people of the state. 

Kharge in his letter emphasised that both the central and state governments have failed to restore peace and normalcy in the state adding that the people of the state have lost confidence in both governments. 

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted Kharge’s letter on X, and said, “@INCIndiaPresident @kharge ji has just written to the President of India on the deteriorating situation in Manipur and the Union Govt’s abysmal failure there over the last eighteen months.” 

Kharge in the letter said that more the 300 people have lost their last in Manipur for the last 18 months and nearly a lakh of the human population has been displaced. 

“The country has been inflicted with a grave tragedy of extraordinary proportions due to the unprecedented turmoil in Manipur for the last 18 months, the ongoing turmoil has taken more than 300 human lives, including women, children and even small babies. It has internally displaced nearly a lakh of the human population rendering them homeless and forcing them to live in different relief camps. The agony of the people continues unabated,” the letter said. 

Expressing concern over the deteriorating living conditions of the people of the state, the Congress chief added, “It has affected the economy of the state and the living conditions of its people with retail inflation going up to 10%. This has made the lives of the people of Manipur extremely difficult. Businesses are closed down, jobs are getting lost, professionals have left their own homes, essential food items, medicines, and essential commodities are in scarcity, national highways have been blocked since May of 2023, schools and educational institutions are shut down, and internally displaced persons are dying of suicide in relief camps. Manipur and its people are suffering silently, which in turn has taken a huge toll on the mental health of the entire population.” 

“As both the Union Government and the State Government of Manipur have completely failed in restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur during the last 18 months, the people of the state have apparently lost confidence in both the governments and reasonably so. With every passing day, the people of Manipur are becoming insecure on their own soil – their home turf having witnessed their infants, babies, children and women getting mercilessly killed. With no succour coming from the governments involved, they have been finding themselves completely isolated and helpless for more than 540 days now,” the letter added. 

Kharge further highlighted that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has visited Manipur three times in the last 18 months whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited even once. 

Tribals hold ‘coffin rally’ 

Thousands of men and women on Tuesday took part in a ‘coffin rally’ in Manipur’s Churachandpur in solidarity with the 10 Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal ‘Village Volunteers’, who were killed in a reported encounter with CRPF in Jiribam district on November 11. 

Jointly organised by Zomi Students’ Federation, Kuki Students’ Organisation and Hmar Students’ Association, thousands of men and women wearing black attire symbolically carried 10 dummy coffins to pay homage to the 10 slain Village Volunteers as all the 10 bodies are still kept in the morgue of a local hospital. 

The three tribal organisations on Monday urged the authorities of all schools and colleges in Churachandpur district and adjoining areas to close down their educational institutions and to send students from Class X and above to participate in Tuesday’s rally. 

The three organisations also urged people from all walks of life to participate in the ‘coffin rally’ in large numbers. After the post-mortem of all ten bodies was conducted in Assam’s Silchar Medical College and Hospital, the bodies were airlifted on November 16 to Churachandpur, a Kuki-Zo-Hmar inhabited district. 

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), an apex body of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, earlier said that they have decided that the last rites of 10 Village Volunteers, would not be performed till their postmortem examination reports are handed over to the families. “We have not yet received the post-mortem reports. We would wait for autopsy reports of all the martyrs’ bodies. We would not bury the martyrs before that,” senior ITLF leader Ginza Vualzong told the media after Sunday’s meeting. 

He said: “Our martyrs’ bodies would be placed in the district hospital morgue until post-mortem reports are available.” Vualzong said that after receiving the post-mortem reports of all 10 of them, an expert in this field would carefully review the autopsy reports for any irregularity. 

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Modi, Lula hold crucial talks 

The two leaders discussed a wide range of sectors, including energy, biofuels, defence, agriculture, and more, with a focus on improving cooperation…reports Asian Lite News 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Brazil. 

The two leaders also discussed a wide range of sectors, including energy, biofuels, defence, agriculture, and more, with a focus on improving cooperation. 

Sharing a post on X, Modi wrote, “Held talks with President Lula during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Complimented him on various efforts of Brazil during their G20 Presidency.” 

“We took stock of the full range of bilateral ties between our nations and reaffirmed our commitment to improving cooperation in sectors like energy, biofuels, defence, agriculture and more,” the post added. 

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also spoke about the meeting between Modi and Brazilian President and said that Modi assured India’s support to Brazil’s initiative of Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. 

Sharing a post on X, Jaiswal wrote, “India-Brazil — Building ties with an important Global South partner. PM @narendramodi met President @LulaOficial of Brazil, on the sidelines of the #G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He thanked President Lula for successfully hosting the #G20 Summit.” 

The post added, “PM assured India’s full support to Brazil’s initiative of ‘Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.’ Discussions focused on exploring opportunities for greater cooperation in renewable energy, biofuels, defence, agriculture, healthcare, and digital technology.” 

Meanwhile, Lula lauded India’s “level of efficiency” in organising the G20 Summit last year and stated that Rio has tried to take inspiration from New Delhi while hosting the summit this year, sources said. 

While opening the bilateral meeting, President Lula told Modi that Brazil wanted to reach the level of efficiency in organizing the Summit that India had shown last year.” 

According to sources, President Lula told Prime Minister Modi that a lot of things that they have tried to do in their G20 have been inspired from the G20 in India. He added that Brazil wanted to reach the level of efficiency in organizing the Summit that India had shown last year 

The 2024 G20 Summit under the leadership of Brazil saw the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, which gave a call to world leaders to rise up in the fight against hunger and poverty. 

President of Brazil Lula da Silva launched a global alliance against Hunger and Poverty. 

At the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, Lula said, “Hunger and poverty are not the result of scarcity or natural phenomena. It is the product of political decisions that perpetuate the exclusion of a large part of humanity. The G20 represents 85 per cent of the 110 trillion dollars of the global GDP. It also accounts for 75 per cent of the 32 trillion dollars in trade in goods and services and two-thirds of the planet’s 8 billion inhabitants. It is up to those of us gathered around this table to take on the urgent task of ending this scourge that shames humanity.” 

Bringing attention to international reports, he said, “According to the FAO, in 2024 there will be 733 million people still facing undernourishment. It is as if the populations of Brazil, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Canada combined were going hungry. These are women, men, and children whose rights to life, education, development, and food are violated daily. In a world that produces almost 6 billion tons of food per year, this is unacceptable. In a world where military spending reaches 2.4 trillion dollars, this is unacceptable.” 

Modi also welcomed the Brazilian initiative to establish a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, underlining that the Global South was severely impacted by food, fuel and fertilizer crises created by the ongoing conflicts, and therefore, their concerns ought to be given primacy. 

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Key India-China Defence Talks in Laos Today

The ministers will meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus)….reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun on Wednesday in Vientiane, Laos.

The two will meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). This will be their first meeting after the disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The last meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart was in April 2023 in India. Then Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu travelled to Delhi for the SCO Defence Ministers meeting.

The Laos meeting comes a month after India and China reached the disengagement agreement along the LAC.

Since then the situation in key flashpoints — Demchok and Depsang Plains — has shown improvement. The armies of both countries have dismantled temporary structures in these areas and the patrolling has also resumed. The steps are being taken to restore the status quo as of April 2020.

The relations between the two countries became strained following the clashes in the Galwan Valley in 2020. However, the LAC agreement now seeks to address the tension and maintain the pre-2020 status.

The meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart is expected to build on this progress.

This interaction signals a potential step towards further easing the strained relations between the two neighbours.

On November 18, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ongoing G20 Summit in Rio. Both noted the progress in the recent disengagement.

“We noted the progress in the recent disengagement in the India-China border areas. We also exchanged views on further steps in our bilateral ties and discussed the prevailing global situation,” Dr Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

These developments come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in October. Both agreed to work towards a “peaceful and stable” relationship by displaying maturity and mutual respect. They also highlighted the need to not allow differences on boundary-related matters to disturb peace and tranquillity along the LAC.

At the 11th ADMM-Plus, the Defence Minister will address regional and international security issues. Defence Ministers of Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States will also meet in Laos

On the sidelines of the meeting, he will also meet with other counterparts, including those from the US, Australia, and Japan.

At the 11th ADMM-Plus, the Defence Minister will address regional and international security issues.

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