Category: World News

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India Climbs Global Passport Rankings

Singapore was ranked the leader on the passport index, reclaiming its title as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest ranking….reports Asian Lite News

India has been ranked at 82nd spot on a global passport index, allowing Indians visa-free entry to 58 countries, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

According to the latest ranking by the UK-based Henley Passport Index, India’s passport now ranks at an improved 82nd spot. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom allowed by those countries’ ordinary passports for their citizens.

Singapore was ranked the leader on the passport index, reclaiming its title as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest ranking.

“The city-state also sets a new record score, with its citizens now enjoying access to 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain drop to joint-2nd place, each with visa-free access to 192 destinations,” according to the Index.

An unprecedented seven-nation cohort, each with access to 191 destinations without a prior visa — Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden — now sit in 3rd place on the ranking.

The UK was in fourth place along with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland, despite its visa-free destination score falling to 190.

“The US, on the other hand, continues its now decade-long slide down the index, dropping down to 8th spot, with access to just 186 destinations visa-free,” said the Index.

According to IATA, airlines will connect nearly 5 billion people over 22,000 routes on 39 million flights in 2024, and the air cargo transported will reach 62 million tonnes, facilitating an $8.3 trillion in trade.

“Our industry expects to record revenues of almost $1 trillion this year. Expenses, however, will also be at a record high of $936 billion. Net profit will be $30.5 billion,” said IATA Director General, Willie Walsh.

The UAE made it into the Top 10 for the first time, having added an impressive 152 destinations since the index’s inception in 2006 to achieve its current visa-free score of 185.

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-Top News Environment World News

July 21 was Earth’s hottest day since 1940

heatwave.

This record follows 12 consecutive months of global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold…reports Asian Lite News

On July 21, the Earth recorded its hottest day in at least 84 years, with a global average temperature of 17.09°C, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This new high surpasses the previous record of 17.08°C set on July 6, 2023.

This record follows 12 consecutive months of global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold. Since July 2023, there have been 57 days with temperatures surpassing the previous daily record of 16.8°C, set in August 2016.

Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S, noted the staggering difference in temperatures over the past 13 months compared to previous records. He warned of new records as the climate continues to warm. Analysis shows that 2023 and 2024 have seen higher annual maximum daily global temperatures, with the hottest years on record spanning from 2015 to 2024.

The global average temperature typically peaks between late June and early August, driven by the northern hemisphere’s summer. Current temperatures are influenced by unusually high temperatures over Antarctica and reduced sea ice extent, which has led to above-average temperatures in parts of the Southern Ocean.

The European climate agency indicates that while 2024 may surpass 2023 as the warmest year ever, the final determination depends on the intensity of La Niña. Berkeley Earth estimates a 92% chance that 2024 will set a new annual heat record and a 99% chance of an annual temperature anomaly exceeding 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid severe climate impacts. However, with the Earth’s surface temperature having already increased by around 1.2°C due to rising greenhouse gas concentrations, the risk of extreme weather events like droughts, wildfires, and floods continues to grow.

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-Top News India News World News

Jaishankar meets Tanzania’s Speaker, discusses ties 

The two leaders discussed relations as well as Parliamentary exchanges during the talks….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met Tulia Ackson, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, on Tuesday in New Delhi.

The two leaders discussed relations as well as Parliamentary exchanges during the talks.

“Glad to meet President, Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania @TuliaAckson this afternoon,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.

“Discussed relations as well as Parliamentary exchanges. Exchanged views on development challenges of the Global South as well as reformed multilateralism,” it added.

Earlier today, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Tulia Ackson, called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House Complex.

Birla expressed hope that Dr Ackson’s visit would further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Birla emphasized that India and Tanzania share a long-standing and friendly relationship, and he hoped that Dr Ackson’s visit would serve to strengthen these relations further.

With an outlook to enhance parliamentary cooperation between India and Tanzania, Birla felt that regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations and ongoing discussions on common interests were vital.

Birla also proposed the establishment of Zonal Training Centres for Parliamentary Studies, Training, and Capacity Building to support democratic institutions globally.

Lok Sabha speaker Birla also took to his official X handle and said, “Had a warm interaction with Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of IPU Parliament and Speaker, National Assembly of Tanzania. I mentioned about the glorious democratic journey of India and our commitment to mainstream women through milestone legislations like ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Vidheyak.”

In another post, Birla added, “Also shared thoughts on strengthening cooperation between Parliament of India and IPU. Hoped that through IPU, we will be able to make democratic institutions more meaningful in the world. Both of us reaffirmed our commitment to cement parliamentary cooperation between India and Tanzania.”

At the outset, Birla extended a warm welcome to the delegation on behalf of the Parliament of India and the Indian people.

Recalling his brief interaction with the IPU President on the sidelines of the recently concluded BRICS Conference, he expressed joy at being able to welcome her to the Parliament of India to witness firsthand the proceedings of the Budget Session.

He said, “The Budget Session is one of the most critical sessions of our Parliament, where the government’s financial proposals are meticulously reviewed, debated, and approved by the House.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: Budget allocation for rural development ministry up by 12%

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SCO Members Hold Joint Anti-Terror Drill

The latest exercise has established a new model for joint live drills by relevant agencies and enhanced the joint operational capabilities of the SCO member states’ authorities….reports Asian Lite News

Authorities from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states have conducted the “Interaction-2024” joint counter-terrorism exercise in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.

The exercise marks the first time the relevant agencies from all SCO member states have participated in a joint counter-terrorism live drill, Xinhua news agency reported.

In response to significant terrorist threats, the exercise included specialised operations such as “the eradication of terrorist groups.”

Representatives from SCO member states, the SCO Secretariat, and the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure observed the exercise.

The SCO member states have a long history of effective cooperation in counter-terrorism. The latest exercise has established a new model for joint live drills by relevant agencies and enhanced the joint operational capabilities of the SCO member states’ authorities.

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-Top News India News World News

India’s Water and Sanitation Triumphs Shine at G2

Brazil, which took over the G20 chair from India last year, has chosen ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’ as its presidency theme…reports Asian Lite News

India on Tuesday highlighted its flagship schemes, including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Jal Jeevan Mission, at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Dammu Ravi, Secretary of Economic Relations (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“During the meeting, the G20 Ministerial Call to Action on Strengthening Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services was adopted. Secy (ER) highlighted India’s flagship schemes, such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT, and India’s development cooperation initiatives for the Global South,” the MEA said in a post on X.

The focus, of the ministerial meeting, was on basic water and sanitation necessities and focused on enhancing drinking water facilities, sanitation, and hygiene services globally.

The Secretary of Economic Relations also highlighted India’s development cooperation efforts for the Global South and the support extended to developing, less developed, and underdeveloped nations.

Brazil, which took over the G20 chair from India last year, has chosen ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’ as its presidency theme.

The discussions at the meeting centred on addressing hunger, poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira, Minister of Planning Simone Tebet, Minister of Cities Jader Barbalho Filho, and Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco co-chaired the event.

On Wednesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to participate in the pre-launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, further underscoring the grouping’s commitment to tackling global developmental challenges.

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-Top News Bangladesh World News

UN Chief Concerned Over Bangladesh Using UN Vehicles in Riots

Bangladesh, with 5,859 troops in UN peacekeeping operations, has access to UN-marked vehicles and equipment intended for use in countries where its personnel are deployed on UN missions…reports Arul Louis

United Nations, July 23 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed “serious concern” over reports that authorities had deployed vehicles with UN markings during the Bangladesh riots, his Spokesperson said.

UN staff there had “seen disturbing reports of UN-marked vehicles that may have been used during the developments we’ve seen in Bangladesh over the last few days,” Guterres’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.

UN troops and police-contributing countries should use the UN insignia on equipment “only when they are performing mandated tasks as part of a UN peacekeeping or UN political mission,” he added.

“Our serious concern in this regard has been conveyed to the relevant authorities in Bangladesh by our colleagues,” he said.

Bangladesh with 5,859 troops on UN peacekeeping operations has access to vehicles and equipment with UN markings meant for use in other countries where its personnel are deployed on the world organisation’s missions.

Bangladesh is the third-largest contributor of personnel to current UN peacekeeping operations.

Dujarric said that Guterres is “deeply concerned” about the reports that more than 100 people have been killed in the violence in Bangladesh and over 1,000 injured.

He said that the Secretary-General has seen the reports about the Supreme Court ruling in Bangladesh scaling back the job quotas and the students’ groups’ decision to suspend their agitation for 48 hours.

“He very much hopes that both these decisions will help create a conducive environment for dialogue. He urges all sides to avoid violence and negotiate in good faith,” Dujarric added.

Student groups were protesting the 30 per cent government job reservations for the family members of the Bangladesh freedom fighters who fought against Pakistani troops and their supporters who carried out the genocide.

Three million Bangladeshis were killed during the 1971 War of Independence, according to Bangladesh authorities.

The Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the reservation for freedom fighters’ relatives cut to five per cent.

Asked about reports of Bangladeshi protesters in the United Arab Emirates receiving long prison sentences, Dujarric said, “We’ve seen the disturbing reports of very harsh sentences being meted out.”

“As we do everywhere else, we feel that it is very important for people to have the right to express themselves freely and peacefully without fear of arrest or worse,” he added.

The Federal Court of Appeal in Abu Dhabi sentenced three Bangladeshi protesters to life terms, one to an 11-year sentence and 53 to a 10-year jail term, according to reports.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)

ALSO READ: UN Chief Calls for reform of int’l financial system

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-Top News Economy World News

UN Chief Calls for reform of int’l financial system

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for reforming the international financial system, describing it as “outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair…reports Asian Lite News

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for reform of the international financial system which he described as “outdated, dysfunctional and unfair”.

In a video message to the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which started in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, Guterres said the upcoming conference provides a unique opportunity to tackle financing challenges “head-on” as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The conference, scheduled to take place in Spain from June 30 to July 3, 2025, “opens the door for world leaders to adopt ambitious reforms to deliver affordable long-term financing at scale, and deliver the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Stimulus,” said the UN Chief.

“It presents a unique opportunity to reform an international financial system that is outdated, dysfunctional and unfair — from the tax and debt architecture to the system of public development banks, to trade and investment rules, to the financial safety net and global governance,” he added.

Since world leaders met in Addis Ababa nine years ago and agreed on a transformative agenda committing public and private actors to align investment and policies with sustainable development, progress has been made, but many commitments remain unfulfilled, Guterres said.

The world is facing “seismic shocks” that make financing challenges harder to solve, and geopolitical divisions that undermine collective action, he stressed.

“Faced with sky-high debt burdens and costs of capital, developing countries have limited prospects of financing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

“I count on all of you to move forward with a determination to rescue the 2030 Agenda. And together, we can deliver not only a financial system, but a world, that is more just, equitable and sustainable,” Guterres concluded.

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-Top News India News World News

New Zealand PM Vows Stronger India Ties

Both leaders noted that India-New Zealand ties are anchored in shared democratic values and close people-to-people ties…reports Asian Lite News

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday dialled PM Narendra Modi, congratulating him on his recent election victory as both leaders reiterated their firm commitment to take bilateral cooperation to new heights in the years to come.

“I’ve just spoken with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated him on his recent election victory. I told the Prime Minister how much I value the immense contribution that Indian-Kiwis make to New Zealand. We both agreed there is so much more our countries can do together!” Luxon posted on X after the phone call.

During their conversation, both leaders noted that India-New Zealand ties are anchored in shared democratic values and close people-to-people ties.

Highlighting the momentum generated by recent high-level contacts between the two sides, they agreed to advance the mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade and economic cooperation, animal husbandry, pharmaceuticals, education, space among others.

“I thank Prime Minister Luxon for his call and warm felicitations. Reiterated our firm commitment to take forward India-New Zealand ties, which are rooted in shared democratic values and people-to-people ties,” said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked Luxon for looking after the interests of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

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-Top News Arab News World News

Arab League Welcomes ICJ’s Call To End Israeli Occupation

Egypt and the Arab League welcomed the ICJ’s call to end “unlawful” Israeli presence i in occupied Palestinian territories, reports Asian Lite News

Egypt and the Arab League welcomed the call of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to end Israel’s “unlawful” presence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry called upon all international parties to uphold and implement the ICJ’s advisory opinion, emphasising the need to facilitate the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to self-determination, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, the top UN court issued a non-binding opinion declaring Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as violations of international law, urging Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories “as rapidly as possible.”

Egypt also urged the UN General Assembly and Security Council to take necessary measures to end Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories, underscoring the collective responsibility of all nations to alleviate the plight of the Palestinian people and halt ongoing Israeli violations and attacks in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (AL) Ahmed Aboul-Gheit echoed Egypt’s sentiments, welcoming the ICJ’s advisory opinion in a separate statement.

Aboul-Gheit asserted that the court’s opinion serves as a crucial legal foundation for affirming the Palestinian narrative, providing it with necessary legitimacy and legal credibility amid Israel’s attempts to distort the conflict’s nature and origins.

The Arab League chief emphasised the advisory opinion’s substantial legal and moral weight as compelling evidence to counter Israeli arguments, highlighting its pivotal role in the ongoing discourse.

However, Israel rejected the ICJ’s opinion. In a press statement on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that “the legality of Israeli settlements in all the territories of our homeland cannot be contested.”

He emphasised Israel’s historical connection to the land, stating that “the Jewish people are not conquerors in their own land.”

The ICJ issued the advisory opinion in response to a request from the UN General Assembly regarding the legal implications of Israel’s occupation.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2022 seeking the ICJ’s opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled them ever since, despite international protests over its occupancy in these areas.

ALSO READ: ICJ: Israeli Occupation Of Palestinian Territories Illegal

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-Top News USA World News

US Warns On Microsoft Outage, Nadella Assures Fix

CISA warns hackers exploiting Microsoft outage for phishing, as CEO Satya Nadella assures efforts to restore systems safely and globally are underway, reports Asian Lite News

US cybersecurity agency CISA has warned that hackers are trying to take advantage of Microsoft outage for phishing and other malicious activity, as the tech giant’s Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said they are working hard to safely bring systems back online globally.

The US cybersecurity agency warned individuals to “avoid clicking on phishing emails or suspicious links,” which can lead to email compromise and other scams.

A passenger looks at the displays as there are delays in airline services caused by an ongoing global outage of Microsoft at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport in New Delhi on Friday. (Photo: IANS/Anupam Gautam)

“Threat actors continue to use the widespread IT outage for phishing and other malicious activity. CISA urges organisations to ensure they have robust cybersecurity measures to protect their users, assets, and data against this activity,” it said in a statement

The outage has impacted Windows 10 and later systems, and is due to the “CrowdStrike Falcon content update and not to malicious cyber activity”.

Nadella said in a post on X that “We are aware of this issue and are working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online.”

A fresh Microsoft statement read that they are actively supporting customers to assist in their recovery.

According to CrowdStrike, the issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed.