Category: WORLD

New Delhi, December 22:
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to place the bilateral partnership on an accelerated growth trajectory, significantly enhancing cooperation across trade, investment and strategic sectors. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, remove non-tariff barriers and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Officials said the FTA will provide a major boost to Indian exports such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, IT services and agricultural products, while New Zealand exporters are set to gain improved access to the Indian market for dairy, horticulture, meat products and education services. The deal is also expected to strengthen supply chains and encourage greater two-way investments.

Beyond trade, the agreement is seen as a step towards deepening overall bilateral relations, including cooperation in education, technology, renewable energy and people-to-people ties. Experts noted that the FTA reflects the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to economic integration, rules-based trade and long-term strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

Quetta, December 22:
At least six Pakistani soldiers were killed in multiple attacks across Balochistan province, according to security sources. The attacks were carried out in different locations, targeting security forces amid ongoing unrest in the region.

Officials said the incidents included ambushes and targeted assaults on military personnel, following which security forces launched counter-operations in the affected areas. The injured, if any, were shifted to nearby medical facilities, while the bodies of the deceased soldiers were sent for formal procedures.

Security agencies have intensified search and cordon operations to track down those responsible for the attacks. Authorities stated that such incidents highlight the persistent security challenges in Balochistan, where militant violence has continued despite increased deployment and surveillance. Further details are awaited as investigations continue.

Beijing, December 22:
China has announced the discovery of Asia’s largest undersea gold deposit, located off its southeastern coast, officials said on Monday. Preliminary estimates suggest that the deposit contains several hundred tonnes of gold, marking a significant addition to the country’s mineral resources.

The discovery was made during a joint survey conducted by China’s mineral exploration authorities and marine research institutes. Officials noted that advanced deep-sea exploration technology was used to identify the deposit at a depth of several hundred metres below the ocean surface.

Experts highlighted the potential economic and strategic significance of the find, while also noting that extraction will require state-of-the-art mining technology and strict adherence to environmental regulations. Authorities emphasised that any future mining operations would prioritise ecological safety to minimise impact on marine ecosystems.

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources said the discovery could strengthen the country’s position in the global gold market and provide additional raw material for industrial and financial purposes. The finding has drawn attention from global investors and analysts keen to track its implications on gold supply and prices.

Hanoi, December 22:
Vietnam is set to choose its next top leadership through the five-yearly National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), a tightly controlled political process that plays a decisive role in shaping the country’s governance and policy direction.

The Party Congress, attended by nearly 1,600 delegates representing over five million party members, will elect the Central Committee, which in turn selects the Politburo and the General Secretary, Vietnam’s most powerful political position. The General Secretary effectively serves as the country’s paramount leader, wielding influence over the government, military and party apparatus.

Leadership selection is based on internal consensus, seniority, ideological alignment and administrative experience rather than public elections. Informal consultations, factional balance and anti-corruption credentials are considered key factors, with candidates often vetted well before the congress formally begins.

Political analysts say the outcome of the congress will determine Vietnam’s economic reforms, foreign policy approach and governance priorities for the next five years. The leadership transition comes at a crucial time as Vietnam navigates global economic uncertainty, regional security challenges and its growing role in international supply chains.

Washington, December 20:
US Senator Marco Rubio on Saturday said during his year-end press conference that he has “seen us engaged” in efforts to resolve tensions between India and Pakistan. He emphasised the importance of diplomatic dialogue and constructive engagement in addressing longstanding conflicts in the region.

Rubio highlighted that sustained international attention and collaboration are critical for peace and stability in South Asia. He stressed that the US continues to support initiatives aimed at de-escalation and fostering bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The Senator’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on security, trade, and regional stability. He added that maintaining open channels of communication and encouraging dialogue are vital steps toward conflict resolution.

Dhaka, December 20:
An attack on media offices in Bangladesh resulted in the looting of 150 computers, cash, and food items, while CCTV cameras were damaged, officials said on Saturday. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of journalists and media infrastructure in the country.

Police and security personnel rushed to the scene following the attack, initiating an investigation into the perpetrators and the motive behind the assault. Authorities said the damage to equipment and facilities is significant, affecting day-to-day operations of the affected media outlets.

Journalists and media representatives condemned the attack, calling for immediate action and enhanced protection for press offices. Officials assured that stringent measures will be taken to identify the culprits and prevent such incidents in the future.

New Delhi, December 20:
Tech giant Google on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its employees planning to travel to the United States, citing delays at US embassies and consulates in visa processing. The warning comes as routine visa appointments and processing timelines have been extended, affecting international business travel and project schedules.

Google officials urged employees to plan their travel well in advance, monitor embassy updates, and coordinate with HR teams for necessary documentation. The advisory also highlighted potential disruptions to project timelines due to unforeseen visa delays.

Embassy sources said the delays are due to high demand and limited appointment availability, and they encouraged applicants to remain patient and check for updated schedules regularly. Google’s warning reflects broader concerns among multinational firms regarding international workforce mobility amid procedural backlogs.

Lhasa, December 20:
Chinese authorities on Saturday reportedly arrested more than 80 Tibetans who were protesting against gold mining activities in Tibet. The demonstrators had gathered to express concerns over environmental degradation and the impact of mining on local communities.

Local sources said security forces intervened to disperse the protesters, and several individuals were detained for questioning. Reports indicate that the arrests were carried out in multiple locations near mining sites.

Human rights organisations condemned the action, calling for the immediate release of peaceful protesters and urging authorities to engage in dialogue with affected communities. The protests reflect growing local opposition to mining operations and their environmental consequences.

Washington, December 20:
The United States military on Saturday conducted airstrikes against 70 large-scale ISIS targets in Syria, officials confirmed. The operations were aimed at dismantling the terrorist group’s infrastructure and reducing its operational capabilities in the region.

Pentagon sources said the strikes targeted training camps, weapons depots, and command centres used by ISIS fighters. No US personnel were reported injured, and efforts were made to minimise civilian casualties.

Officials emphasised that the operations are part of ongoing counterterrorism measures in Syria and neighbouring regions. The Pentagon stated that it remains committed to supporting local forces and international partners in preventing the resurgence of ISIS.

Moscow, December 20:
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday claimed that if Russia and European countries were to unite economically, their combined GDP could surpass that of the United States. He highlighted the potential of collaboration in trade, energy, and technology sectors to strengthen economic influence.

Putin emphasised that closer ties and coordinated policies between Russia and Europe could lead to significant economic growth, innovation, and stability. He said that strategic cooperation would allow the region to compete more effectively on the global stage.

The remarks come amid ongoing geopolitical discussions and efforts to enhance trade partnerships. Analysts noted that while the claim is aspirational, practical challenges exist, including political differences, regulatory barriers, and sanctions impacting economic integration.