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China is Raising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
Jayadeva Ranade Commentary

Tension across the Taiwan Strait has increased since Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the Presidential elections for the third consecutive time in January 2024. The victory of the DPP's Lai Ching-te clearly signalled t....

March 14, 2024 International Relations and Diplomacy , China , Commentary , China , Taiwan , CCP , DPP , PLA , KMT , Kinmen , Quemoy , reunification
Myanmar Round Up: February 2024

01 February 2024 marked the third anniversary of the military coup led by Min Aung Hlaing, which overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. To continue its rule, the military extended the state of emergency. On the third anniversary of Spr....

March 13, 2024 sanctions , India in Myanmar , Myanmar Round Up , NUG , China in Myanmar , PDFs , Thailand-Myanmar , Martial Law , Emergency Rule
Neighborhood News Digest- 13 March 2024

Afghanistan
Muttaqi: Foreign Ministry Has 38 Offices Abroad-Tolo News
The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, at a gathering, said that currently, around 38 embassies and political agencies of the Islamic Em....

March 13, 2024 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Maldives , Sri Lanka , Bhutan , Bangladesh , IMF , Islamic Emirate , ADB , Monarchy , Kandahar , India-Myanmar , Humanitarian , World Bank Labour Market Assessment Report , PEACE Submarine Cable , People’s Majlis , Hijacked Bangladeshi Ship , Vote of Confidence , Thailand-India , Pakistan Ambassador , Sindh JUI F , Tourist.
Kashmir-Xinjiang Linkages in Modern and Contemporary Times

Due to its geographical contiguity and cultural affinity with Xinjiang and linkage with the Silk Route by means of much frequented Srinagar-Leh-Yarkand-Kashgar route, Kashmir played an important role in India’s relations with Central Asia since ear....

March 13, 2024 International Relations and Diplomacy , Russia , Kashmir , CPEC , Kashgar , Xinjiang Linkages , Uyghur activists , Soviet power
Continuing Tragedy in Gaza
Amb D P Srivastava, Distinguished Fellow, VIF Article

President Biden’s statement last week that there would be a Hamas-Israel deal by Monday, 4th March had raised hopes for a breakthrough in the talks being hosted in Cairo for hostage release and a pause in fighting. Israel had not sent its delegatio....

March 13, 2024 International Relations and Diplomacy , Article , Israel , Gaza , UNGA , Netanyahu , Hezbollah , Biden , Hamas , ICJ , hostages
Cultural and Civilisational Newsletter : February-2024

(Cultural and civilisational issues are vital as they shape societies, influencing values, norms, and identities. Understanding these aspects fosters harmony, tolerance, and cooperation among diverse communities. Addressing cultural concerns promo....

March 13, 2024 Ram Mandir , UNESCO , Cultural Heritage , conservation , North-East India , Archaeological Survey of India , Repatriation , Culture And Civilisation , National Museum , Archaeo-tourism , Monetary Museum , International Puppet Festival , British Museum , Intangible Cultural Heritage , Harappan Civilisation
Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 16-31 January 2024, Issue 30

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

  1. MoD Signs Contract with MDL for 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for ICG
  2. Launch of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 19 (Yard 129)
    March 12, 2024 Internet of Things , AI , Satellites , MSMEs , Science & Technology , Fintech , semiconductor , arms procurement , Intel , StartUps , Nuclear Reactors , India Stack , SK Hynix , DPI , Nvidia , AgroTech , Horizon 2047 , MedTech , NanoQT , Neutron Imaging , PLI Schemes , Space Hackathon , Space Race
Chilling Geostrategic Environment: An era of ‘Authoritarian Conflict Management’
Lt Gen (Dr) Rakesh Sharma (Retd.), Distinguished Fellow, VIF Article

Are we getting close to a global confrontation or are these fears grossly exaggerated? Lately, the French President had spoken of sending ground troops to Ukraine, there are reports of 12 CIA bases in Ukraine, and 50 British troops (SAG) are in Ukrai....

March 12, 2024 International Relations and Diplomacy , Article , Israel , Russia , War , Myanmar , Nuclear , NATO , Ukraine , Gaza , Hamas , Sahel region
Neighborhood News Digest- 12 March 2024

Afghanistan
Iran, Afghan Border Officials Hold Meeting in Islam Qala- Tolo News
The Islamic Emirate reported a bilateral meeting was held between Kabul and Tehran border officials in Islam Qala. The spokesman of the Islamic Em....

March 12, 2024 VIF Neighbourhood News Digest , Pakistan , China , Nepal , Maldives , Iran , Myanmar , Sri Lanka , Afghanistan , Bhutan , Bangladesh , Finance Minister , IMF , WTO , Rohingya , UN , Rakhine , drug trafficking , Cabinet , SLPP , LDC , Coalition Government , Electoral Change , BGP , Smuggling , Indian Soldiers in Maldives
Hezbollah in the North
Hirak Jyoti Das, Senior Research Associate, VIF Article

Israel currently in midst of ground operation in Gaza Strip is simultaneously engaged in limited war across the Blue Line on its northern frontier with Hezbollah. The near daily exchange of fire that began since Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s assaul....

March 12, 2024 International Relations and Diplomacy , West Asia , Article , US , Iran , Indian Diaspora , Hezbollah , Hamas , Israel Defense Forces (IDF) , 7 October attack
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