India men's Asia Cup team arrived at their hotel in Sri Lanka ahead of their first Asia Cup match. The team is staying in Earl Regency in Kandy. They were greeted with dance and music performances at their arrival. India will face Pakistan, their all time greatest rivals in a match tomorrow at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Team India arrive in Sri Lanka ahead of their first match in Asia Cup

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: India is all set to welcome global leaders at the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9 & 10. The latest leader to confirm her participation is US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who will be making her fourth visit to India in 10 months.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to attend G20 summit in India

The northeastern Indian state of Assam is facing the worst floods, as the water level of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries continue to rise. The severe floods have affected over 400,000 people in 19 districts.

Assam floods affect over 400,000 people in 19 districts

The Indian Met department has now informed us that the country experienced its driest august in over a century this year. According to a top weather official in the country, India is likely to witness an average amount of rainfall this September.

India to receive average rains in September, after driest August

The backlogs for employment-based green cards are at a new record high with more than 1.8 million immigrants waiting for news on their application.

These immigrants include those who have been sponsored by American businesses or investors but are unable to enter the country because annual limits on green cards available in these categories. The country caps, which restrict any country from acquiring more than 7 per cent of the green cards unless they are left unused by other countries, also have an impact on the line.

Due to this, immigrants from India, who make up 1.1 million of the backlog, must endure the longest before they receive their green cards.

Manu Saigal, General Staffing Directorat Adecco India, noted that given the current circumstances, the potential that India’s experts bring to the global stage cannot be ignored. However, the delays that skilled Indian workers encounter when applying for employment-based green cards not only hamper their personal goals but also create a barrier for companies hoping to capitalise on their skills.

“The uncertainty and protracted processing times act as a deterrent for highly skilled individuals, who could otherwise contribute significantly to their host countries,” she added.

There were 80,324 petitions pending as of March 2023, representing a total of around 171,635 persons, including the spouses and children of the workers. 289,000 people were waiting for the processing of their green card applications, and another 1.3 million people were on hold.

“Efficient immigration policies play a pivotal role in capitalising on the capabilities of international talent. Streamlined processes for green card allocations could unlock India’s workforce potential even further, allowing companies to access the right skills at the right time. Reforming immigration systems can help strike a balance between safeguarding national interests and nurturing global talent mobility,” Saigal said in a statement.

She continued by saying that while it is true that India is becoming a talent hotspot, it is crucial to solve the problems caused by prolonged wait times for green cards for both individuals and the global business landscape.

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The backlogs for employment-based green cards are at a new record high with more than 1.8 million immigrants waiting for news on their application. These immigrants include those who have been sponsored by American businesses or investors but are unable to enter the country because annual limits on green cards available in these categories.

The backlogs for employment-based green cards are at a new record high with more than 1.8 million immigrants waiting for news on their application. These immigrants include those who have been sponsored by American businesses or investors but are unable to enter the country because annual limits on green cards available in these categories. The country caps, which restrict any country from acquiring more than 7 per cent of the green cards unless they are left unused by other countries, also have an impact on the line. Due to this, immigrants from India, who make up 1.1 million of the backlog, must endure the longest before they receive their green cards. Manu Saigal, General Staffing Directorat Adecco India, noted that given the current circumstances, the potential that India’s experts bring to the global stage cannot be ignored. However, the delays that skilled Indian workers encounter when applying for employment-based green cards not only hamper their personal goals but also create a barrier for companies hoping to capitalise on their skills. “The uncertainty and protracted processing times act as a deterrent for highly skilled individuals, who could otherwise contribute significantly to their host countries,” she added. There were 80,324 petitions pending as of March 2023, representing a total of around 171,635 persons, including the spouses and children of the workers. 289,000 people were waiting for the processing of their green card applications, and another 1.3 million people were on hold. “Efficient immigration policies play a pivotal role in capitalising on the capabilities of international talent. Streamlined processes for green card allocations could unlock India’s workforce potential even further, allowing companies to access the right skills at the right time. Reforming immigration systems can help strike a balance between safeguarding national interests and nurturing global talent mobility,” Saigal said in a statement. She continued by saying that while it is true that India is becoming a talent hotspot, it is crucial to solve the problems caused by prolonged wait times for green cards for both individuals and the global business landscape. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indians endure the longest waits as US’s employment-based Green Card backlog reaches 1.8 MN 

Massive security arrangements have been put in place as India gears up for the G20 Summit next week. New Delhi will be declared a controlled Zone from the September 8th to the 10th when several heads of state and governments will be attending the meetings. However, Delhi police have denied that the city would be placed under a lockdown. All commercial establishments in the New Delhi district will be closed.

Delhi police: No lockdown in New Delhi, residents urged to use metro trains during G20 summit

Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, is without a doubt the Indian invention that has garnered the most attention worldwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement at the just finished BRICS meeting, "UPI is used at all levels, from street vendors to large shopping malls," provides a clear indication of UPI's pride in India's success story. India has the largest percentage of digital transactions today out of all nations.

UPI goes global as several countries accept it for payments

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said&nbsp;that Chandrayaan-3 was ISRO’s most significant achievement and added that MSMEs and private enterprises too&nbsp;contributed&nbsp;to the expedition.

“ISRO played an important role but along with it, the Indian industry, MSMEs and private companies also contributed to this mission. This is a success of both science and industry,” Mint quoted the Indian prime minister&nbsp;as saying during B20 summit in Delhi.

He emphasised how Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), private companies, and indigenous industries helped&nbsp;in producing&nbsp;equipment to meet the requirements of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.&nbsp;

“The long festival season in India has been brought forward this year. This year, the celebration has started early, from 23rd August. We are celebrating the success of our maiden lunar landing mission — Chandrayaan-3,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi’s faith in India’s future

Believing that India has the solution to every problem, PM Modi said that India has&nbsp;a big part to play in creating a trustworthy and efficient global supply chain. The Indian prime minister recalled how India became the “pharmacy of the world” during the “once-in-a-century pandemic” -- Covid-19 -- by delivering vaccines beyond its borders.

He also advocated for sustainable business practices, stressing that enterprises should realise&nbsp;sustainability as&nbsp;an economic opportunity.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Chandrayaan-3 was ISRO’s most significant achievement and added that MSMEs and private enterprises too contributed to the expedition.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Chandrayaan-3 was ISRO’s most significant achievement and added that MSMEs and private enterprises too contributed to the expedition. “ISRO played an important role but along with it, the Indian industry, MSMEs and private companies also contributed to this mission. This is a success of both science and industry,” Mint quoted the Indian prime minister as saying during B20 summit in Delhi. He emphasised how Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), private companies, and indigenous industries helped in producing equipment to meet the requirements of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. “The long festival season in India has been brought forward this year. This year, the celebration has started early, from 23rd August. We are celebrating the success of our maiden lunar landing mission — Chandrayaan-3,” PM Modi added. PM Modi’s faith in India’s future Believing that India has the solution to every problem, PM Modi said that India has a big part to play in creating a trustworthy and efficient global supply chain. The Indian prime minister recalled how India became the “pharmacy of the world” during the “once-in-a-century pandemic” -- Covid-19 -- by delivering vaccines beyond its borders. He also advocated for sustainable business practices, stressing that enterprises should realise sustainability as an economic opportunity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

B20 Summit 2023: PM Modi lauds MSMEs, private firms for contributing to Chandrayaan-3 mission

The government of India has received an enthusiastic response from international companies for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for hardware, including Lenovo, HP, Dell and Acer, The Economic Times quoted Union Minster of Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw as saying on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Up to 32 companies have submitted their proposals to the government.

“Excellent response received for the production of laptops and PCs under the hardware Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme. We have met almost all the 32 companies who applied and the portal will be closing tonight. Companies that will be manufacturing laptops include HP India, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, Thomson and others,” The Economic Times quoted Vaishanaw as saying in a media briefing.

Despite this, US tech giant Apple has not expressed interest in the PLI program yet.

The IT Minister emphasised that under the PLI hardware plan, there will be a special emphasis on laptops built in India, as well as consideration for tablets, AiO PC servers, and ultra-small form factor devices.

According to the minister, the planned incremental investment under the plan is Rs 2,430 crore ($239 million), while the expected incremental production is estimated to be Rs 3.35 lakh crore ($40 billion). 75,000 additional direct jobs are anticipated.

At the media briefing, Vaishnaw said that India is presently emerging as a trusted supply chain partner and value-added partner and that companies are keen to carry out manufacturing and design in India.

Vaishnaw added that the government is optimistic about hardware exports having the same level of success as exports of smartphones.

“The government is working on multiple ways to improve electronics manufacturing in the country,”&nbsp;&nbsp;he said.

He added that Dixon’s Noida factory would shortly begin producing.

On May 29, 2023, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware was announced, with a budget of Rs 17,000 crore ($20 million). On May 17, the Union Cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the introduction of the program.

The program aims to develop and broaden the nation's ecosystem for making IT gear.

By encouraging the localisation of components and sub-assemblies and allowing for a longer period of time to establish the supply chain within the nation, the PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware is anticipated to lead to the broadening and deepening of the manufacturing ecosystem.

The government launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in a variety of industries as part of its Atmanirbhar and Make in India plan to increase exports, improve export competitiveness, attract investments, and lessen reliance on imports.

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The government of India has received an enthusiastic response from international companies for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for hardware, including Lenovo, HP, Dell and Acer, The Economic Times quoted Union Minster of Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw as saying on Wednesday.

The government of India has received an enthusiastic response from international companies for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for hardware, including Lenovo, HP, Dell and Acer, The Economic Times quoted Union Minster of Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw as saying on Wednesday. Up to 32 companies have submitted their proposals to the government. “Excellent response received for the production of laptops and PCs under the hardware Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme. We have met almost all the 32 companies who applied and the portal will be closing tonight. Companies that will be manufacturing laptops include HP India, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, Thomson and others,” The Economic Times quoted Vaishanaw as saying in a media briefing. Despite this, US tech giant Apple has not expressed interest in the PLI program yet. The IT Minister emphasised that under the PLI hardware plan, there will be a special emphasis on laptops built in India, as well as consideration for tablets, AiO PC servers, and ultra-small form factor devices. According to the minister, the planned incremental investment under the plan is Rs 2,430 crore ($239 million), while the expected incremental production is estimated to be Rs 3.35 lakh crore ($40 billion). 75,000 additional direct jobs are anticipated. At the media briefing, Vaishnaw said that India is presently emerging as a trusted supply chain partner and value-added partner and that companies are keen to carry out manufacturing and design in India. Vaishnaw added that the government is optimistic about hardware exports having the same level of success as exports of smartphones. “The government is working on multiple ways to improve electronics manufacturing in the country,” he said. He added that Dixon’s Noida factory would shortly begin producing. On May 29, 2023, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware was announced, with a budget of Rs 17,000 crore ($20 million). On May 17, the Union Cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the introduction of the program. The program aims to develop and broaden the nation's ecosystem for making IT gear. By encouraging the localisation of components and sub-assemblies and allowing for a longer period of time to establish the supply chain within the nation, the PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware is anticipated to lead to the broadening and deepening of the manufacturing ecosystem. The government launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in a variety of industries as part of its Atmanirbhar and Make in India plan to increase exports, improve export competitiveness, attract investments, and lessen reliance on imports. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Excellent response for hardware PLI scheme: India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw  

The opposition alliance INDIA will meet in Mumbai for the third time on Thursday and Friday to discuss its tactics for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The alliance will most likely establish a coordination committee, a logo, and panels to develop the alliance's shared minimum strategy. Seat-sharing discussions and the establishment of a secretariat are also on the table to increase cooperation among all member parties. Furthermore, it is expected that more regional groups will join the alliance during the two-day conference.

Mumbai: 2-day Opposition meet to chalk out election strategies

The Indian army has successfully demonstrated the indigenous weapons as the Brazilian Army Chief inspected the weapons in India's Pokhran. While Rajasthan's Pokhran testing range has witnessed many military drills in the past this time it's different.

Pokhran: Indian Army demonstrates indigenous weapons in presence of the Brazilian Army Chief

A Pew survey says that India is viewed favourably in most G20 nations. Which nations are these? How many of their people have a positive opinion on India? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Pew Survey: India viewed favourably in most G20 nations

Citigroup says India’s cut to cooking gas cost might help slow inflation and shift attention to lowering the price of petrol and diesel ahead of certain important festivals and critical elections. Economists at Citibank, in a research note, said the government's plan to cut the price of cooking gas might ease inflation by roughly 30 basis points. Citibank economists suggested that more fiscal measures need to be discussed to reduce inflation and boost rural incomes. The economists noted that excise tax cuts are a possible solution to the high cost of fuel and getting inflation under control.

Citibank predicts relief: Cooking gas price cut to tackle inflation

Months after US-based short seller Hindenburg raised questions about its business dealings, India's Adani group is once again in the line of fire. This time, a non-profit media organisation, said that the business partners of the Adani family used 'opaque' funds to invest in its stocks.

After Hindenburg, another group slams Adani

Is China trying to subvert the G20 summit? After releasing a provocative map, Xi Jinping is 'likely' to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi. Has India's G20 presidency rattled Xi Jinping? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping 'likely' to skip G20 summit |Is China trying to disrupt the summit?

On the Indian economic front, India's gross domestic product has in fact grown at a very impressive 7.8 per cent for the April to June quarter.

India's growth story gets a boost: GDP grew at 7.4%

India’s economy expanded at its quickest rate in a year in the April-June quarter, data is expected to indicate on Thursday. Meanwhile, economists foresee a slowdown.

The median projection of economists surveyed by Reuters indicates that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 7.7 per cent in the most recent quarter, which is faster growth than the country experienced in the April to June quarter in 2022.

According to economists, falling commodity costs have allowed for manufacturers to raise profits and somewhat offset the 250-basis point increase in interest rates since May 2022.

India, being the third-largest economy in Asia, has been able to defy the global downturn that has left several other economies, including China, faltering. India’s services sector, which accounts for more than half of its economic output, has had strong growth.

For the longest period since August 2011, the S&amp;P Global India services Purchasing Managers’ Index has been consistently over the 50-point threshold distinguishing growth from contraction for almost two years.

The Indian government has been putting more money toward infrastructure each year to stimulate growth. India spent roughly 28 per cent of its 10 trillion Indian rupee ($120.91 billion) capital expenditure budget in the first three months of the fiscal year, which began on April 1.

Kaushik Das, chief economist for India at Deutsche Bank, said that a 3 per cent drop in wholesale prices will also boost the nation's strong headline growth by lowering the “GDP deflator,” which is used to estimate real economic growth by excluding price increases.

Setbacks ahead&nbsp;

According to economists, the price effect may change in the upcoming months, and growth may slow.

August has been unusually dry after above average rainfall in July, which has driven up the cost of basic foods and reduced discretionary expenditure.

In India’s hinterlands, where agriculture provides the majority of the country’s income, dry weather could also reduce agricultural productivity and weaken the influence of the locals.

A comparison to higher growth rates from a year ago as well as slowing exports and global growth will also have an impact on future quarters’ growth.

Rahul Bajoria, an economist at Barclays, stated that there is some evidence that the activity is decreasing sequentially. “The market as a whole believes that things will slow down.”

(With inputs from Reuters)

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India’s economy expanded at its quickest rate in a year in the April-June quarter, data is expected to indicate on Thursday. Meanwhile, economists foresee a slowdown.

India’s economy expanded at its quickest rate in a year in the April-June quarter, data is expected to indicate on Thursday. Meanwhile, economists foresee a slowdown. The median projection of economists surveyed by Reuters indicates that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 7.7 per cent in the most recent quarter, which is faster growth than the country experienced in the April to June quarter in 2022. According to economists, falling commodity costs have allowed for manufacturers to raise profits and somewhat offset the 250-basis point increase in interest rates since May 2022. India, being the third-largest economy in Asia, has been able to defy the global downturn that has left several other economies, including China, faltering. India’s services sector, which accounts for more than half of its economic output, has had strong growth. For the longest period since August 2011, the S&P Global India services Purchasing Managers’ Index has been consistently over the 50-point threshold distinguishing growth from contraction for almost two years. The Indian government has been putting more money toward infrastructure each year to stimulate growth. India spent roughly 28 per cent of its 10 trillion Indian rupee ($120.91 billion) capital expenditure budget in the first three months of the fiscal year, which began on April 1. Kaushik Das, chief economist for India at Deutsche Bank, said that a 3 per cent drop in wholesale prices will also boost the nation's strong headline growth by lowering the “GDP deflator,” which is used to estimate real economic growth by excluding price increases. Setbacks ahead According to economists, the price effect may change in the upcoming months, and growth may slow. August has been unusually dry after above average rainfall in July, which has driven up the cost of basic foods and reduced discretionary expenditure. In India’s hinterlands, where agriculture provides the majority of the country’s income, dry weather could also reduce agricultural productivity and weaken the influence of the locals. A comparison to higher growth rates from a year ago as well as slowing exports and global growth will also have an impact on future quarters’ growth. Rahul Bajoria, an economist at Barclays, stated that there is some evidence that the activity is decreasing sequentially. “The market as a whole believes that things will slow down.” (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India’s economy is expected to expand at its fastest rate in a year: Estimates

The revised "standard map" that China just unveiled has caused controversy because it includes disputed South China Sea islands as well as Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, Taiwan, and other controversial territories. The release, which took place on August 28, has sparked new international tensions and reopened old ones.

China Map Controversy: Malaysian foreign ministry rubbish China's latest 'standard' map

India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the government was calling a Special Session of Parliament. The minister said that the special session will have 5 sittings and will be held between September 18 and 22.

India: Special Session of Parliament called, agenda of special session not disclosed | WION Dispatch

India has told the US that it should unfreeze funds worth $26 million belonging to two Indian diamond firms after they were hit by sanctions for allegedly trading with Russian diamond firm Alrosa, Reuters reported.

The funds were frozen earlier this year after the US imposed sanctions on Alrosa last year in April. The sanctions were imposed by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).&nbsp;

Indian government officials cited by Reuters declined to identify the two Indian companies involved in the case. This is believed to be the first incident of the US punishing any Indian company for trading with Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Why were the sanctions imposed on Indian firms?</h2>

The Indian companies ran afoul of OFAC when their units based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allegedly attempted to wire money to buy rough diamonds, according to the Indian government official quoted by Reuters. It was not clear whether the money was being sent to Alrosa or any other Russian company.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia's Putin to not visit India for G20 summit next month

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However, the banks halted the transactions in US dollars and the money ended up getting frozen. "The government is aware of the OFAC action and has initiated dialogue over it," one of the Indian government sources said, without identifying which US body were the officials engaging. "The problem was suspicion of trade links with Alrosa," added the statement.

<h2>What are the Indian firms saying?</h2>

As claimed by the Indian officials, the Indian firms didn’t violate the American sanctions. The payments were either meant for non-sanctioned Russian entities or related to orders completed before the sanctions took effect.&nbsp;

Alrosa is the largest global producer of raw diamonds and is backed by the Russian government.

<h2>About India’s diamond sector</h2>

With the world's foremost diamond processing capacity, India recorded polished diamond exports exceeding $22 billion in the last fiscal year, concluding on March 31.&nbsp;

The industry, primarily centred in India’s western state of Gujarat, acquires rough diamonds from suppliers located in nations like the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-ambassador-alipov-commends-indias-g20-presidency-hopeful-on-joint-statement-slams-us-630624">Also read:&nbsp;Russian Ambassador Alipov commends India`s G20 presidency, hopeful on joint statement; slams US</a>

Despite US sanctions, Alrosa has adeptly sustained consistent diamond sales. It must be noted that the European Union didn’t adhere to the US sanctions on Russian diamond traders. Now, some G7 countries are advocating for stricter sanctions concerning Russia's diamond trade.

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India has told the US that it should unfreeze funds worth $26 million belonging to two Indian diamond firms after they were hit by sanctions for allegedly trading with Russian diamond firm Alrosa, Reuters reported.

India has told the US that it should unfreeze funds worth $26 million belonging to two Indian diamond firms after they were hit by sanctions for allegedly trading with Russian diamond firm Alrosa, Reuters reported. The funds were frozen earlier this year after the US imposed sanctions on Alrosa last year in April. The sanctions were imposed by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Indian government officials cited by Reuters declined to identify the two Indian companies involved in the case. This is believed to be the first incident of the US punishing any Indian company for trading with Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Why were the sanctions imposed on Indian firms? The Indian companies ran afoul of OFAC when their units based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allegedly attempted to wire money to buy rough diamonds, according to the Indian government official quoted by Reuters. It was not clear whether the money was being sent to Alrosa or any other Russian company. Watch: Russia's Putin to not visit India for G20 summit next month × However, the banks halted the transactions in US dollars and the money ended up getting frozen. "The government is aware of the OFAC action and has initiated dialogue over it," one of the Indian government sources said, without identifying which US body were the officials engaging. "The problem was suspicion of trade links with Alrosa," added the statement. What are the Indian firms saying? As claimed by the Indian officials, the Indian firms didn’t violate the American sanctions. The payments were either meant for non-sanctioned Russian entities or related to orders completed before the sanctions took effect. Alrosa is the largest global producer of raw diamonds and is backed by the Russian government. About India’s diamond sector With the world's foremost diamond processing capacity, India recorded polished diamond exports exceeding $22 billion in the last fiscal year, concluding on March 31. The industry, primarily centred in India’s western state of Gujarat, acquires rough diamonds from suppliers located in nations like the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Russia. Also read: Russian Ambassador Alipov commends India`s G20 presidency, hopeful on joint statement; slams US Despite US sanctions, Alrosa has adeptly sustained consistent diamond sales. It must be noted that the European Union didn’t adhere to the US sanctions on Russian diamond traders. Now, some G7 countries are advocating for stricter sanctions concerning Russia's diamond trade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India tells US to unfreeze funds of two firms accused of trading with Russia

Indian PM Narendra Modi's popularity is reaching new heights. According to a survey, about 80% of Indians have a favourable view of PM Modi.

PM Modi again in 2024? New research says 80% of Indians have a favourable view of the Prime Minister

India's first solar probe to blast off on September 2 after last week’s successful moon touchdown, Aditya-L1, first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun. Aditya, meaning "Sun" in Hindi, will be fired into a halo orbit in a region of space about 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, providing the craft with a continuous clear view of the Sun.

The sun is getting angry; Should you really worry about solar flares?

US Congress has cleared a much anticipated India-US fighter engine deal with no objection. The Congress nod now paves the way for the implementation of the deal between the US-based General Electric (GE) and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Historic deal to jointly make jet engines for Indian Air Force cleared by US Congress

In a resounding show of support, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov has lauded India's impending G20 Presidency as a pivotal milestone in the current year. Alipov affirmed, "We have been very closely engaged with the Indian presidency and with member countries on the agenda that India has proposed." He stressed Russia's firm endorsement of India's priorities and expressed enthusiasm for its emphasis on bolstering the global south's role in world affairs. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Alipov underlined Russia's backing of the initiative to grant full-time membership to the African Union within the G20. He articulated, "We have supported the initiative to make the African Union a full-time member of the G20."

'India's G20 Presidency elevates role of 'Global South' in World affairs,' says Russian Ambassador

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