Afghanistan's Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid Al-Adha

Taliban announce Eid Al-Adha ceasefire in Afghanistan

Where not to be in case of World War 3: The riskiest countries in the world

<p>With remittances from the Middle East in decline, India may face problems in the domestic labor market.</p>

<p>India remains the world&rsquo;s leading recipient of international personal remittances, claiming 10.9% of global inflows, followed by China (10.6%) and Philippines (5.4%), according to latest data released by World Bank for 2016. Total remittance inflow to India was $62 billion in 2016, down from $68 billion in 2015. A major fall (9.5%) is noted from the Middle Eastern countries, whose share constitutes 55.7% ($35 billion) of India&rsquo;s total remittances, as the average annual income per Indian migrant across the region decreased from $5,973 in 2015 to $5,407 in 2016.</p>

<p>Remittances are a major component in terms of contribution to GDP, especially for developing nations like India where domestic resources and national production are insufficient to provide full employment for the existing labor supply. Average wage rate is also lower in India compared to the countries where remittances originate. Also, while India&rsquo;s remittance inflows are similar to China&rsquo;s, the share of remittances as a percentage of GDP is higher in India (2.5%), against China&rsquo;s 0.6%. This difference reflects a higher dependency of India&rsquo;s domestic economy on foreign remittances. Since the Middle East, and specifically the Gulf states, is a major source for India&rsquo;s remittance inflow, a decline in earning in the region could adversely affect India&rsquo;s employment and balance of payment.</p>

<p>The Middle East accommodates the highest number of Indian migrants around the world, with an estimated 8 million residing in the region, accounting for 19.7% of total global migrants in the Middle East and 53.7% of total Indian migrants globally. Over the last four years, the number of Indian workers to emigration check required (ECR) countries fell from 804,000 in 2014 to 391,000 in 2017. ECR, a protective measure for the non-matriculate Indian migrants to 17 countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, was adopted under the Migration Act 1983. Out of 17 ECR countries, 12 are in the Middle East. According to RBI survey report for 2012, 42% of migrants to the Middle East were classified as unskilled labor.</p>

<p>A discrepancy in earnings is illustrative: While an average salary in India is $2,860 a year, in Qatar&nbsp;Indian migrants earn $6,916 a year on average, followed by $5,713 in Kuwait, $5,544 in the United Arab Emirates $5,112 in Saudi Arabia. Indians occupy various positions ranging from managerial roles to laborers. Around 10% are employed as doctors, engineers, charted accountants and scientists, while a further 10% work in in white-collar jobs such as storekeepers clerks, secretaries and accountants in both government and private sectors. The majority, around 75%-80%, makes up laborers and technicians working in construction and as home servants.</p>

<p>The ongoing economic downturn in the Gulf countries due to the fall in crude oil prices, internal political disturbances, the extra burden of taxes on expats (like the family-dependent tax in Saudi Arabia) and the growing inclination to recruit locals could account for the fall in remittances. Further, Indian workers in the Middle East report violations of contractual terms, adverse working conditions, poor wages as well as problems related to medical, insurance and compensation claims. As a result, many Indian workers have shown an interest in returning home. By February 2017, 3,015 workers in the Middle East have requested repatriation from Indian authorities (a vast majority of these from Saudi Arabia), while 594 Indians were in jail across the Middle East this time last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides external pressures, Indian policies toward the ECR migrants heading to the Gulf are also major causes for the decline, like the introduction of a tax on conversion of remittances, extra regularization of foreign recruiting markets and now the color coding of ECR passports. The color coding scheme was part of a reform to minimize the number of passport pages that contain unnecessary information. Since ECR status was included on a separate page, India&rsquo;s government had the intention to remove this page by coloring the passport jacket orange to identify ECR emigrants. This could create a sense of inferiority among the ECR passport holders due to their poor economic and educational status and further decrease labor flow.</p>

<p>After protests by politicians and activists, India&rsquo;s government rolled back its discriminatory initiative. Pointing out its repercussions, Oommen Chandy, former chief minister of Kerala, said: &ldquo;If this becomes a reality, the moment an orange color passport holder lands in a foreign country, he will be treated with disdain, and it will have a telling impact on such people&rsquo;s character and individuality. This should not happen at all.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Shashi Tharoor, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, surmised that &ldquo;the very premise of this decision &mdash; discriminating against the citizens of a country based on their economic status and educational qualifications &mdash; makes it inherently unfair.&rdquo;</p>

<p>A decline of remittance inflows creates a major cause for concern due to adverse impact on India&rsquo;s balance of payment and on the domestic employment adjustment. The government must take remedial measures to curb such decline and to prevent the discriminatory behavior against ECR migrants. Disputes related to wages and contract violations are also common in the Indian labor market, but the occurrence of such incidents among migrants across the Middle East should not be overstated to provide a reason for tightening recruitment rules and imposing excess regulations.</p>

<p>This <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/global-remittances-middle-east-gulf-india-labor-force-news-43199/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">article</a> has been originally published in the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">Fair Observer</a>.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


A major fall is noted from the Middle Eastern countries, whose share constitutes 55.7% of India’s total remittances, as the average annual income per Indian migrant across the region decreased.

With remittances from the Middle East in decline, India may face problems in the domestic labor market. India remains the world’s leading recipient of international personal remittances, claiming 10.9% of global inflows, followed by China (10.6%) and Philippines (5.4%), according to latest data released by World Bank for 2016. Total remittance inflow to India was $62 billion in 2016, down from $68 billion in 2015. A major fall (9.5%) is noted from the Middle Eastern countries, whose share constitutes 55.7% ($35 billion) of India’s total remittances, as the average annual income per Indian migrant across the region decreased from $5,973 in 2015 to $5,407 in 2016. Remittances are a major component in terms of contribution to GDP, especially for developing nations like India where domestic resources and national production are insufficient to provide full employment for the existing labor supply. Average wage rate is also lower in India compared to the countries where remittances originate. Also, while India’s remittance inflows are similar to China’s, the share of remittances as a percentage of GDP is higher in India (2.5%), against China’s 0.6%. This difference reflects a higher dependency of India’s domestic economy on foreign remittances. Since the Middle East, and specifically the Gulf states, is a major source for India’s remittance inflow, a decline in earning in the region could adversely affect India’s employment and balance of payment. The Middle East accommodates the highest number of Indian migrants around the world, with an estimated 8 million residing in the region, accounting for 19.7% of total global migrants in the Middle East and 53.7% of total Indian migrants globally. Over the last four years, the number of Indian workers to emigration check required (ECR) countries fell from 804,000 in 2014 to 391,000 in 2017. ECR, a protective measure for the non-matriculate Indian migrants to 17 countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, was adopted under the Migration Act 1983. Out of 17 ECR countries, 12 are in the Middle East. According to RBI survey report for 2012, 42% of migrants to the Middle East were classified as unskilled labor. A discrepancy in earnings is illustrative: While an average salary in India is $2,860 a year, in Qatar Indian migrants earn $6,916 a year on average, followed by $5,713 in Kuwait, $5,544 in the United Arab Emirates $5,112 in Saudi Arabia. Indians occupy various positions ranging from managerial roles to laborers. Around 10% are employed as doctors, engineers, charted accountants and scientists, while a further 10% work in in white-collar jobs such as storekeepers clerks, secretaries and accountants in both government and private sectors. The majority, around 75%-80%, makes up laborers and technicians working in construction and as home servants. The ongoing economic downturn in the Gulf countries due to the fall in crude oil prices, internal political disturbances, the extra burden of taxes on expats (like the family-dependent tax in Saudi Arabia) and the growing inclination to recruit locals could account for the fall in remittances. Further, Indian workers in the Middle East report violations of contractual terms, adverse working conditions, poor wages as well as problems related to medical, insurance and compensation claims. As a result, many Indian workers have shown an interest in returning home. By February 2017, 3,015 workers in the Middle East have requested repatriation from Indian authorities (a vast majority of these from Saudi Arabia), while 594 Indians were in jail across the Middle East this time last year. Besides external pressures, Indian policies toward the ECR migrants heading to the Gulf are also major causes for the decline, like the introduction of a tax on conversion of remittances, extra regularization of foreign recruiting markets and now the color coding of ECR passports. The color coding scheme was part of a reform to minimize the number of passport pages that contain unnecessary information. Since ECR status was included on a separate page, India’s government had the intention to remove this page by coloring the passport jacket orange to identify ECR emigrants. This could create a sense of inferiority among the ECR passport holders due to their poor economic and educational status and further decrease labor flow. After protests by politicians and activists, India’s government rolled back its discriminatory initiative. Pointing out its repercussions, Oommen Chandy, former chief minister of Kerala, said: “If this becomes a reality, the moment an orange color passport holder lands in a foreign country, he will be treated with disdain, and it will have a telling impact on such people’s character and individuality. This should not happen at all.” Shashi Tharoor, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, surmised that “the very premise of this decision — discriminating against the citizens of a country based on their economic status and educational qualifications — makes it inherently unfair.” A decline of remittance inflows creates a major cause for concern due to adverse impact on India’s balance of payment and on the domestic employment adjustment. The government must take remedial measures to curb such decline and to prevent the discriminatory behavior against ECR migrants. Disputes related to wages and contract violations are also common in the Indian labor market, but the occurrence of such incidents among migrants across the Middle East should not be overstated to provide a reason for tightening recruitment rules and imposing excess regulations. This article has been originally published in the Fair Observer. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India's labour market may suffer from declining remittances from Middle-East

<p>Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS in a recent Future Investment Summit, held on 24th October in Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s capital, Riyadh, launched independent $500bn megacity - with &quot;separate regulation&quot; - along with the Red Sea coastline. It will be run entirely on alternative energy and be an innovation hub for the future.</p>

<p>This Future Investment Summit is an international event to attract investors into the kingdom. He issued a statement, &ldquo;Saudi Arabia would return&nbsp;to a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world&quot;. He further said, &quot;We will end extremism very soon&quot;. These statements issued by MBS has a lot of repercussions.</p>

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<h5>Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp.</h5>
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<p>First, this statement is a reflection of his vision and Saudi&#39;s vision 2030 - a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. This is part of its attempt to shift from an oil-based economy to a modern one. It will reassure investors that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&#39;s push to diversify its economy beyond oil is on track. In the recent months, Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp.</p>

<p>Secondly, these statements also show that the failure of the monarchy as it is trying to divert the citizens focus from diminishing resources of the kingdom. The end of these resources would be devastating for Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s economy.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Third, these statements are a clear challenge to the religious establishment of the regime. This shows the breaking of the alliance between House of Saud and the clergy, which maintains a stronghold in the Saudi system. The political system of Saudi is based on religious establishment.</p>

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<h5>Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Crown Prince is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil.</h5>
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<p>Fourth, MBS talking of new age and change looks difficult without a cultural transformation in Saudi. Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s state religion is fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabism, where the Islamic Sharia law is practiced strictly. Infidelity and drug trafficking are punishable with beheading, and women still need to be accompanied by a male guardian. Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world to grant women driving rights.</p>

<p>His plans guarantee brighter future for Saudi&rsquo;s, as he is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. He has announced unique social and economic reforms after coming to power. His projects provide a forward-looking image which is a game changer for the image of Saudi globally. His statement is very bold for a conservative country like Saudi Arabia where other religious practices are not allowed. Like, for example, churches are banned.</p>

<p>It would be great if he could change the guardianship system&nbsp;where women cannot marry, work, study, open bank account, apply for passport, travel or seek healthcare without the consent of their male guardians. A Saudi woman can never pass on her nationality to her children, who need a visa to enter the kingdom. Then only half of the population of Saudi Arabia can participate in the development of economy freely. Also, his cultural revolution will be successful.</p>

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<h5>The prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi.</h5>
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<p>However, the success of these changes requires stability and security in the region. It will be comfortable in investing only if, there is&nbsp;stability and security in the region. This is only possible if the crisis in Yemen ends and the relations with Qatar resumes. Also, the prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi.</p>

<p>Democracy and citizen rights is a distant dream in this Gulf monarchy. Gender segregation is practiced in many places and women are marginalised in jobs. Monitors, including Amnesty International, says Saudi Arabia has in parallel stepped up its repression of peaceful rights activists. Saudi authorities last month arrested more than 20 activists, including two popular Muslim preachers, without disclosing any charges against them.</p>

<p>In such an environment, new age looks difficult. Changes in Saudi economy must be accompanied by cultural changes. The founding precepts of the country are not working anymore, as Saudi has a young population, maximum under the age of thirty.</p>

<p>Though a lot has changed under MBS and that is giving a modern, liberal image to Saudi Arabia internationally.</p>


Modernisation in Saudi Arabia seems impossible without cultural transformation

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS in a recent Future Investment Summit, held on 24th October in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, launched independent $500bn megacity - with "separate regulation" - along with the Red Sea coastline. It will be run entirely on alternative energy and be an innovation hub for the future. This Future Investment Summit is an international event to attract investors into the kingdom. He issued a statement, “Saudi Arabia would return to a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world". He further said, "We will end extremism very soon". These statements issued by MBS has a lot of repercussions. Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp. × First, this statement is a reflection of his vision and Saudi's vision 2030 - a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. This is part of its attempt to shift from an oil-based economy to a modern one. It will reassure investors that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's push to diversify its economy beyond oil is on track. In the recent months, Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp. Secondly, these statements also show that the failure of the monarchy as it is trying to divert the citizens focus from diminishing resources of the kingdom. The end of these resources would be devastating for Saudi Arabia’s economy. Third, these statements are a clear challenge to the religious establishment of the regime. This shows the breaking of the alliance between House of Saud and the clergy, which maintains a stronghold in the Saudi system. The political system of Saudi is based on religious establishment. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. × Fourth, MBS talking of new age and change looks difficult without a cultural transformation in Saudi. Saudi Arabia’s state religion is fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabism, where the Islamic Sharia law is practiced strictly. Infidelity and drug trafficking are punishable with beheading, and women still need to be accompanied by a male guardian. Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world to grant women driving rights. His plans guarantee brighter future for Saudi’s, as he is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. He has announced unique social and economic reforms after coming to power. His projects provide a forward-looking image which is a game changer for the image of Saudi globally. His statement is very bold for a conservative country like Saudi Arabia where other religious practices are not allowed. Like, for example, churches are banned. It would be great if he could change the guardianship system where women cannot marry, work, study, open bank account, apply for passport, travel or seek healthcare without the consent of their male guardians. A Saudi woman can never pass on her nationality to her children, who need a visa to enter the kingdom. Then only half of the population of Saudi Arabia can participate in the development of economy freely. Also, his cultural revolution will be successful. The prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi. × However, the success of these changes requires stability and security in the region. It will be comfortable in investing only if, there is stability and security in the region. This is only possible if the crisis in Yemen ends and the relations with Qatar resumes. Also, the prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi. Democracy and citizen rights is a distant dream in this Gulf monarchy. Gender segregation is practiced in many places and women are marginalised in jobs. Monitors, including Amnesty International, says Saudi Arabia has in parallel stepped up its repression of peaceful rights activists. Saudi authorities last month arrested more than 20 activists, including two popular Muslim preachers, without disclosing any charges against them. In such an environment, new age looks difficult. Changes in Saudi economy must be accompanied by cultural changes. The founding precepts of the country are not working anymore, as Saudi has a young population, maximum under the age of thirty. Though a lot has changed under MBS and that is giving a modern, liberal image to Saudi Arabia internationally.

Seeking foreign investment Saudi Arabia may modernise

<p>The dynamics of bilateral relations between India, US and China are swiftly changing under a rapidly transforming global order. The last week saw two significant developments underlining this commotion and churning in the international order, and India might find itself at the helm of affairs here.</p>

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<h5>The evolving strategic collaboration between Washington and New Delhi comes after the US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy and sought a greater role for India in Afghanistan.</h5>
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<p>The Asia visit of US Secretary of State came against the backdrop of the recently concluded 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Strong signs of an emerging multipolarity made themselves highly evident during the last few days when both US and China pushed for a greater assertion over the international affairs.</p>

<p>Tillerson&#39;s visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India was an attempt by the US to mark its territory in terms of its strategic dominance and rope in India as an important ally to the US in the region. The evolving strategic collaboration between Washington and New Delhi comes after the US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy and sought a greater role for India in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The visit, which is said to have sent a strong message to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, also seeks to prop up India as a useful balancer to the developing China-Pakistan axis in South Asia. The importance of the timing of this visit is also not lost on observers, as it comes barely days after Tillerson&rsquo;s speech on &ldquo;Defining our relationship with India for the next century&rdquo; at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). In his speech, Tillerson laid great emphasis on a &ldquo;free and open Indo-Pacific&rdquo; while being highly critical of China&#39;s &ldquo;less responsible&rdquo; rise.</p>

<p>Tillerson&#39;s attempts at strengthening America&#39;s position in the subcontinent were simultaneous to the 19th National Congress of the CPC which saw the emergence of President Xi Jinping as a very strong leader in the history of the country, with a stature next only to that of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.</p>

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<h5>The consolidation of power in Xi Jinping will be critical to the Chinese foreign policy which will expectantly grow more assertive, both militarily and diplomatically.</h5>
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<p>Conscious of the world that was carefully observing the proceedings of the 19th NC, Xi laid a great emphasis on China&#39;s role as a world leader, and its endeavour to achieve a great power status. The repeated insistence on the importance of a globalised world and the significance of China&#39;s leadership clearly highlighted China&#39;s intentions to outgrow Deng Xiaoping&#39;s &ldquo;biding our time&rdquo; strategy and aggressively pursue Xi&#39;s &ldquo;China dream&rdquo;.</p>

<p>The consolidation of power in Xi Jinping will be critical to the Chinese foreign policy which will expectantly grow more assertive, both militarily and diplomatically. China, under Xi, will be looking to create and strengthen alternative global institutions, transform existing norms and push for regional supremacy. All this will happen as the US grows more isolationist in its global outlook. The daunting realisation that a more assertive China will be detrimental to the US&#39; strategic interests in Asia, was probably one of the many reasons behind Tillerson&#39;s visit to the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the face of the changing dynamics, however, India will find itself at the helm of affairs. The regional confrontation between India and China is set to increase as no formidable changes or major breaks could be detected in China&#39;s neighbourhood policy. In fact, the 19th NC saw the election of China&#39;s top diplomat and Special Representative for India-China border talks to the powerful 25 member politburo and is expected to rise further and become a vice premier in charge of foreign affairs.</p>

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<h5>A deepening engagement with the US at this point, along with an alternative alliance with Japan and Australia will help strengthen India&#39;s place in the global politics</h5>
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<p>The elevation of top diplomats to the powerful Central Committee and the politburo signifies the renewed commitment of President Xi in strongly pursuing China&#39;s regional dominance and countering the US influence in Asia-Pacific. India will be faced with an ever-rising China and can, therefore, expect more frequent skirmishes at the border, and at multilateral institutions.</p>

<p>This changing scenario will require India to carefully re-calibrate its relations. A deepening engagement with the US at this point, along with an alternative alliance with Japan and Australia will help strengthen India&#39;s place in the global politics. It will also provide a regional alternative to China for smaller countries in the Asia-Pacific. A robust India-US alliance will also work to offset China&#39;s dominance in the multilateral institutions. The US may be looking at a re-pivot to Asia and India might just be its best bet in the region.</p>


A deepening engagement with the US along with an alternative alliance with Japan and Australia will help strengthen India's place in the global politics

The dynamics of bilateral relations between India, US and China are swiftly changing under a rapidly transforming global order. The last week saw two significant developments underlining this commotion and churning in the international order, and India might find itself at the helm of affairs here. The evolving strategic collaboration between Washington and New Delhi comes after the US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy and sought a greater role for India in Afghanistan. × The Asia visit of US Secretary of State came against the backdrop of the recently concluded 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Strong signs of an emerging multipolarity made themselves highly evident during the last few days when both US and China pushed for a greater assertion over the international affairs. Tillerson's visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India was an attempt by the US to mark its territory in terms of its strategic dominance and rope in India as an important ally to the US in the region. The evolving strategic collaboration between Washington and New Delhi comes after the US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia policy and sought a greater role for India in Afghanistan. The visit, which is said to have sent a strong message to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, also seeks to prop up India as a useful balancer to the developing China-Pakistan axis in South Asia. The importance of the timing of this visit is also not lost on observers, as it comes barely days after Tillerson’s speech on “Defining our relationship with India for the next century” at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). In his speech, Tillerson laid great emphasis on a “free and open Indo-Pacific” while being highly critical of China's “less responsible” rise. Tillerson's attempts at strengthening America's position in the subcontinent were simultaneous to the 19th National Congress of the CPC which saw the emergence of President Xi Jinping as a very strong leader in the history of the country, with a stature next only to that of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. The consolidation of power in Xi Jinping will be critical to the Chinese foreign policy which will expectantly grow more assertive, both militarily and diplomatically. × Conscious of the world that was carefully observing the proceedings of the 19th NC, Xi laid a great emphasis on China's role as a world leader, and its endeavour to achieve a great power status. The repeated insistence on the importance of a globalised world and the significance of China's leadership clearly highlighted China's intentions to outgrow Deng Xiaoping's “biding our time” strategy and aggressively pursue Xi's “China dream”. The consolidation of power in Xi Jinping will be critical to the Chinese foreign policy which will expectantly grow more assertive, both militarily and diplomatically. China, under Xi, will be looking to create and strengthen alternative global institutions, transform existing norms and push for regional supremacy. All this will happen as the US grows more isolationist in its global outlook. The daunting realisation that a more assertive China will be detrimental to the US' strategic interests in Asia, was probably one of the many reasons behind Tillerson's visit to the region. In the face of the changing dynamics, however, India will find itself at the helm of affairs. The regional confrontation between India and China is set to increase as no formidable changes or major breaks could be detected in China's neighbourhood policy. In fact, the 19th NC saw the election of China's top diplomat and Special Representative for India-China border talks to the powerful 25 member politburo and is expected to rise further and become a vice premier in charge of foreign affairs. A deepening engagement with the US at this point, along with an alternative alliance with Japan and Australia will help strengthen India's place in the global politics × The elevation of top diplomats to the powerful Central Committee and the politburo signifies the renewed commitment of President Xi in strongly pursuing China's regional dominance and countering the US influence in Asia-Pacific. India will be faced with an ever-rising China and can, therefore, expect more frequent skirmishes at the border, and at multilateral institutions. This changing scenario will require India to carefully re-calibrate its relations. A deepening engagement with the US at this point, along with an alternative alliance with Japan and Australia will help strengthen India's place in the global politics. It will also provide a regional alternative to China for smaller countries in the Asia-Pacific. A robust India-US alliance will also work to offset China's dominance in the multilateral institutions. The US may be looking at a re-pivot to Asia and India might just be its best bet in the region.

How India can counter China's growing influence in Asia

Thousands of rebels and civilians prepared to evacuate the Syrian town of Daraya today ahead of its takeover by government forces. &nbsp;Ambulances and Red Crescent vehicles reached the town to aid evacuation.<br />
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Ending one of the longest standoffs in the five-year conflict, rebels and Syria&#39;s army agreed a deal on Thursday to evacuate all residents and insurgents. The town, situated near the capital Damascus and the government&#39;s Mazzeh air&nbsp;base, has been under rebel control since 2012.<br />
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Meanwhile, the agreement to evacuate residents is being seen as a defeat for the opposition&nbsp;forces.<br />
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<strong>Evacuation could take up to four days&nbsp;</strong><br />
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&quot;Seven hundred armed men with their personal weapons will leave Daraya to&nbsp;head to the (rebel-controlled) city of Idlib, while thousands of men and women&nbsp;with their families will be taken to reception centres,&quot; Syrian State News&nbsp;Agency SANA reported.<br />
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Around 8,000 people have been living in the town, despite a four-year-long&nbsp;government siege and frequent bombardments.<br />
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The rebels, belonging to Ajnad al-Sham and the Martyrs of Islam, will have to&nbsp;surrender their armaments to the army.<br />
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<h5>According to the United Nations, nearly 600,000 live under siege across Syria,&nbsp;owing to government forces, rebels and Islamists.</h5>
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The entire evacuation could take up to four days.<br />
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&quot;The civilians will go to regions under regime control around Damascus,&nbsp;rebels will go to Idlib &quot;or sort out their situation with the regime&quot;, a rebel&nbsp;official told AFP news agency.&nbsp;<br />
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Only one humanitarian food aid convoy has entered Daraya since government&nbsp;forces began their siege of the town in late 2012.<br />
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A UN aid convoy carrying medicine but no food had entered earlier.<br />
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According to the United Nations, nearly 600,000 live under siege across Syria,&nbsp;owing to government forces, rebels and Islamists.<br />
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(WION with inputs from agencies)

Ending one of the longest standoffs in the five-year conflict, rebels and Syria's army agreed a deal on Thursday to evacuate all residents

Thousands of rebels and civilians prepared to evacuate the Syrian town of Daraya today ahead of its takeover by government forces. Ambulances and Red Crescent vehicles reached the town to aid evacuation. Ending one of the longest standoffs in the five-year conflict, rebels and Syria's army agreed a deal on Thursday to evacuate all residents and insurgents. The town, situated near the capital Damascus and the government's Mazzeh air base, has been under rebel control since 2012. Meanwhile, the agreement to evacuate residents is being seen as a defeat for the opposition forces. Evacuation could take up to four days "Seven hundred armed men with their personal weapons will leave Daraya to head to the (rebel-controlled) city of Idlib, while thousands of men and women with their families will be taken to reception centres," Syrian State News Agency SANA reported. Around 8,000 people have been living in the town, despite a four-year-long government siege and frequent bombardments. The rebels, belonging to Ajnad al-Sham and the Martyrs of Islam, will have to surrender their armaments to the army. According to the United Nations, nearly 600,000 live under siege across Syria, owing to government forces, rebels and Islamists. The entire evacuation could take up to four days. "The civilians will go to regions under regime control around Damascus, rebels will go to Idlib "or sort out their situation with the regime", a rebel official told AFP news agency. Only one humanitarian food aid convoy has entered Daraya since government forces began their siege of the town in late 2012. A UN aid convoy carrying medicine but no food had entered earlier. According to the United Nations, nearly 600,000 live under siege across Syria, owing to government forces, rebels and Islamists. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Rebels, civilians prepare to evacuate Syrian town of Daraya under deal

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