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PM Modi's Mauritius Visit: Significance and China Connection

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Mauritius for a two-day state visit, his second since 2015, where he will be the chief guest at the country's National Day celebrations on March 12. This date holds historical significance, as it commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's brief stop in 1901, during which he emphasized education and political empowerment for Indian workers. With nearly 70% of Mauritius' 1.2 million residents of Indian descent, the nations share strong ties. Modi's previous visit led to a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance transport on Agaléga island, which has strategic importance amid growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. The two countries are set to sign a technical agreement to improve maritime security and have collaborated on various development projects, with India providing $1.1 billion in assistance over the past decade. The visit underscores the cultural and economic connections between the two nations, including cooperation in space research and capacity building. sources

Published:
Mar 11 2025, 9 pm

JD Vance and Wife Visiting India This Month: Report

US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit India later this month, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, marking her first trip to her ancestral homeland. This visit comes amid escalating tensions between India and the US over trade tariffs, following President Donald Trump's recent criticism of India's high tariffs, which he claims hinder American exports. Trump announced reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 2, suggesting India has agreed to reduce its tariffs, a claim India has denied, stating that negotiations are ongoing. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted India's tariffs on American goods, including a staggering 150% on alcohol. Vance previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris, where they discussed various topics, and Modi gifted a wooden alphabet set to Vance's daughter, further fostering diplomatic ties between the two nations. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 9 am

Vivian Musk Criticizes Father Over Sex-Selective IVF Claims

Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has made startling claims regarding her father's use of sex-selective IVF during her conception. In a post on Threads, the 20-year-old, who changed her name from Xavier Musk, suggested that her father viewed her trans identity as a betrayal of his expectations, describing her assigned sex at birth as a "commodity that was bought and paid for." Wilson expressed outrage over the legality of such practices, questioning the moral implications of treating gender identity as a transaction. This revelation follows Musk's previous comments, where he claimed he was deceived into allowing his child's medical transition, alleging that he was misled about the situation during the pandemic. In past interviews, Wilson has characterized Musk as an absent and unkind father, particularly regarding her queer identity. The ongoing estrangement between them continues to unfold in the public eye. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 9 am

Jio Partners with SpaceX for Starlink Services in India

Reliance Group's Jio Platforms Limited has entered into a partnership with SpaceX to offer Starlink's broadband services in India, pending regulatory approval. This agreement follows a similar deal between SpaceX and rival Bharti Airtel. Jio CEO Mathew Oommen emphasized that the collaboration aims to enhance broadband connectivity across the country, particularly in rural areas, by integrating Starlink's satellite technology into Jio's existing broadband ecosystem. The partnership will allow Jio to sell Starlink equipment through its retail and online platforms, while also providing customer service support for installation and activation. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to improve internet access for businesses and communities nationwide. Both companies are exploring additional ways to leverage their infrastructure to strengthen India's digital landscape. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 9 am

Albanese Calls US Steel Tariffs 'Unjustified'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized the United States' decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium, labeling the move as "entirely unjustified" after Australia failed to secure an exemption. Speaking to reporters in Sydney, Albanese expressed disappointment, stating that the tariffs do not reflect the spirit of the enduring friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that such actions could harm economic relations and lead to slower growth and higher inflation. Despite the setback, Albanese ruled out any retaliatory measures from Australia. Earlier this year, he had indicated that an exemption was under consideration following a conversation with US President Donald Trump, but White House officials later confirmed that this was no longer the case. Australia, while a minor player in steel exports, remains a significant supplier of iron ore to the US. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 9 am

Pakistan Train Hijack: 155 Hostages Freed, 27 Rebels Dead

In a dramatic turn of events in Pakistan's Balochistan region, at least 155 hostages have been freed following a train hijacking by armed rebels on Tuesday. The Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers, was intercepted in a tunnel while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The rescued individuals, comprising 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, have been taken to a nearby town, Mach, where a makeshift hospital has been established to assist them. The situation remains tense as Pakistani forces engaged in a gunfight with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebels, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 attackers. The fate of any remaining hostages aboard the train remains uncertain as authorities continue to respond to the crisis, which unfolded after the train service had been suspended for a month prior to the incident. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 10 am

100+ Hostages Rescued from Hijacked Train in Pakistan

A dramatic hostage situation unfolded in Pakistan's Balochistan region as armed rebels hijacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers. Security forces have successfully rescued 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, during an ongoing gunfight that has reportedly left at least 16 rebels dead. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the hijacking, has denied casualties on its side and threatened to execute hostages if their demands—release of political prisoners—are not met within 48 hours. The train was intercepted in a tunnel after the rebels blew up the tracks, prompting a military response that has faced challenges due to the mountainous terrain. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while emergency desks have been established at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist worried relatives. Balochistan has seen increased violence recently, raising concerns over regional stability. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 7 am

FBI Alerts on Malware Risks from Free File Converters

The FBI's Denver Field Office has issued a warning about an alarming increase in cybercrimes linked to free online file converters. Cybercriminals are using these seemingly legitimate tools to install malware on users' computers, leading to potential data theft and ransomware attacks. A recent case in Colorado exemplifies this threat, as victims seeking free document conversion services unknowingly expose themselves to hidden malware that compromises personal information. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek emphasized the importance of public education to prevent such scams. The FBI advises users to be cautious, keep antivirus software updated, and scan files before opening them. If affected, individuals should contact their financial institutions, change passwords, report the incident at IC3.gov, and consider professional malware removal services. The agency continues to work on holding scammers accountable and providing resources for victims. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 8 am

Indian-Origin Man Sentenced for Abusing Teen in Singapore

An Indian-origin man, Ranjeet Prasad, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2007. Found guilty of three counts of carnal intercourse against the order of nature, Prasad exhibited a lack of remorse during the trial, according to the prosecution. District Judge John Ng highlighted the abuse of authority, as Prasad had previously worked with young people at the People's Association, a state-run social services institution. The victim, who was initially excited about potential modeling opportunities, described feeling manipulated and confused during the encounters, which included sexual acts in a public toilet and a hotel room. Following the abuse, the victim struggled with his sexual orientation and ultimately reported the incidents in 2020. Prasad is appealing the conviction, while the People's Association stated it maintains strict standards of conduct and took immediate action upon learning of his arrest. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 8 am

USAID Employees Ordered to Shred Classified Records

A US Agency for International Development (USAID) official has reportedly instructed employees to shred a significant number of records, prompting government employee unions to seek a court order to halt the action. In a motion filed in Washington, DC, the unions referenced an email from acting executive secretary Erica Carr, which directed staff to clear classified safes and shred documents, raising concerns about potential violations of federal record-keeping laws. They argue that the destruction could hinder their case against the dismantling of USAID under former President Donald Trump, who is accused of overstepping his authority by firing employees and canceling agreements. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the shredding reports as "fake news," asserting that the documents in question were outdated and that originals still exist digitally. A federal judge has ordered both parties to submit a status report regarding the lawsuit, as the legal battle continues over the agency's future. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 8 am

Billionaires at Trump's Inauguration Have Lost $200 Billion

As Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2024, he stood alongside some of the world's wealthiest individuals, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who were riding high on stock market gains. However, just seven weeks into his second term, these billionaires have collectively lost $209 billion in wealth, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The S&P 500 Index has dropped 6.4% since Trump took office, affected by mass layoffs and uncertainty around tariffs. Musk's net worth has plummeted by $148 billion, largely due to declining Tesla sales in Europe and China. Bezos, down $29 billion, has seen Amazon shares fall 14% since inauguration. Other notable losses include Sergey Brin ($22 billion), Zuckerberg ($5 billion), and Bernard Arnault ($5 billion), as their companies face market turbulence and regulatory pressures. The initial optimism surrounding Trump's policies has quickly dissipated, leading to significant financial setbacks for these tech titans. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 8 am

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