Clare Calbraith

Amid trade tensions, China is seeking stronger ties with India, offering to boost Indian exports to address the trade deficit. Ambassador Xu Feihong hopes India will provide a fair environment for Chinese businesses. China welcomes PM Modi to the SCO summit, emphasizing dialogue for a stable relationship. Both nations aim to resolve border issues peacefully, focusing on mutual development.

A building collapsed in Mustafabad, Delhi early Saturday. Rescue operations are underway. Several people are feared trapped under the debris. NDRF and Delhi Police teams are at the site. The collapse follows recent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi. Last week, a wall collapse near Madhu Vihar resulted in one death and two injuries.

In Bangladesh's Dinajpur, Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu community leader, was allegedly abducted and killed. Roy, vice-president of the Biral unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, received a phone call before being taken from his home by four men. He was reportedly beaten in Narabari village and later found unconscious near his residence.

The Indian armed forces are facing significant operational challenges due to the grounding of approximately 330 'Dhruv' ALH helicopters, exacerbating existing shortages caused by the obsolete Cheetah and Chetak choppers. This disruption has severely impacted military operations, especially sustenance flights to forward areas and reconnaissance missions.

The US faces scrutiny for its increasing visa revocations and SEVIS terminations targeting international students, disproportionately affecting Indians. AILA reports 50% of such cases involve Indian students, raising concerns about arbitrary actions. Despite a surge in Indian students pursuing US education, anecdotal evidence suggests a decline in aspirations.

Eli Lilly said clinical results of its GLP-1 in pill form showed safety and efficacy data similar to blockbuster injectable drugs like Ozempic

Tesla investor Ross Gerber has intensified his criticism of Elon Musk, asserting that Musk's focus has shifted to X AI and he no longer prioritizes Tesla. Gerber highlighted the negative impact of Musk's social media activity and political associations on Tesla's reputation. Despite a decline in Tesla's stock and sales, Gerber's firm continues to hold shares, anticipating a potential turnaround.

The Army has initiated an inquiry following allegations that an IGNOU professor was assaulted by troops during a vehicle check in Rajouri district. The professor, Liaqat Ali, reportedly sustained head injuries. The Army claims Ali attempted to seize a soldier's weapon, leading to a scuffle, but assures a thorough investigation and appropriate action if misconduct is proven.

The White House has relaunched its Covid-19 website, prominently featuring the lab-leak theory and accusing the previous administration of suppressing debate on the virus's origins. The updated site criticizes early pandemic responses and alleges censorship of alternative views. This move follows revised assessments from intelligence agencies, while China continues to reject the lab-leak hypothesis.