On Saturday, China initiated construction of a USD 167.8 billion dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The project, announced by Premier Li Qiang, will include five cascade hydropower stations and is projected to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually. This infrastructure project, located in the Nyingchi region, is expected to supply electricity for external consumption while also fulfilling local needs in Tibet. The development has raised concerns in downstream countries like India and Bangladesh due to its scale.
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Russia plans to import up to one million workers by the end of the year to address labor shortages, particularly in highly industrialized regions like Sverdlovsk. A new Consulate General is opening in Yekaterinburg to manage this influx, with Indian specialists expected to make up a significant portion of the incoming workforce. The need for skilled workers has intensified due to factors such as the ongoing military operations in Ukraine and a lack of young people entering the factories. Russia is also exploring options to invite workers from Sri Lanka and North Korea to further address the predicted workforce shortage.
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The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, supported by US President Donald Trump, proposes stringent sanctions against countries continuing to purchase Russian energy products, notably including a 500% tariff on imports from India and China. This legislation, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine through broad penalties on Russian entities and officials. India, a significant buyer of Russian fossil fuels, is directly impacted by the bill. Indian officials have expressed their concerns to US lawmakers, particularly regarding energy security implications.
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The United States has voiced fresh concerns at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding India’s dairy certification requirements for imported milk and milk products. Specifically, the US views the required comprehensive veterinary health certificate, which must verify the absence of various substances, as an unnecessary trade obstacle. The US has emphasized that these requirements should be scientifically justified and minimally restrictive. While the two countries are discussing an interim trade deal, the US has also expressed concerns about India’s recently revised dairy certification, which is scheduled to take effect in November 2024.
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A recent report published on a French website indicates India lost a Rafale fighter jet due to a high-altitude technical failure during a training mission, with no enemy involvement. Dassault Aviation’s CEO, Éric Trappier, confirmed the incident, emphasizing that the Rafale’s electronic warfare suite detected no hostile engagement. Trappier also rejected Pakistan’s earlier claims of downing multiple Rafales, calling the assertions “inaccurate”. Furthermore, French intelligence suggests China may have been involved in discrediting the Rafale’s performance to influence international defense contracts.
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China has lodged a formal protest against India due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama and the presence of Indian ministers at his 90th birthday celebrations. Beijing views these actions as a violation of past commitments and interference in its internal affairs, specifically regarding Tibet. Chinese officials have accused the Dalai Lama of being an anti-China separatist, demanding India recognize this. China insists that any reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to its laws and historical conventions, directly challenging the Dalai Lama’s assertion that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee the process.
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X suspends Reuters account in India after a “legal demand,” a situation that’s immediately raising eyebrows. It seems like the official Reuters account, boasting a massive global following, has been blocked within India since the weekend. The message displayed to users within India is stark: “@Reuters has been withheld in IN (India) in response to a legal demand.” This sets the stage for a classic clash of narratives, and the early innings are already proving fascinating.
X, in a statement, has clarified its position, essentially saying they’re obligated to comply with Indian law. Specifically, they cite the country’s Information Technology Act of 2000.… Continue reading
A Senate bill, approved by former President Donald Trump, proposes a 500% tariff on goods from countries trading with Russia, specifically targeting India and China, who are major purchasers of Russian oil. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to pressure these nations to cease supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. Initially facing resistance from the White House, the bill has gained momentum, potentially causing a significant shift in US trade relations with Beijing and New Delhi. While the administration previously expressed hesitations regarding sanctions’ economic impact, it now seems prepared to support the legislation.
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Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, has voiced support for terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling their actions as a “legitimate struggle” and vowing continued support for the Kashmiri people. Munir’s remarks, made at a Pakistan Naval Academy passing out parade, also criticized India for acts of “unprovoked aggression.” He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. Munir emphasized that a resolution to the Kashmir dispute is essential for regional peace, and Pakistan will continue to offer political, diplomatic, and moral support to the region.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood