In a decisive move emphasizing ethical investment principles, Norges Bank, Norway’s central bank, announced on Wednesday the exclusion of three companies from its Government Pension Fund Global. The companies in question are India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), United States-based L3Harris Technologies, and China’s Weichai Power. The exclusions come after serious ethical considerations and recommendations by the Council on Ethics. Adani Ports and Serious Human Rights Concerns Adani Ports, part of billionaire Gautam Adani’s vast conglomerate, has been excluded due to concerns about its potential involvement in severe human rights violations. Norges Bank raised issues about the company’s…
Author: Rudra Pratap Singh
In a shocking turn of events Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico assassination attempt by, a 71-year-old writer has been detained in connection. The incident occurred in the town of Handlova, where Fico was shot multiple times following a government meeting. As of late Wednesday, officials reported that Fico, a populist leader, was fighting for his life. Detainment and Identification Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok confirmed the suspect’s identity after media reports identified the man detained at the scene. The suspect, who has grey hair, was seen handcuffed on the ground shortly after the shooting. The man, reportedly from the town…
Borders have always been more than mere lines on a map; they are the demarcations that shape nations, influence cultures, and dictate geopolitics. Over the centuries, the drawing and redrawing of borders have had profound impacts on global affairs, often altering the course of history. Here, we explore some of the most significant borders that have changed the world, highlighting their historical context and ongoing implications. The Berlin Wall: A Symbol of Division and Reunification The Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, stood as the most palpable symbol of the Cold War, dividing East and West Berlin. This concrete barrier not…
The tragic collapse of a massive illegal hoarding in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area, which claimed 14 lives and injured 75 others amidst heavy rains and a dust storm on May 13, has not only highlighted the perils of urban infrastructure neglect but also brought to light the murky legal and administrative landscape surrounding such incidents. The owner of the ill-fated billboard, Bhavesh Bhinde, director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, has a chequered history, marred by allegations of serious crimes and repeated violations of municipal regulations. A History of Negligence and Legal Troubles Bhinde, who was earlier booked for rape under Section…
Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s postponement of his long-awaited visit to Pakistan has raised eyebrows and stirred speculation about the underlying reasons. The decision, attributed to a myriad of political, social, financial, and administrative crises within Pakistan, underscores the delicate nature of bilateral relations and the intricacies of regional dynamics. The postponement, reportedly timed before or after the crown prince’s scheduled visit to Japan, comes amidst growing concerns over the stability of Pakistan’s political landscape. Sources suggest that Saudi high-ups, gauging recent political developments and tensions within Pakistan, have advised against the visit, citing the need for a more…
The relationship between the United States and India is a complex tapestry woven with threads of democratic values, shared interests, and mutual challenges. Ambassador Garcetti’s recent remarks shed light on the intricate nature of this partnership, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement amidst a backdrop of democratic fervor and geopolitical complexities. At the heart of the US-India relationship lies a mutual commitment to democratic principles. Both nations stand as stalwarts of democracy, championing free and fair elections and the rule of law. Ambassador Garcetti’s optimism regarding India’s democratic trajectory is not unfounded, as the country has made significant strides in…
Indian-American Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy faced criticism from American author Ann Coulter during a podcast, where she expressed her refusal to vote for him in the US presidential election solely based on his ethnicity. Despite agreeing with many of his views, Coulter’s remarks sparked controversy and raised questions about racial biases in politics. Ann Coulter’s Criticism During the podcast, Coulter took swipes at Ramaswamy, highlighting her refusal to vote for him because of his Indian ethnicity. Despite acknowledging his intelligence and articulation, Coulter’s comment revealed underlying racial prejudices, suggesting that she would not support a candidate of Indian descent. Vivek…
Apple recently launched its iPad Pro with a bold advertisement featuring the destruction of various creative objects, triggering a wave of criticism on social media platforms. Despite Apple’s reputation for innovative marketing, this particular ad faced severe backlash for its portrayal of destruction. The Controversial Advertisement The advertisement showcases a giant industrial press crushing a range of creative instruments, including pianos, guitars, and toys, to unveil Apple’s ultra-thin iPad. While the ad aims to highlight the iPad’s advanced features, it sparked a debate on social media regarding the symbolism of destroying artistic tools. Social Media Backlash Users on platforms like…
After an 18-month hiatus, Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new ambassador to India. The appointment comes at a critical time, with ongoing border tensions between the two countries. Meet Xu Feihong Xu Feihong, a 60-year-old seasoned diplomat, was serving as assistant minister for financial and administrative affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry prior to his appointment. With 37 years of experience in diplomacy, Xu has held various diplomatic posts, including ambassadorships to Afghanistan and Romania. Background and Specialisation While Xu’s tenure in South Asia was limited to his ambassadorship in Afghanistan from 2010…
In the midst of diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, the archipelago nation’s Tourism Minister, Ibrahim Faisal, issues a heartfelt appeal to Indian tourists. As the Maldives grapples with a significant decline in Indian tourist arrivals, Faisal’s plea underscores the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties and revitalizing the Maldivian tourism industry. The Plea for Harmony Faisal’s impassioned plea urges Indian tourists to continue visiting the Maldives despite the strained relations between the two countries. He emphasizes the historical ties between India and the Maldives and assures Indian visitors of a warm welcome. The Decline in Tourist Arrivals Derogatory…