Author: Editorial Desk

At the forefront of a distinguished gathering, the 32nd National Equine Forum this March, Ian Cawsey, esteemed Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at the UK’s Donkey Sanctuary, shed light on the urgent endeavors to mitigate the alarming donkey skin trade. This commerce, propelled by the demand for ejiao within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), precipitates severe repercussions for donkey populations globally, especially within developing regions. Ejiao, known scientifically as ‘colla corii asini,’ represents a gelatinous concoction derived from the boiling of donkey skins. Esteemed for purported health virtues, such as enriching blood, combating anemia, and bolstering the immune system, ejiao has…

Recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) unveils a dramatic transformation within the global arms trade from 2019 to 2023. European states have significantly ramped up their arms imports, nearly doubling figures from the previous five-year period. Concurrently, the United States and France have expanded their shares in the global arms export market, whereas Russia witnesses a stark contraction in its arms export figures. Approximately 55% of arms procured by European countries were sourced from the US, marking a notable jump from 35% recorded between 2014 and 2018. This trend not only highlights the pivotal role of…

The initial chapters of 2024 unfurl an intriguing narrative with China’s crude oil imports swelling, igniting discussions on potential repercussions for global oil demand and pricing landscapes. This uptick, while fostering optimism regarding China’s capacity to influence the market, leaves the comprehensive impact of its purchasing behavior enveloped in anticipation. Data from Chinese authorities signal an ascent in crude oil imports during January and February 2024, marking an elevation from the corresponding stretch in the preceding year. This rise, despite the comparably low baseline set in early 2023 and a decrement relative to December 2023, underscores the complexities entwined with…

India’s landmark accord with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—promises an exciting shift for Indian consumers. Signed recently, this trade and economic partnership agreement (TEPA) paves the way for Swiss watches, chocolates, biscuits, and clocks to grace the Indian market with reduced customs duties over time. Set for enactment within a year, subject to international ratification protocols, this pact symbolizes a strategic enhancement of economic ties. Officials spotlight concessions for iconic Swiss watch brands and chocolates, signaling a new phase of luxury accessibility for Indian shoppers. Prestigious Swiss brands like Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, along…

Italy embarks on an ambitious journey to fortify economic ties and advance regional cooperation with Central Asia, seizing the strategic ‘Middle Corridor’ as a pivotal conduit for mutual growth and sustainable development. This venture took center stage at a distinguished conference hosted by the Senate of the Italian Parliament on March 9, themed ‘The Middle Corridor: A Safe Transit Route between Italy, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia.’ Orchestrated by the Italian Institute for Asia (ISIA), the gathering convened notable figures, including Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, esteemed parliamentarians, analysts, and diplomatic leaders from Central…

A coalition led by the United States successfully neutralized 28 drones launched by Yemen’s Houthis targeting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the maritime conflict. This response to the Iran-aligned rebels’ substantial attack underscores the strategic imperative of safeguarding crucial trade routes. The offensive by the Houthis targeted commercial and military vessels, indicating with missile strikes on a ship purportedly American and deploying drones against US naval forces. Initiated in November as a declaration of solidarity with Palestinians amid conflict in Gaza, these attacks threaten the vital Red Sea passage, essential for…

The conclusion of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Japan marks a pivotal moment for India-Japan relationship. The Ministry of External Affairs underscored this trip as a critical opportunity to assess and invigorate the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between these two nations. Spanning three days, the visit encompassed comprehensive discussions, setting a transformative agenda across multiple sectors. Commencing on March 6, subsequent to engagements in the Republic of Korea, Dr. Jaishankar’s itinerary in Tokyo focused on global challenges within the Indo-Pacific, the Global South, alongside advocacy for United Nations reforms. Dialogues with Japanese leadership spotlighted a shared…

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) reports a continued descent in the benchmark for global food commodity prices for a seventh successive month this February. This trend stems predominantly from a reduction in international cereal quotations, significantly overshadowing the escalations observed within milk and meat prices globally. The FAO Food Price Index, tracking monthly shifts in international prices for a basket of globally-traded food commodities, registered an average of 117.3 points during February. This figure indicates a decline of 0.7% relative to January and a marked 10.5% retreat from the analogous month the preceding year,…

Negotiations for a significant India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) are poised to surpass the electoral timelines of both nations, with ongoing dialogues on pivotal market access for goods and services yet to reach a consensus. Despite a concerted push and a series of elevated engagements — marked by a UK delegation’s recent visit to India and an Indian official delegation’s trip to London — the complexities inherent in the agreement necessitate a pause until the emergence of new administrations in both countries. India anticipates the formal initiation of its election process by mid-March, with the expectation of inaugurating a new…

China’s senior diplomat, Wang Yi, delivered a pointed critique against the United States on Thursday, accusing it of perpetuating a flawed perception of China and leveraging trade restrictions and trade barriers to impede Beijing’s progress. Despite recent dialogues aimed at thawing bilateral relations, including a notable discussion between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco last November, Wang expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of follow-through on US commitments. Speaking at a press conference during the National People’s Congress, Wang questioned the equity of a global order that permits one nation’s prosperity at the expense of…