South East Asia (SEA)

  As the curtain rises on the much-anticipated India vs England Test series , fans across the globe are buzzing with nostalgia and excitement. The series has been rightfully christened the ‘Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy’ , a tribute to the timeless brilliance of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar—giants of the game whose careers shaped an entire era of Test cricket. June 20 is not just the launchpad of this symbolic battle; it's a historically significant date for Indian cricket as well. Through the years, this very day has witnessed some iconic Test debuts that left a mark on Indian cricket's ever-growing legacy. A Day of Debuts Worth Remembering Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly - 1996, Lord’s The most iconic Indian debuts on June 20 took place at the ‘Home of Cricket’, Lord’s. On this day in 1996, two young Indian batsmen— Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid —stepped onto the field in whites and walked off having carved their names in the books of history. Ganguly's century o...

  India is once again witnessing an uptick in Covid-19 cases, with 2,710 active cases reported as of May 30, 2025. While the numbers remain significantly lower than the catastrophic waves of previous years, the fresh surge — primarily driven by newer Omicron sub-variants NB1.8.1 and LF.7 — has reignited public health concerns. These variants are reportedly more transmissible but present with milder symptoms. That, on its own, might suggest a less severe public health threat. However, with 22 deaths recorded in 2025 so far — including seven in just the last 24 hours — questions are being raised: Is this wave more dangerous than it appears? Upon closer inspection, most of the recent fatalities were among patients with pre-existing health conditions. This nuance is crucial. It emphasizes a familiar but often under-acknowledged reality of the pandemic: Covid-19 continues to pose the greatest risk to the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The virus, although weakened in its cur...

  Around 1:30 pm today, the hopes and anticipation of billions were met with a long-awaited notification from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It wasn’t just another squad announcement—it was a bold statement about the future of Indian Test cricket. The notification confirmed what many had speculated: Shubman Gill will be leading India in the upcoming Test series against England . For many, this news came as validation of a long-held hunch. Over the past year, whispers had grown louder with every stroke of brilliance Gill delivered on the field. His calm temperament, natural flair, and growing maturity hinted at something more than just a gifted batsman—he was shaping up to be a leader. A New Era Begins The decision to hand over the reins of India's Test side to a 25-year-old may seem audacious to some, but to others, it feels like a natural progression. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gradually stepping back from leadership roles, the selectors ha...

The Senior Asian Wrestling Championship 2025 held in Amman closed with an exhilarating finale for India. The freestyle wrestling contingent returned with a surprise haul of 10 medals – 1 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze. The Indian wrestlers displayed tremendous fighting spirit and relentless effort until the end, securing their place on the podium. Among the standout performers, Deepak Punia (92 kg) and Udit (61 kg) reached the finals but had to settle for silver. Udit, who had previously won silver in the 57 kg category, fought valiantly but lost to Japan’s Takara Suda (6-4). Deepak Punia, a former World Championship silver medalist, dominated his way to the final but fell to Iran’s Amirhossein Biglar (10-0). This marked Deepak’s third Asian Championship silver and fifth overall medal at the event. The lone gold medal for India was won by Aman Sehrawat in the 57 kg category, who displayed exceptional technique and composure throughout the tournament. His victory in the final against Kaz...

 After an 18-year hiatus, the Indian beach soccer national team has finally made its return to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. The team, led by newly appointed captain Rohith Y, has landed in Pattaya, Thailand, ready to take on the challenge. With a squad primarily composed of players from Kerala, India will begin its campaign on March 20 against hosts Thailand. This return is not just about participation; it symbolizes a revival of beach soccer in India and highlights the untapped potential within the sport. A Journey of Resurgence For nearly two decades, India has remained absent from the continental beach soccer stage, missing crucial opportunities to develop and refine its talent. The reasons for this prolonged absence range from administrative neglect to lack of structured development programs. However, the team’s return to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup is a promising step that could reignite interest in the sport ...

  India's edible oil imports have hit a four-year low in February 2023, signaling a potential shift in consumer behavior and broader economic implications. According to reports from The Economic Times , this drop is largely attributed to significant reductions in soybean and sunflower oil purchases. This development raises an important question: Is India becoming more self-sufficient in edible oil production, or is this decline merely a temporary fluctuation? A Shift in Buying Habits Historically, India has been one of the world’s largest importers of edible oils, relying on imports to meet over 60% of its domestic demand. However, the February 2023 data shows a notable decline, with imports reaching their lowest since 2021. The country purchased only 884,000 metric tons of edible oil, a 12% decrease compared to the previous year. While fluctuations in imports are common, such a sharp decline suggests a deeper trend worth analyzing. Reasons Behind the Drop One of the key drivers be...

 As of January 28, 2025, the population of India has reached 1,458,377,223, according to Worldometers Info, establishing India as the world's most populous country. However, this is not just a number; it's a ticking time bomb in public safety, with stampedes killing harmless people all too often. The latest tragic reminder comes from the recent Maha Kumbh stampede at Prayagraj's Sangam on Mauni Amavasya. At least 15 people were feared dead and 70 injured while lakhs of devotees rushed for a holy dip. This is not an isolated incident — it follows a grim history of mass casualties due to poor crowd control. In 2011, Sabarimala experienced 106 deaths in a similar tragedy. In recent times, a stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre during the surprise appearance of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun for Pushpa 2: The Rule led to the death of a woman and left her son seriously injured. India has reported 3,935 stampedes between 1996 and 2022, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths, hig...

Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani have left the $100 billion club, according to Bloomberg. Ambani's retail and energy industries have underperformed, while Adani is facing regulatory concerns, including a bribery inquiry in the United States. Both tycoons face obstacles that threaten their enterprises and fortunes. After Hindenburg Research accused the conglomerate of financial malfeasance, this is the company's second major setback in its efforts to restore investor confidence. Adani, whose worth peaked at $122.3 billion in June, has vowed to fight on and deny all claims. Following the Hindenburg attack, he improved his finances. However, the US claims resulted in yet another setback. Following the US authorities' claims, Adani Group equities saw severe selling pressure. Reliance shares have declined 3.43 percent in 2024 so far, compared to an 11.93 percent growth in the benchmark BSE Sensex.  

When the peaceful ring of a tram bell cuts through the everyday cacophony of the city, eighteen-year-old Deep Das finds the best part of his day. Das always waits for the tram, that slow-moving emblem of the rich past of the city, even among the sea of buses and cabs within his reach. He claims that "there were times when buses were frequent, but I still waited for the trams." These electric-powered cars have been whirling around Kolkata’s streets for more than 150 years, following the city’s development from the days of British control to its modern reputation. Even with their great historical importance and the love they engender,  Kolkata’s cherished tram system  is today on the brink of extinction. The tram system has been steadily collapsing for years due to neglect. There are now just two pathways in what was once a lively network with hundreds of paths. Railroads were once the lifeblood of the city, but they are now virtually artifacts from another era. However, some p...

The uncommon and incurable Nipah virus , which experts fear could spark the next global epidemic, has tragically claimed the life of an adolescent Indian boy. The pupil, a 14-year-old from Kerala in southern India, died after suffering a virus-related cardiac arrest. Following this event, health authorities are currently keeping an eye on 214 people who came into touch with the lad; 60 of these contacts are deemed to be highly likely of infection. Because of its high fatality rate and lack of treatment choices, the Nipah virus—a member of the paramyxovirus family—which also includes measles and mumps—alarms specialists. There are worries that it might be silently “simmering in the background” before maybe starting a global epidemic. Data show that the Nipah virus kills three out of every four infected individuals, compared to less than 1% with COVID-19. This death rate is incredibly high. Since there is currently no immunization or specific treatment for the Nipah virus, it poses a ser...

In the intricate tapestry of global finance, a clandestine transformation is underway, and India emerges as the unexpected protagonist in JPMorgan’s growth narrative. Behind the scenes, Filippo Gori, the enigmatic CEO of JPMorgan’s Asia Pacific division, hints at India’s ascent alongside Australia and Japan, painting a picture of strategic intrigue. The buzz phrase is “China plus one,” a strategic maneuver by corporations seeking to diversify their supply chains, cautiously distancing themselves from overreliance on China. India, with its vast expanse and demographic prowess, beckons as a promising alternative. Gori believes that India, with its ample capacity, can seamlessly absorb a chunk of the global supply chain . This allure has lured global giants like Apple, orchestrating their symphonies of production from within India’s borders. Even the visionary Tesla contemplates the overture of manufacturing on Indian soil. India, the third-largest economy in Asia, radiates promise, pois...

In a significant step towards maritime cooperation , the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have formalized their commitment through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The signing took place during PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu's official visit to India on August 22, aiming to bolster collaboration in maritime security . The MoU underscores the joint efforts of PCG and ICG to cultivate a safe and prosperous maritime environment. It emphasizes the shared pursuit of strengthening professional ties, conducting joint exercises, exchanging best practices, and enhancing training partnerships. During his visit, Admiral Abu was provided with an extensive tour of key maritime facilities, including Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 11, Goa Shipyard Limited, and the ICG Ship Sujeet. He also participated in a flight demonstration aboard the Indian Coast Guard ALH MK-III. In New Delhi, Admiral Abu engaged with ICG Director General Rakesh Pal,...

The recent disruption sparked by India's rice export halt reverberates across the world's food market, amidst COVID-19 aftermath, climate challenges, and geopolitical tensions. As rice and wheat supplies falter, concerns rise of an imminent food crisis, invoking echoes of historical scarcity episodes. Amidst the interplay of governments, markets, and global cooperation, the quest for food security becomes paramount. The intricate interplay between markets and governments unfolds the quandary of food security. While governments anchor it, markets dictate distribution. Nations grapple with this complex relationship, raising the pressing query: Can India, the G20's current chair, lead in steadying a volatile global food economy? Focused on local food security, India's rice export curb highlights its commitment to safeguard domestic food costs, yet raises concerns for the global rice market. Striking a balance between domestic needs and export commitments poses a challenge ...

India is on the cusp of making lunar history with its ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission, targeting a groundbreaking landing on the Moon's south pole. As the world watches, India's pursuit is both inspired by and measured against Russia's recent lunar crash, underscoring the competitive dynamics in space exploration . Chandrayaan-3's success could propel India's budding space industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has ushered in privatized space launches and foreign investment, aiming for a substantial surge in global launch market share within the next decade. Capitalizing on cost-effective engineering, India's space sector seeks to leverage its reputation, buoyed by Chandrayaan-3's potential triumph. With a modest $74 million budget, India's ISRO tackles the lunar south pole landing, while NASA's ambitious Artemis program commands a staggering $93 billion through 2025. Experts acknowledge the significance of this mission's succ...

The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) has embarked on negotiations with Vietnam and India in a bid to alleviate rice prices nationwide. With lower export quotations received from Vietnam, the Philippines aims to replicate this success in its dealings with India. Domingo Panganiban, Senior Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture, revealed that Vietnamese exporters have presented rice prices that are $30 to $40 lower than those offered to Filipino private traders. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Government of India are underway to permit rice exports to the Philippines on humanitarian grounds. Panganiban believes that this initiative will facilitate more favorable terms for an additional 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons of rice importation projected for 2023. The intended outcome of these negotiations is a twofold benefit: a reduction in prices and the reinforcement of the Philippines' national rice inventory. Remarkably, even without importation, this ...

In a strategic move signaling its commitment to fortifying national security and fostering self-reliance, India has taken a bold stance by prohibiting the incorporation of Chinese parts or components in its military drone manufacturing sector. This resolute step stands as a pivotal decision aimed at reinforcing domestic production capabilities while safeguarding sensitive defense operations. The measure, orchestrated by New Delhi, serves as a response to the escalating complexities within India-China relations. By curtailing dependence on foreign suppliers, especially in areas as critical as defense, India showcases its unwavering determination to uphold sovereignty and secure the nation's interests. At the heart of this decision lies the apprehension that Chinese-made components in drones' communication systems, cameras, radio transmissions, and operating software might compromise intelligence-gathering efforts. The ban, thus, emerges as a strategic maneuver to shield India...

India Achieves Milestone with Chandrayaan-3 Mission Launch India's Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a remarkable feat with the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Launched from India's primary spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, the LVM3 rocket carried the spacecraft into orbit, setting it on a course for a planned landing on the lunar south pole. This achievement places India in the top echelon of nations with controlled lunar landings and positions the country as a significant force in the realm of space exploration. The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is to deliver a lander with a rover to the lunar south pole, a region of immense interest to government space organizations and private businesses. The presence of water ice in this area holds the potential to support future space exploration activities, such as the establishment of a space station. The deployed rover will conduct experiments and gather vital data during its anticipated tw...

India has joined the Artemis Accords India has joined  the Artemis Acc ords, a US-led initiative  to return people  to the moon by  2025 and advance   space exploration  to Mars and beyond . Prime Minister  Narendra Modi  announced India 's decision to  join the Artem is Accords during  his recent state  visit to the  US, making India  the 27th country  to sign the agreement . The Artem is Accords are  based on the  1967 Outer Space  Treaty and create  a framework of  principles and  standards to  control modern  space exploration  and use. The  agreement aims  to promote peaceful  exploration and  use of outer  space, transparency , interoperability, emergency  assistance , and  the protection  of heritage sites  and artifacts . India's involvement  in this international  alliance is strategically  significant an...