Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:43am on 21 Nov 2024,Thursday India Global
Congress renewed its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe after US authorities charged Gautam Adani with bribery and fraud. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleged Adani Green Energy Ltd. concealed a $265 million bribery scheme tied to a solar energy project, deceiving investors. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed the charges validate his party's concerns about an "intimate nexus" between Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Criticizing SEBI's investigations, Ramesh emphasized accountability for unanswered questions raised in Congress's “Hum Adani ke Hain” series. The alleged scheme reportedly promised $2 billion in profits over 20 years.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:19am on 21 Nov 2024,Thursday India Global
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani face charges in New York for an alleged $265 million bribery and fraud scheme linked to India’s largest solar power project. U.S. prosecutors allege bribes were paid to Indian officials to secure contracts promising $2 billion in profits over 20 years. Additional charges include securities fraud and wire fraud conspiracy. The Adanis, alongside other executives, allegedly concealed corruption while raising $3 billion in loans and bonds. Arrest warrants for the Adanis have been issued. Adani Group denies the accusations. This follows earlier controversies, including allegations of offshore tax haven misuse.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:32am on 20 Nov 2024,Wednesday India Global
At the G20 Summit in Brazil, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto warmly complimented Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, saying, "I know you, you are very famous." The remark, made during a bilateral meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew smiles from both leaders. PM Modi and Subianto discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, health, and security, marking their first meeting since Subianto's election. Both leaders emphasized strengthening ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Jaishankar is celebrated for his role in shaping India's assertive foreign policy amid global challenges.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:32am on 20 Nov 2024,Wednesday India Global
Canada has introduced stricter security measures for passengers traveling to India, causing longer wait times at airports. Transport Minister Anita Anand announced these temporary protocols, implemented "out of an abundance of caution." Air Canada advised travelers to arrive at least 4 hours before departure, warning of delays due to enhanced screening by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The measures come during strained India-Canada relations, worsened by allegations over Khalistani separatists and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India denies Canada’s claims and cites separatist support as the core issue. Both nations have expelled diplomats in retaliation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:40pm on 19 Nov 2024,Tuesday India Global
Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian-origin woman, was found strangled in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November. Northamptonshire Police suspect her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, who is believed to have fled the UK. Brella, under a domestic abuse protection order, was reported missing on 13 November. Authorities allege Lamba transported her body from their Corby home to Ilford before abandoning the vehicle. New CCTV images of Lamba have been released as police, with the National Crime Agency, launch an international manhunt. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:45pm on 19 Nov 2024,Tuesday India Global
UK-India free trade negotiations will restart in early 2024, Downing Street announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during the G20 Summit in Brazil. Talks aim to unlock markets for British cars, Scottish whisky, and financial services, while addressing challenges like visa rules and fees for Indian students and professionals. Trade between the nations was valued at £42 billion in the year to June 2024. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called India a “vital trading partner,” with the deal expected to support economic growth and over 600,000 jobs across both countries.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:54pm on 19 Nov 2024,Tuesday India Global
Harshita Brella, 24, was found dead in a car boot in Ilford, east London, after reportedly being murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who has fled the UK. Brella, a domestic violence victim, had a protection order in place before her death. Her family in Delhi described her as a dedicated teacher and revealed she faced restrictions and abuse in her arranged marriage. “We want her body brought home for peace,” said her father. Northamptonshire Police launched a murder investigation and shared Lamba's photo, urging cooperation. Harshita’s family demands justice and accountability for her tragic death.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:49am on 19 Nov 2024,Tuesday India Global
India has reclaimed its position as the leading source of international students to the US after 15 years, sending 3.3 lakh students for the 2023-24 academic year, a 23% rise, according to the Open Doors report. Meanwhile, China saw a 4% decline. Indian students primarily pursue STEM courses, contributing significantly to the US economy, with international students collectively adding $50 billion in 2023. This marks a record 1.12 million international students in the US. Graduate programs and practical training courses saw the highest growth. The trend highlights India's expanding global educational footprint.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:59am on 19 Nov 2024,Tuesday India Global
A Hong Kong court sentenced key pro-democracy leaders, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, to prison under China’s controversial National Security Law. Tai received a 10-year term, while Wong was sentenced to over 4 years. The court ruled their unofficial primary elections in 2020 aimed to subvert the government, marking the largest trial under the NSL. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the sentencing as politically motivated, eroding Hong Kong’s freedoms and judicial independence. Beijing defended the law as essential for stability. Observers warn this trial signals China's tightening grip over Hong Kong’s autonomy and democracy.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:55am on 19 Nov 2024,Tuesday India Global
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil, aiming to revive stalled India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. Starmer emphasized the importance of a trade deal to support UK jobs and economic growth. Modi highlighted India's commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, prioritizing technology, green energy, and security. Negotiations, stalled since May, face challenges in goods, services, and investment. The UK’s trade with India reached £42B in June 2024. Both leaders expressed optimism about concluding a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement to strengthen bilateral ties.