India's tourism rank in the Maldives dropped to sixth place, declining since President Mohamed Muizzu's tenure began. India held over 11% market share till December 31, 2023, but slid to sixth by March 3. China now tops the list with 12% of total tourist arrivals, marking a shift in Maldives' diplomatic relations. Muizzu's policies, including military cooperation and agricultural agreements with China, signal a departure from India. Tensions heightened as Muizzu requested India's military withdrawal, while forging military ties with China. The Maldives government reviews over 100 agreements signed with India by previous regimes.

The Indian Navy's INS Kolkata successfully rescued 21 crew members, including one Indian national, from a Barbados-flagged cargo vessel attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. The attack resulted in three fatalities and forced the remaining crew to abandon the ship. The rescued individuals were evacuated to Djibouti and provided with critical medical aid. The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing conflicts. In response, the Indian Navy has intensified assistance efforts in the Western Indian Ocean.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu declared that no Indian troops, whether in uniform or civilian clothing, will be allowed in the country after May 10. This comes a day after the Maldives signed a military aid agreement with China. Muizzu emphasized efforts to expel Indian troops and regain control of the southern maritime area. The first group of Indian troops is set to be sent back by March 10, with complete withdrawal by May 10, as agreed in a diplomatic resolution following a strained relationship between the two nations. Muizzu was elected in November and is considered pro-China.

Global Witness investigation reveals major meat producers JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig linked to illegal deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado plains. The report implicates them in unauthorized tree removal in Mato Grosso, suggesting illegal activities. Despite denials, the US, as the world's top beef producer, faces scrutiny. India becomes the second-largest beef exporter, reaching 14.75 lakh tonnes by April 2023. Brazil leads global beef exports with 30 lakh tonnes, followed by the US and Australia. As the EU Deforestation Regulation deadline approaches, companies must prove deforestation-free products post-2020 or face fines. Critics argue the law lacks stringency and excludes the Cerrado plains.

Taiwan's labour minister issued an apology after facing backlash for her "racist" remarks on Indian migrant workers' recruitment. In an interview, she stated that Taiwan would hire from India's northeast due to similar "skin colour and eating habits." Despite domestic criticism, she clarified that Taiwan's labour policies aim for equality. The comments sparked outrage on social media, with concerns raised over safety and crime rates. Both the labour and foreign ministries apologized to India for the remarks, emphasizing the need for review and improvement in recruitment practices.

UK's Shadow Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP, alongside Navendu Mishra MP (Labour), visited India to enhance relations between the Labour Party and various sectors. The delegation, including Councillor Vimal Choksi, engaged with political leaders, business figures, and faith communities in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Agra. Meetings with Vice-President Dhankhar and Minister Jaishankar underscored the commitment to meaningful engagement. Economic ties were fortified through discussions with Indian business leaders, while the visit to the Dholera solar park showcased shared interests in renewable energy. The delegation's focus on women's empowerment and community engagement reflects Labour's commitment to inclusivity and understanding the diverse communities in the UK.

A 30-year-old man from Hyderabad, Mohammed Asfan, was killed in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine after being deceived into joining the Russian Army. Asfan's family sought assistance from AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, but the Indian Embassy in Moscow confirmed his death. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Asfan was among several Indians tricked by fraudulent agents to assist the Russian Army. This tragedy follows the death of another Indian, Hamil Mangukiya from Gujarat, who was also misled into working for the Russian military and died in an airstrike.

Seven Indian tourists from Punjab and Haryana claim they were deceived into military service in Russia and sent to fight in the Ukraine conflict. Identified as Gagandeep Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Narain Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Harsh Kumar, and Abhishek Kumar, they allege being abandoned by an agent in Belarus, where they were handed over to Russian authorities. Forced to sign documents in Russian, they now seek assistance after being deployed to the Donestsk region. This incident follows reports of Indian nationals seeking help for discharge from the Russian Army amid casualties in the Ukraine war.          

The Indian Navy swiftly responded to a distress call in the Gulf of Aden, rescuing 23 individuals, including 13 Indian nationals, from a merchant vessel attacked by drones. The Liberian-flagged ship, MSCSkyII, was ablaze following the assault on March 4. Promptly arriving at the scene, INS Kolkata deployed a specialized firefighting team and assisted in risk assessment. The crew, comprising 23 personnel, was safely escorted to secure waters. This incident underscores growing global apprehensions over maritime security, particularly amidst escalating attacks by Houthi militants on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Pat Nibin Maxwell, a 31-year-old from Kerala, lost his life in a missile strike near the Israel-Lebanon border. Having moved to Israel two months ago, Nibin leaves behind a pregnant wife and a 5-year-old daughter. Two others from Kerala were injured in the same attack and are currently receiving treatment. The Indian embassy in Israel has issued a relocation advisory for nationals in border areas. Nibin's family received the news from his wife, and his body is expected to be repatriated to Kerala after necessary procedures. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict remains a cause for concern.