The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines to ensure that children under 12 years old are seated with at least one of their parents or guardians during flights. This move comes after reports of children being separated from their families during travel. Airlines must keep a record of these seat assignments.
Asia bore the brunt of natural disasters in 2023, with 79 extreme weather events affecting over 9 million people and claiming more than 2,000 lives. Floods and storms were the predominant hazards, accounting for over 80% of reported incidents. Despite a slight decrease in event numbers compared to 2022, the impact on India was significant, with heatwaves, floods, glacial lake outbursts, and tropical cyclones causing widespread damage.
Qualcomm, the American chip giant, is designing semiconductors and wireless telecommunications products in India, leveraging the country’s pool of talented engineers. The company’s president, Savi Soin, revealed that Qualcomm has already designed and shipped chips end-to-end in India globally. This move aligns with India’s ambitions to become a major chip hub and compete against global leaders like the U.S., Taiwan, and South Korea.
India has topped the QS University rankings among G20 nations for the academic year 2023-24. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the government’s focus on research, learning, and innovation as a key factor in this achievement. QS University Rankings President Nunzio Quacquarelli highlighted India’s 14% improvement in average ranking and praised PM Modi’s leadership and visionary policies, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Indian universities saw significant progress in Biological Sciences, Business Studies, and STEM subjects, with the NEP being recognized as a driving force behind these positive changes.
The United States and India engage in regular consultations at the highest levels on democracy and human rights issues, according to a senior US State Department official. This statement comes following the release of the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which highlighted concerns about human rights issues in India, including the Manipur violence and extrajudicial killings. The US strongly encourages India to uphold its human rights obligations and commitments, and regularly meets with civil society representatives to gather perspectives that inform the Human Rights Report.
The United States Department of State’s annual human rights report has highlighted concerns over alleged abuses in the Indian state of Manipur. The report specifically mentions the killing of Hardeep Nijjar, a 30-year-old man by security forces in 2022.
India is projected to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075, surpassing the United States. According to a Goldman Sachs report, India’s GDP will reach $52.5 trillion, just behind China’s $57 trillion and above the US’s $51.5 trillion. This growth is primarily driven by India’s labor force, technological advancements, and increasing capital investment. Despite some challenges, India’s economic potential is significant due to its low per capita income and growing innovation and technology sector.
Mumuksh Mandlesha, research analyst at Anand Rathi Institutional Equities, provides insights on the prospects for India’s automotive industry.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has expressed concern that India might follow a path similar to Russia if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections scheduled for 2024. Mann asserted that such an outcome could result in the elimination of opposition within India.
AirAsia has launched a new nonstop route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. This marks the airline’s thirteenth nonstop connection between Malaysia and India.
AirAsia’s inaugural flight to Jaipur was operated by an Airbus A320neo, departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 19:40 and arriving at Jaipur Airport (JAI) at 22:17.
The airline is committed to expanding its network in India and looks forward to welcoming more visitors to Malaysia following the government’s announcement of visa-free entry last year.
