From 20-30 May, the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26), in Kochi, Kerala. As a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, India has vowed to protect the continent's rich biodiversity. In pursuit of this goal, the upcoming meeting will promote "open dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building" among the international community.
The Israeli embassy in New Delhi stated that Israeli and Indian security forces conducted a joint drill last week to assess their readiness to counter potential threats in the future. The Delhi Police, National Security Guard, and local emergency services participated in the drill, and practised response strategies to potential threats.
Indian Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj said on Thursday that India supports the admission of Palestine to the UN General Assembly. Hoping that the issue will garner support from other countries, Kamboj also reiterated India’s desire for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.
Taiwan’s security chief, Director-General Tsai Ming-yen, warned of potential Chinese military exercises near the strait following the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te. He emphasised the need to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, noting Beijing’s historical pattern of military activity. Tsai highlighted China’s dual strategy of coercion and incentives to influence Taiwan’s policies. He underscored the period from June to November as critical, citing China’s routine military exercises during this time.
Lawmakers selected Jeremiah Manele, the Solomon Islands’ foreign minister, as prime minister in Thursday’s parliamentary vote. Manele committed to continue the country’s pro-China foreign policy. Manele, addressing the public outside parliament, urged for calm, highlighting post-election violence in the past. He also stressed the need for unity, declaring it a testament to the Solomon Islands’ democratic values.
On Wednesday, the US implemented extensive sanctions against Russia, targeting hundreds of entities and highlighting Moscow’s attempts to evade Western sanctions, including through cooperation with China. While the US Treasury Department sanctioned nearly 200 entities, the State Department designated over 80, with sanctions also placed on 20 Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies. This marks one of the broadest actions taken against Chinese firms in Washington’s efforts to restrict Moscow’s war machine.