News in Frames: jumbos, feast and the crowd

US and Philippine fighter aircraft recently conducted joint patrol and training exercises over the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, marking the first operation under US President Trump. The drills focused on intercept maneuvers amid escalating tensions with Chinese forces in the region, showcasing a show of strength and cooperation between the two nations. This exercise highlights the ongoing strategic partnership between the US and the Philippines in addressing security challenges in the...

The government has offered land in the Rajghat complex for a memorial to be built for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, next to Pranab Mukherjee's memorial, with Rs 25 lakh allocated for construction. Manmohan Singh, known for his economic reforms, served as Prime Minister from 2004-2014. The government previously allocated land for Pranab Mukherjee's memorial, prompting his daughter to thank PM Narendra Modi for the gesture. Full Article

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are meeting to discuss the truce with Hamas, potential Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization, and concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Netanyahu is under pressure from his coalition to resume fighting in Gaza but must navigate domestic and international expectations amid his corruption trial. The leaders aim to address complex geopolitical challenges while balancing political and legal considerations. Full Article

The Haryana government has assured the Indian Medical Association that all pending claims under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana will be paid by March 31, 2025, with applications received till March 10 to be settled by that date. A budget of Rs 2,500 crore has been allocated for timely settlement of claims next year, with a special team of doctors to process medicine and pediatrics claims. Strict instructions have been given to ensure prompt payment of...

President Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has pledged to review the Biden administration's restrictions on firearms exports introduced in April 2024. These restrictions are designed to prevent U.S. guns from falling into the hands of foreign criminal organizations, potentially leading to a 7% annual decrease in U.S. firearms exports. Lutnick's commitment signals a potential shift in policy towards the regulation of firearm exports under the new administration. Full Article

Pakistan has threatened to deport around 20,000 Afghan refugees awaiting relocation unless their cases are processed swiftly by host governments, following a pause in U.S. refugee programs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set a deadline of March 31 for their expulsion from Islamabad and Rawalpindi if not relocated. Concerns have been raised about the fate of Afghan refugees, with reports of arbitrary detention and harassment in Islamabad. Full Article