Morning Digest | India projected to grow at 8% this fiscal; U.S. State Department flags curbs on free speech, and more
The Hindu
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India projected to grow at 8% this fiscal: World Bank
India is projected to grow at 8% over the current fiscal year (April 1- March 31), and 7.1% over the next (FY 2023-24) fiscal year, the World Bank said in its twice yearly South Asia Economic Focus Reshaping Norms: A New Way Forward, released on Wednesday, in the run-up to the World Bank IMF Spring Meetings.
U.S. State Department’s human rights report on India flags curbs on free speech, civil society
In its 2021 Human Rights Report on India, the U.S. State Department has flagged concerns over arbitrary arrests and detentions, extra-judicial killings, violence against religious minorities, curbs on free expression and media, including unjustified prosecution of journalists, “overly restrictive laws” on funding of NGOs and civil society organisations, and “government harassment of domestic and international human rights organizations”, and noted that a “lack of accountability for official misconduct persisted at all levels of government, contributing to widespread impunity”. Most of these concerns had been raised in previous reports as well.
Brooklyn subway attack: Suspect Frank James arrested, charged with terror
The man accused of shooting 10 people on a Brooklyn subway train was arrested on April 13 and charged with a federal terrorism offence after a daylong manhunt and a tipster’s call led police to him on a Manhattan street.
Human rights in India not discussed at 2+2 meeting: Jaishankar
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25% amid ongoing West Asia conflict, impacting petrol and diesel costs significantly.
Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants
Iran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.
Saudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.
Iran's death toll exceeds 1,500 amid escalating war, with heavy airstrikes and shifting U.S. and Israel strategies reported.