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Jaishankar Highlights Positive Trends in India’s Trade with Central Asia Over the Past Decade

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On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that India’s trade and economic relationships with Central Asia have demonstrated a strong upward trend over the past decade. Speaking at the India-Central Asia Business Council, he highlighted the significant participation of Indian and Central Asian businesses as a clear sign of mutual interest in enhancing B2B connections. “This participation underscores the importance that the business communities in our nations place on this council. Today’s gathering aims to discuss and discover new opportunities and synergies between our economies,” he remarked.

The Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing both the quantity and quality of current cooperation. “Let me outline three key objectives before us: deepening our existing cooperation in terms of volume and quality. There is an acknowledgment of the key players and products in our respective markets, and we must build upon this foundation. The pharmaceutical sector serves as a prime example,” he stated.

Jaishankar also advocated for a diversified trade portfolio to create more opportunities for both India and Central Asian nations. Highlighting India’s robust economy, which currently exceeds USD 4 trillion and grows at an annual rate of 6-8%, he assured Central Asian leaders that India will generate new demands for their products and services. “As we seek new opportunities amid increased competition, it’s essential for Central Asian economies to recognize the potential arising from our growing prosperity,” he mentioned.

He stressed that economic interactions require greater predictability and suggested establishing long-term contracts and arrangements for sectors like uranium, crude oil, gas, coal, and fertilizers. “These examples illustrate the relevance of reaching long-term agreements between us,” he noted.

Regarding the transformative impact of cross-border digital payments, Jaishankar expressed India’s willingness to collaborate with Central Asian countries on digital public infrastructure, such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). “Leveraging digital technologies and AI applications will help us unlock the full potential of our trade and economic relationships and greatly benefit our tourists, students, and medical travelers,” he said.

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For financial services, he encouraged closer coordination between banks to strengthen economic ties. “Initiatives are underway regarding the establishment of special rupee Vostro accounts in Indian banks by Central Asian banks, and discussions about utilizing UPI are also in progress,” he added. Vostro accounts enable domestic banks to provide their clients with international banking services.

Jaishankar also addressed the need for improved land and air connectivity and suggested leveraging the Chabahar port to minimize travel distances and costs between the nations. He recommended that FICCI, the event’s organizer, engage with Central Asian business chambers to explore solutions to logistical challenges and propose recommendations to the government.

Additionally, he advocated for the simplification of cross-border customs procedures.

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MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

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New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.

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8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

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Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.

Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.

Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.

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75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

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Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.

The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”

However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.

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Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.

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