During his visit to India next week, Tesla owner Elon Musk will likely announce a $2-3 billion investment. Additionally, Musk will meet PM Narendra Modi to reveal his plans to set up a manufacturing unit in India.
The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a fishing boat allegedly reported to be involved in the smuggling of diesel. The vessel with five crew carried Rs 11.46 lakh (~$13,719) of unauthorised cash and was seized 83 nm northwest off of the coast of Mumbai.
The Pakistani government told the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday that it had banned social media platform X owing to national security concerns. It said that the government had banned the platform as X failed to adhere to the directives of the Pakistani government and address concerns regarding its misuse. The government added that the decision was taken following confidential reports received from intelligence and security agencies.
Indonesian authorities issued a tsunami alert on Wednesday following eruptions at Mount Ruang, which sent ash several thousand feet into the air. Officials instructed over 11,000 individuals to evacuate the vicinity. The volcano, situated on the northern part of Sulawesi Island, experienced at least five significant eruptions within the last 24 hours, prompting Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation to elevate the volcano alert to its maximum level.
US President Joe Biden criticised Beijing and proposed tripling import tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium. Analysts described this move as a typical election-year tactic aimed at garnering support from union workers in crucial swing states. Speaking at the United Steelworkers union headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Biden highlighted how Chinese steel companies benefit from heavy subsidies, allowing them to flood global markets with steel at unfairly low prices without concern for profitability.
The Philippines Foreign Ministry emphasised on Thursday that its decision to strengthen relations with Japan and the US is a matter of sovereignty. It called on China to contemplate its actions in the South China Sea, stating that the root cause of tension in the region is clear to all. The ministry highlighted China’s assertive behaviour, including its excessive maritime claims and militarisation of reclaimed features, as factors undermining regional peace and stability and escalating tensions.