'India can play key role in breaking China's near-monopoly on critical minerals'

IANS | March 22, 2026 3:41 PM

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) India, which holds the world's fifth largest rare earth reserves and the required technology to produce these minerals, can play a crucial role in breaking China’s near-monopoly on these critical minerals required for making electric vehicles, wind turbines, hi-tech electronic goods and defence equipment, according to an article.

Defence deal with US could result in Bangladesh surrendering intelligence sovereignty: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:11 PM

Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) The newly-elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government's 'Bangladesh First' policy — if more than just a slogan - must guide all future negotiations on General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)-related agreements with the United States. President Donald Trump’s letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last month indicates that the negotiations stalled during the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government are likely to resume once the West Asia crisis ends, a report said on Saturday.

India emerges critically important for Bangladesh amid supply disruptions: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:38 PM

New Delhi/Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) While Bangladesh and India have engaged in extensive discussions on trade and connectivity extensively at the bilateral level, the emergency supply security – with clearly defined, structured, and contractually binding terms – is yet to be formalised despite its clear significance, a report said on Saturday.

World leaders express readiness to make 'appropriate efforts' to open Strait of Hormuz

IANS | March 21, 2026 7:54 PM

Abu Dhabi, March 21 (IANS) The effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable, several world leaders stated on Saturday while strongly condemning Tehran's attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations in the region.