US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised India as an "extraordinary success story" during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024. He highlighted the positive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies on India's people. Blinken underscored the excellent relations between President Joe Biden and Modi, emphasizing their comprehensive discussions. Addressing concerns about Hindu nationalism, Blinken noted ongoing conversations about democracy and human rights. He also affirmed the US commitment to the status quo in Taiwan amid recent elections. The WEF Annual Meeting serves as a platform for global leaders to discuss vital issues and economic trends.

Israeli team recruits Indian laborers to address the country's labor shortage amidst the conflict with Hamas. Young men from Haryana and other states flock to Rohtak for a chance at higher salaries in Israel. Despite the ongoing war, applicants express eagerness for employment opportunities. The recruitment drive, focused on construction, painting, and farming jobs, is part of Israel's plan to hire thousands of Indian workers. The process, spanning six days, prioritizes candidates from Haryana. Israel aims to address its labor deficit, initially targeting 10,000 recruits with potential expansion to 30,000, offering a monthly salary of Rs 1.34 lakh.

Minister of Moscow City, Sergey Cheremin, emphasizes the strong partnership between India and Russia, encouraging Indian companies to invest in Moscow. During his visit, Mr. Cheremin launched Moscow's pavilion at the Convergence India and Smart Cities Expo, highlighting Moscow's dynamic digitalization efforts. The minister sees significant potential for collaboration, especially in areas like smart cities and high-tech machinery. Stressing the historic ties, he asserts that it's an opportune moment for Indian companies to invest in Russia, providing access to the European market. The expo serves as a platform for showcasing transformative technologies in India's urban development.

Pakistan has expelled the Iranian ambassador and recalled its own envoy following a contentious air strike by Iran on Jaish al-Adl militant bases in Balochistan. The strike, deemed an "illegal and unacceptable act" by Pakistan's foreign ministry, triggered a diplomatic crisis between the two nations. Pakistan asserts the right to respond, condemning the breach of sovereignty. The international community, including China, urges restraint to prevent further escalation. Tensions rise amidst broader regional conflicts, with Iraq also criticizing Iran's actions. The consequences of this unfolding situation remain uncertain, casting a shadow over diplomatic relations in the volatile region.

Maldives, led by pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, has inked an agreement with a Turkish firm to purchase military drones, allocating $37 million from the state's contingency budget. The move comes shortly after urging India to withdraw its troops by March 15. The Indian Ocean's exclusive economic zone, traditionally patrolled jointly by India and Maldives, witnesses a shift in dynamics. Muizzu, in power since November 2023, has signaled a shift away from India, visiting Turkey and China. The strategic location of Maldives intensifies the longstanding competition for influence between India and China.

"Lost in the esoteric world of thesaurus," Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia accused Congress leader Shashi Tharoor of a "lack of depth" in understanding aviation after Tharoor slammed flight delays. "It's a ModiGovt-made disaster, a result of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s neglect and incompetence," Tharoor tweeted, highlighting passengers' woes. Scindia dubbed it "armchair" criticism and in a series of posts on X dubbed the Throor's criticism of the situation in airports a "lack of depth in understanding of technical sectors like civil aviation".  The Civil Aviation Minister also wrote, "The treatment meted out to the passengers in the instant case was unacceptable, and we have acted immediately in the form of a show cause notice to the concerned operators. Further, SOPs for better communication to passengers were also issued. Implementation is being monitored thrice daily."

Pakistan warned Iran of "serious consequences" after Tehran launched missile and drone strikes on militant bases in Pakistan's Balochistan, killing two children. Pakistan summoned Iran's charge d'affaires and strongly condemned the "violation of its airspace". Iran claimed it targeted bases of Jaish al-Adl, but Pakistan said the attacks could raise Middle East tensions. Islamabad said Iran's unilateral action was unacceptable and could imperil regional stability. Pakistan emphasized dialogue and called on Iran to respect international borders. The attacks underscored heightening Pakistan-Iran tensions over cross-border militant activity.

"I am surprised only one person got physically assaulted because tempers were running very high (I don't condone violence)," said actor Richa Chadha, commenting on the recent flight delays and airport chaos across India. Earlier this week, a flier was arrested for slapping an Indigo Airlines pilot while he was announcing the reason for the more than 10-hour delays. Chadha shared her own frustrating experiences this week, with two IndiGo flights delayed by 4 hours each in just 3 days. She said the Indigo controversy demonstrates how "monopoly - whether airlines, airport ownership or leadership - creates lack of accountability" and causes common citizens to suffer.

Iran launched airstrikes on two Jaish ul-Adl bases in Balochistan, Pakistan, coinciding with a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Iranian state media reported the destruction of significant terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan condemned the strikes as an "unprovoked violation," expressing concern over the unilateral act despite existing communication channels. The incident resulted in casualties, including two children, prompting Pakistan to label it "completely unacceptable" and warning of potential "serious consequences." The attack aligns with recent Iranian strikes in Iraq and Syria, escalating regional tensions.

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy garnered attention as he endorsed former President Donald Trump at a New Hampshire rally, resulting in chants of 'VP, VP, VP' from the crowd. Trump, securing a significant win in Iowa, welcomed Ramaswamy on stage, hinting at a close collaboration. While Trump acknowledged Ramaswamy's endorsement, speculations arise about the possibility of him being chosen as the Vice President in a potential 2024 run. Despite earlier indications ruling out this scenario, the dynamic at the rally fuels discussions on Ramaswamy's potential role in Trump's political journey.