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EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Arrives in Islamabad for SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting

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  External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. The visit underscores India's active role in regional diplomacy through multilateral platforms like the SCO. During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar will engage in discussions focused on economic cooperation, connectivity, and regional stability, key pillars of the SCO agenda. The meeting also provides an opportunity for member states, including India and Pakistan, to address common challenges and foster collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, and security. India's presence at the meeting highlights its commitment to strengthening regional ties and promoting collective growth within the SCO framework. Dr. Jaishankar's participation is seen as a significant step toward fostering dialogue, despite ongoing bilateral tensions with Pakistan. The outcome of this high-level meeting will likely shape the

Abu Dhabi: The World's Richest City in Sovereign Wealth Funds

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  Abu Dhabi has emerged as the richest city globally in terms of capital managed by sovereign wealth funds, as reported by Global SWF. As of October 1, 2024, sovereign wealth funds worldwide manage assets valued at approximately $12.5 trillion, with the top six cities accounting for two-thirds of this staggering wealth. Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned investment vehicles that manage national savings with the aim of generating returns. They typically invest across a diverse array of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and infrastructure projects. The substantial capital within these funds often stems from surplus revenues, particularly those derived from natural resources such as oil and gas. Abu Dhabi’s considerable wealth can be largely attributed to its rich oil reserves and its strategic investment strategies, which have ensured the effective management of these resources. The Global SWF report also highlights other notable cities with significant sovereign w

UAE Reaffirms Support for Lebanon at Dubai Humanitarian Event

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  During a media briefing at Dubai Humanitarian, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, reaffirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to aiding Lebanon in its time of need. The briefing marked the launch of the "#UAE_Stands_With_Lebanon" campaign, aimed at providing vital humanitarian support to the Lebanese people amidst the ongoing challenges the country is facing. Her Excellency emphasized that Lebanon is a "brotherly nation" and that the UAE stands ready to offer comprehensive assistance. Several major international humanitarian organizations joined the UAE in this effort. Key participants included the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) of the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Their involvement reflects the coordinated global

Union Cabinet Approves ₹4,406 Crore Plan to Develop Border Roads in Punjab and Rajasthan

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  The Union Cabinet has recently approved a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in border regions of Punjab and Rajasthan. With an investment of ₹4,406 crore, the project will develop 2,280 km of roads across these states, focusing on connecting remote villages near the border areas. This ambitious plan is part of a broader initiative to improve accessibility, boost local economies, and strengthen border security. The upgraded road network will facilitate better transport of goods, improve communication, and provide easier access to essential services for border communities. Additionally, it is expected to bolster national security by enhancing mobility for defense forces in these strategically important areas. The project reflects the government’s commitment to developing border regions and ensuring that even the most remote villages are connected to the national infrastructure grid. This initiative will play a crucial role in not only improving the live

The Farewell Message of Israel’s Envoy to the UAE

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  As Israel’s first ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Amir Hayek concludes a transformative three-year tenure, he reflects on the significant strides made in bilateral relations between the two nations. In his farewell message, Hayek commended the remarkable progress achieved and expressed deep gratitude to various UAE entities whose cooperation was instrumental in the success of his diplomatic mission. Hayek particularly acknowledged the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He praised their vision and commitment, which have greatly contributed to fostering a strong partnership between Israel and the UAE. Envisioning a future where peace and friendship flourish, Hayek articulated his hopes for continued cooperation that binds the nations together. His reflections included appreciation for the guidance and support he received from mentors, colleagues, and

Strengthening Economic Ties: UAE’s Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Starts Operations in India

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  The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the largest sovereign wealth fund of the UAE, has officially started its operations in India. This significant move is expected to boost investment activity in the region, with ADIA's presence at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) marking a key step in enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Founded in 1976, ADIA is among the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, managing investments on behalf of Abu Dhabi's government. The fund's entry into India was announced during the 12th India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) meeting, held in Mumbai on October 7, 2024. The meeting, co-chaired by India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and ADIA’s Managing Director Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focused on mutual investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like food parks, cross-border payments, and new avenues for collaboration. This move follows India’s recent Bilateral

India and UAE to Set Up Food Corridor with $2 Billion Investment

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  India and the UAE are embarking on a significant collaboration by establishing a food corridor with an investment of $2 billion. This initiative aims to cater not only to the UAE market but also to other international markets, providing a lucrative opportunity for Indian farmers. Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that this project will enhance the income of Indian farmers while creating additional job opportunities within the agricultural sector. The food corridor reflects a strategic partnership that seeks to boost trade relations and strengthen food security between the two nations. During a press conference following the 12th meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Task Force on Investment, Goyal emphasized the importance of this venture. He announced the formation of a specialized working group that includes representatives from the central and state governments of India, alongside UAE officials. This group will focus on advancing the establishment of the food corridor, ensurin