The 3rd Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Healthcare between India and Japan was convened on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The session was co-chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Japan’s Minister in charge of Healthcare Policy, Kimi Onoda. Welcoming the Japanese delegation, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said that India and Japan share a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and a common vision for the future. She added that the Joint Committee Meeting, conducted under the India–Japan Memorandum of Cooperation, has become an important platform for strengthening ties through continuous dialogue and deeper understanding, expressing hope for meaningful and forward-looking discussions.
Nadda stated that the meeting reflects the strong commitment of both nations to expand cooperation and build new partnerships in the healthcare sector. He noted that collaboration under the Memorandum of Cooperation on Healthcare and Wellness is guided by a shared goal of improving health systems, expanding access to care, and encouraging innovation for better outcomes.
He also highlighted the long-standing India–Japan relationship, which spans over a century, and reaffirmed India’s development approach based on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He described the Joint Committee Meeting as a key mechanism for advancing healthcare cooperation. Onoda emphasized Japan’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare collaboration through innovation, technology, and research, and expressed Japan’s willingness to further deepen ties.
The discussions covered major areas including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). India highlighted the rising burden of such diseases and its strategy focused on screening, continuous care, and health promotion aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Japan shared its initiatives in cancer screening, early detection, and improving treatment systems through technical and institutional cooperation.
On supply chain resilience and medical access, India emphasized its strong pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing base, along with efforts to ensure affordability and reduce dependency through policy support. Japan outlined its public–private collaboration model aimed at improving access, strengthening supply chains, and enabling technology adoption.
In digital health, India presented its Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which supports an integrated, secure, and citizen-focused digital health ecosystem. Japan shared its progress in digital healthcare through AI-enabled systems, research, and digital integration. On human resource development, India highlighted its framework for building a skilled healthcare workforce through training, exchanges, and competency recognition. Japan detailed its ongoing cooperation in joint research and personnel exchange programs.
In his concluding remarks, Nadda said the discussions have added fresh momentum to India–Japan health cooperation and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthen collaboration in key areas. He added that the outcomes provide a strong base for future cooperation and reiterated India’s intent to work closely with Japan for tangible benefits to citizens of both countries. Onoda also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in healthcare. Both sides expressed confidence in further strengthening ties to improve health outcomes for their populations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PIB.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP legislators, left for Delhi on Tuesday morning to meet President Droupadi Murmu over the recent defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. On April 24, the Aam Aadmi Party faced a major setback when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs—Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney, and Swati Maliwal—resigned and merged with the BJP, claiming the party had drifted away from its founding principles, values, and ethics. Six of these MPs were from Punjab.
Mann is expected to meet the President at 12 noon at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. Before leaving for Delhi, he said that all AAP MLAs remain fully united with the party and that only he has been granted an appointment with the President. He also described the President as the constitutional guardian of the country.
Ahead of the visit, ministers and MLAs assembled at the Chief Minister’s residence in the morning, carrying placards reading “Punjab Mann De Naal” and “Punjab’s Traitors.” They later travelled to Delhi in buses. The Chief Minister had earlier requested time to meet the President along with party MLAs to demand the recall of the defected MPs, but only he was allotted a meeting slot. Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak confirmed that the MLAs would accompany Mann and raise the demand for recalling the MPs.
Mann had stated that he would strongly represent Punjab’s concerns before the President, emphasizing the need to protect the people’s mandate and democratic values. He also plans to present a copy of the confidence motion passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 1. Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Monday approved the merger of the MPs with the BJP, reducing AAP’s strength in the Upper House to three members.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran remained intact on Tuesday morning following a day of intense confrontations involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and missile strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates. Calm gradually returned to the Persian Gulf after US and Iranian forces exchanged fire on Monday, while Tehran also launched missiles and drones toward the UAE in the most serious escalation since the ceasefire was agreed less than a month ago.
The unrest began after US President Donald Trump unveiled “Project Freedom,” described as a humanitarian mission to escort neutral vessels stranded in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Under this operation, at least two merchant ships crossed the waterway with US support while two American naval vessels entered the Gulf. Iran, however, warned all ships against passing through Hormuz without its approval.
During the tensions, Iran struck a South Korean bulk carrier and targeted an empty tanker owned by the UAE’s state oil company, ADNOC. No injuries were reported on either vessel. According to US Central Command chief Brad Cooper, American forces intercepted Iranian drones, missiles, and armed small boats while ensuring safe passage for the merchant ships. The escalation comes amid continued deadlock between Washington and Tehran, with no immediate prospects for new peace talks. Iran demands that the US lift what it calls a naval blockade of its ports, while Washington argues the restrictions are necessary to curb Iran’s oil exports and pressure its economy.
Analysts view “Project Freedom” as an attempt to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though they warn it also increases the risk of further escalation. Oil prices fell slightly on Tuesday after rising sharply the previous day, reflecting market uncertainty over the conflict. The UAE reported that it intercepted most of the missiles launched by Iran, marking the first attack on its territory since the ceasefire began. However, three Indian nationals were injured in a strike on an oil facility in Fujairah, and security alerts were issued across major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with schools shifting to remote learning.
Iran criticized the US initiative as “Project Deadlock,” calling it a violation of the ceasefire, while also stating that Pakistan-mediated diplomatic talks were showing progress. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the crisis cannot be solved militarily and urged all parties, including the US and UAE, to avoid further escalation and political miscalculation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s strong and longstanding partnership with the United Arab Emirates, extending full support to the Gulf nation following an attack on civilian infrastructure in Fujairah, where three Indian nationals were injured. The strikes hit Fujairah, a key global energy and shipping hub on the UAE’s eastern coast that serves as an alternative route for oil exports bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. In a message on X, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the incident, stating that he strongly condemns the attack that injured three Indians and emphasized that targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable.
He further stressed that India stands in complete solidarity with the UAE and continues to support resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. Highlighting the importance of regional stability, he noted that safe and uninterrupted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for global energy security and peace.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the attack, calling for an immediate end to violence against civilians and reaffirming India’s commitment to peaceful diplomatic solutions in West Asia. It urged protection of free and lawful maritime trade in line with international law and said India is ready to assist efforts toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured in the incident in Fujairah and said it is coordinating with local authorities to ensure they receive proper medical care and support. Reports indicate the injuries occurred during a fire triggered in the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone following the strikes.
The UAE strongly condemned what it described as renewed unprovoked attacks, blaming Iranian missile and drone activity and calling it a serious violation of international law and a threat to its sovereignty and security. The UAE affirmed its right to respond under international law and demanded an immediate halt to hostilities.
The UAE defence authorities reported intercepting multiple missiles launched toward the country, with air defence systems successfully neutralising the threats. Emergency authorities also urged residents to follow safety instructions and avoid approaching any debris from intercepted projectiles.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged India’s defence sector to fast-track innovation in advanced warfare, stressing that adaptability and strategic surprise will shape future conflicts. Speaking at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, he highlighted key areas such as AI, hypersonic systems, directed energy weapons, and quantum technologies. He also announced measures to boost participation from the private sector, start-ups, and academic institutions. The event, themed “Defence Triveni Sangam,” brought together over 284 participants to showcase indigenous defence technologies and promote collaboration for self-reliance and operational readiness. Singh pointed to rapid changes in modern warfare, including drone and sensor-driven combat, and emphasized the need for proactive innovation to stay ahead in emerging security challenges.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
In Singapore, bots account for about 58 percent of total internet traffic, with over half classified as malicious. As AI-powered bots become more advanced and harder to distinguish from real users, organizations now face the challenge of not just detecting bots but also interpreting their intent. With AI increasingly blurring the boundary between human and automated activity, businesses are under pressure to adapt. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications for online security, trust, and the internet’s future with Garen Ling, Area Vice President of Sales, ASEAN, App Security and Data Security at Thales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A 31-year-old man has been accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump following a foiled plot linked to Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Soon after the incident, false claims began circulating online suggesting the attempt was staged. This week, Jonathan Freedland discusses the rise of such conspiracy theories surrounding the US president with journalist Rachel Leingang.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In Destination Anywhere Melanie Oliveiro talks with Kimberly Lynn a travel content creator known as wholistictraveler on Instagram and TikTok. Lynn shares her experiences traveling through Egypt including visits to its oases sand dunes and salt lakes.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Justin McCurry reports on Japan’s prime minister known for her interest in heavy metal music and her proposal to revise the nation’s pacifist constitution. His coverage highlights political and cultural dimensions of her leadership and the broader debate over Japan’s defense policies and constitutional reform efforts in modern times and its implications for regional security and international relations today globally.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
