Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, on Wednesday, commending the progress in implementing the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. Tajani, on a three-day visit to India with a large business delegation, engaged with PM Modi to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, reflecting Italy’s growing interest in expanding economic ties with India.

PM Modi shared on X that he was “delighted” to meet Tajani and expressed appreciation for the proactive steps being taken by both countries to implement the Strategic Action Plan across key areas including trade, investment, research, innovation, defence, space, connectivity, counter-terrorism, education, and people-to-people relations. He noted that the India-Italy friendship continues to grow, benefiting both nations and the global community.

During his visit, Tajani also met with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, deepening strategic dialogue between the two countries. Jaishankar stated on X that they reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan across politics, defence, technology, innovation, maritime issues, mobility, space, trade, and investment. He also appreciated joint efforts to counter terror financing and discussed cooperation with the EU and other regional and global developments.

Jaishankar emphasized that India-Italy relations are rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to global peace and stability, and expressed gratitude for Italy’s solidarity following a recent terror incident in New Delhi. The discussions built on previous initiatives, including counter-terror financing measures announced during PM Modi’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit. He reaffirmed Italy as a close partner in counterterrorism, including within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The talks also covered regional and global issues, such as developments in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the growing geopolitical dimension of the partnership. Tajani is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai on Thursday, with economic cooperation remaining a key focus. Jaishankar acknowledged Italy’s leadership in advancing the 2025–2029 economic roadmap.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@narendramodi.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) observed Human Rights Day on December 10 at Vision Hall, Faisalabad. The event followed this year’s United Nations theme, Reaffirming the Values of Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials, emphasizing that human rights are fundamental protections shaping daily life, often unnoticed, especially in times of social instability. The program brought together civil society members, lawyers, political and religious leaders, women activists, youth, students, and professionals from across Pakistan, both in person and virtually.

HRFP President Naveed Walter expressed concern over ongoing human rights violations, particularly the persecution of minorities including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyyas. He highlighted the increase in false blasphemy accusations, violence, abductions of minority girls, and attacks on vulnerable communities. Walter stressed that the UN theme calls for renewed focus, action, and collective efforts to protect victims and support affected families, advocating for human rights regardless of religion, gender, race, or ethnicity.

HRFP welcomed the passing of the National Minorities Commission Bill 2025, a step the organization has long supported since a 2014 Supreme Court directive. However, it emphasized that legislation is ineffective without proper enforcement and called on society to actively promote human rights, protect vulnerable groups, and foster an inclusive future. Speakers also urged educational reforms to instill peace and tolerance in young generations.

Notable speakers, including Raja Thomas, Ejaz Ghouri, Shamshad Gill, James Lal, John Victor, Bushra Bibi, Sadaf Shadman, Shahida Parveen, and Sohail Emmanuel, highlighted ongoing inequalities and challenges faced by women, children, and minorities. They pointed to poor implementation of minority job quotas, limited opportunities for youth and students, and global challenges like poverty, climate change, conflict, and systemic discrimination.

Victims shared personal accounts of discrimination, violence, and workplace injustice. HRFP called for immediate action against domestic worker abuse, forced conversions, forced marriages, fabricated charges, and hate speech targeting minorities, urging society to foster respect and equality. HRFP Program Coordinator Shadman John and Field Coordinator Hamdosh Samuel thanked participants and distributed informational materials, including HRFP’s REAT Helpline brochures for marginalized communities.

The event concluded with a peaceful protest, where attendees held banners and play-cards advocating human rights, equality, and religious freedom. Participants demanded an end to abductions, forced conversions, workplace harassment, misuse of blasphemy laws, and called for curriculum reforms and national efforts to ensure justice, equality, and freedom. Slogans included Our Everyday Essentials – Notice Now, Yes to Human Rights – No to Violations, and Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Indonesia’s Sumatra island will need 51.82 trillion rupiah (approximately S$4.02 billion) for reconstruction and recovery following a series of deadly floods, according to senior government officials. As of Monday, the cyclone-triggered floods and landslides have claimed 950 lives, with 274 people still missing, official data shows. The storms also killed around 200 people in southern Thailand and Malaysia.

Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, said the required recovery funds for the three affected provinces—Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra—could rise as damage assessments continue. Aceh requires the largest share at 25.41 trillion rupiah, while North Sumatra and West Sumatra need 12.88 trillion and 13.52 trillion rupiah, respectively.

Reconstruction has already started in some areas of North Sumatra and West Sumatra, where conditions have improved. Suharyanto noted that residents in evacuation centers will be moved into temporary 40-square-metre plywood houses provided by the government, with permanent housing to follow, built by the housing ministry.

President Prabowo Subianto said his calculations of the recovery cost were “similar” but did not specify whether he would approve the spending. He emphasized the government’s capacity to handle the process carefully. Prabowo also highlighted that certain areas remain severely affected, with rice fields, dams, and numerous houses damaged. He stressed the need to prioritize rebuilding homes and distributing essential supplies like medication and clothing.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (Dec 4) to strengthen trade ties, as the European Union prepares stricter trade regulations. Macron is accompanied by a large business delegation on his fourth state visit to China. Macron will travel to Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province with Xi—a rare gesture, since the Chinese leader seldom joins visiting officials outside Beijing. However, Xi is not expected to approve a long-awaited Airbus deal or reduce duties on EU brandy imports, nearly all of which come from France.

Beijing aims to ease trade tensions with Brussels over its heavily subsidized electric vehicle sector, which has led to retaliatory tariffs on some European goods. At the same time, committing to a 500-jet Airbus order could reduce China’s leverage with the US, which is pushing for a Boeing deal, and with Europe as it plans new economic security measures.

Macron has previously emphasized a united European stance in dealing with China while avoiding confrontation, recognizing China’s importance as an export market for key French companies. The delegation with Macron includes top executives from Airbus, BNP Paribas, Schneider Electric, and Alstom, as well as leaders from the French dairy and poultry sectors. Macron and Xi are expected to sign several agreements following their meeting.

China is France’s seventh-largest trading partner, importing about US$35 billion in goods annually, including cosmetics, aircraft parts, and alcoholic beverages. France imports around US$45 billion in Chinese products, mainly low-cost items such as clothing, accessories, and gadgets through online platforms like Shein, benefiting from an EU customs waiver on purchases under 150 euros (S$226.65).
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Across the globe, Gen Z is moving beyond online activism and taking to the streets — pushing back against existing systems, highlighting inequality, and demanding a future they can trust. Many young people feel increasingly shut out, with rising youth unemployment and shrinking economic opportunities adding to their frustration. We speak with CNA senior correspondent Wei Du, who followed a wave of Gen Z demonstrations in Asia for an Insight documentary, and Dr. Eugene Mark, Fellow and Co-coordinator of Thailand Studies at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, to understand the forces behind this new wave of youth-driven protests.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A recent study reveals that maintaining a sense of control is crucial for ageing well. Seniors who retain independence and the ability to make their own decisions tend to be healthier and happier. Post-retirement, men often face more challenges, whereas women’s social networks help them stay resilient. The research underscores the significance of purpose, social connections, and dignity in later life. Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo discuss the study with A/P Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

On November 11, Thailand’s government announced it would suspend the implementation of an enhanced ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, which had been signed in October in the presence of US President Donald Trump. The government also stated it would brief Washington on its decision. The move comes after a landmine explosion the previous day injured four Thai soldiers. Andrea Heng and Hairianto discuss the potential impact of this suspension on the ongoing conflict with Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, an independent expert on international relations and security affairs and former chairman of the Prime Minister's Security Advisory Committee.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Utt, one of MTV Asia’s most beloved VJs during the 1990s and 2000s, hosted Mediacorp’s cult-classic horror docuseries Incredible Tales for eight seasons between 2004 and 2017. Now 51, he has returned to Singapore to join the video podcast series Tales From Incredible Tales, currently in its third season. The vodcast revisits some of the most iconic episodes from the original show. Hairianto Diman speaks with Utt Panichkul about his experience as host and how the show’s success has influenced his career.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.