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Women Voters: India’s New Decisive Political Force
The landslide win for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Bihar uncovered a swing voter: women.
They outnumbered men in turnout by a massive 10 percentage points. Presumably, this swung the scales for the NDA.
The cohort of women is also signaling new priorities. What will they be? Will women redefine India’s polity and policy priorities?
To answer all this and more, StratNewsGlobal.Tech spoke to Rahul Verma, political analyst and Fellow, Centre for Policy Research on Capital Calculus.
Colombo Security Conclave: NSA Doval Warns Of Challenges, Vulnerabilities
The global security landscape had entered a “challenging” phase, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told the 7th Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on Thursday, urging member states to intensify cooperation against terrorism and strengthen maritime security.
He said the Indian Ocean region was facing fast-evolving geopolitical and security pressures, making the CSC more relevant than ever.
“The CSC has gained immense significance today in the midst of a rapidly changing and challenging global security environment,” he said.
Reinforcing India’s maritime outlook, Doval called the Indian Ocean “our greatest shared heritage” and urged states to act jointly to safeguard regional waters.
“The ocean is the engine that propels our economies,” he said, stressing the need for an open, inclusive, rules-based maritime order. He pressed for stronger collective stewardship of marine resources, citing the region’s interconnected geographies and shared vulnerabilities.
With piracy, illegal trafficking, and regional power competition resurging, maritime safety and coordinated naval responses remained central to the discussions.
Doval promised to work “closely with all CSC countries to enhance collective capacities in dealing with evolving and emerging security challenges.”
Bangladesh NSA Khalil-ur-Rehman said his country has been actively engaged in several CSC activities and intends to continue “based on the principles enshrined in the Charter, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference.”
He noted that the Conclave can play a “critical role in strengthening collective security, regional stability and shared prosperity.”
The Bangladesh NSA added, “Bangladesh has been steadfastly playing its dual role in this regard. We are working alongside regional nations to enhance maritime safety and security, combat piracy and other organised maritime crimes and terrorism, as well as to ensure cybersecurity.”
Over the past year, India has hosted a series of CSC-linked events, including the first Oceanographers and Hydrographers Conference aimed at exchanging scientific expertise and maritime best practices.
Officials said the CSC will continue expanding its technical and operational engagements as the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly important to global supply chains and energy flows.
The CSC placed heightened emphasis on tackling terrorism and radicalisation, with several delegations underscoring the threat posed by cross-border networks and extremist financing.
The participating nations agreed to expand joint counterterrorism exercises, intelligence exchanges, and mechanisms to monitor transnational terror activities, a key priority since the CSC’s restructuring in 2020.
The meeting saw Seychelles join as a full member. Malaysia attended as a guest for the first time.
US May Delay Semiconductor Tariff To Avoid Rupture With China
U.S. officials are privately saying that they might not levy long-promised semiconductor tariffs soon, potentially delaying a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.
Trump aides are taking their time on chip tariffs as they work to avoid a rupture with Beijing over trade issues, which would risk a return to a tit-for-tat trade war and disruption of the flow of critical rare earth minerals, according to two of the people.
Those people cautioned that no decision is final until the administration signs off on it, and also said that triple-digit tariffs could be imposed at any time. The sources spoke anonymously in order to recount private conversations about policy deliberations.
In August, Trump announced a 100% tariff on semiconductor imports, exempting firms producing or pledging to produce in the U.S. Officials had signaled the rollout was imminent, but the administration is now delaying as it debates timing and details.
Trump Faces Pressure On Consumer Prices
Any decision by the administration to slow down or narrow the scope of chip tariffs would come at a sensitive time for Trump. The Republican president is facing growing consumer angst over prices heading into the holiday shopping season.
Higher semiconductor import taxes could raise gadget costs, with plans to also tax foreign devices by chip count. While Trump recently cut tariffs on over 200 food products, he insists import taxes haven’t fueled inflation. A government shutdown has delayed consumer price data, though inflation has remained above the Fed’s target since Biden’s tenure.
Trump is also trying to maintain a delicate trade truce with China, a top manufacturer of both semiconductors and devices powered by them. Last month, Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, and reached an agreement to set aside their trade issues, for now.
(With inputs from Reuters)
UK Minister’s Visit Focuses On Boosting FTA, Strengthening Supply Chains
The UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra, arrives in India on her first official visit since taking office. Her visit comes at a time when the two countries signed the bilateral free trade agreement in July this year, with the ratification process now underway.
Building on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trade mission to India in October, Malhotra will engage with British companies in Chennai and Bengaluru including retail giant Tesco which operates the Star Bazaar chain of stores; fintech company Revolut; and BT that provides telecom services.
Her discussions will centre on how the FTA can streamline business operations, unlock new investment opportunities, and strengthen bilateral supply chains.
“As a UK Minister of Indian descent, returning to India at this early stage is both an honour and an indication of the importance we attach to this relationship,” Malhotra said. “This has been a transformative year for UK-India ties, and the Free Trade Agreement forms the core of our shared Vision 2035. I am here to see how our revitalised partnership is creating jobs, driving innovation and generating growth in both countries.”
Women in STEM
In Bengaluru, Malhotra will announce the return of the British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship for South Asia after a one-year pause. Ten fully funded master’s scholarships worth £400,000 in total will be offered for the 2026–27 academic year.
She will also meet Karnataka’s Industries Minister M. B. Patil and Higher Education Minister Dr. M. C. Sudhakar to explore collaboration in advanced manufacturing, research, skills development and innovation.
Anti-Visa Fraud Campaign
In Chennai she will expand the UK’s visa-fraud awareness campaign from Punjab to Tamil Nadu. The initiative seeks to curb fraudulent visa practices through targeted outreach in high-risk districts and the launch of a Tamil-language WhatsApp chatbot that helps residents verify visa information and avoid exploitative agents.
Meetings with Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister Dr. T. R. B. Rajaa will focus on opportunities in green technology, innovation-driven industries and workforce development.
The visit highlights the UK’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, positioning India as a central partner in economic, security and talent collaboration. By engaging directly with state governments and industry centres beyond New Delhi, London aims to reinforce the depth and reach of the bilateral relationship under the UK-India Vision 2035.
US and Japan Among Nations Pulling Back from Global Development Push
Two dozen of the world’s wealthiest nations, including the United States and Japan, are reducing their commitment to global development, according to a new study published on Thursday. The report shows many countries are cutting aid budgets and diverting funds away from multilateral development institutions, marking a significant retreat from long-standing international pledges.
The Commitment to Development Index (CDI)—compiled by the Washington-based Center for Global Development (CGD) assesses 38 advanced economies using more than 100 data points. It measures how their policies impact developing nations across key areas such as finance, trade, migration, environment, health, security, and technology.
Decline in US Ranking as Aid Cuts Deepen
Sweden, Germany, Norway, and Finland retained their positions at the top of the 2024 ranking, reflecting their continued investment in global cooperation. The United Kingdom rose two spots to fifth place, though the data predates the government’s decision to slash its aid budget by 40%. Analysts expect that cut to push the UK down in future editions of the index.
The United States fell two places to 28th, a decline the CGD said does not yet account for the billions of dollars in aid reductions implemented under President Donald Trump. “The changes the Trump administration is making are very significant,” said Ian Mitchell, a senior policy fellow at CGD, warning that the US is likely to fall further in future rankings.
The trend reflects a broader shift among wealthy nations, many of which have redirected spending toward defence, energy security, and domestic economic concerns. Trump’s decision earlier this year to shutter USAID, the country’s main foreign aid agency, further underscores Washington’s withdrawal from traditional development priorities.
G20 Context and Global Implications
The release of the report comes just days before South Africa hosts the Group of 20 (G20) summit, where it will hand over its presidency to the United States. Trump will not attend the meeting the first G20 summit to take place in Africa amid growing criticism that Western powers are abandoning their leadership role in global development.
Despite the overall decline, the report highlighted a few positive signs. More than three-quarters of the countries studied reduced carbon emissions between 2019 and 2023, although rising emissions in China offset much of that progress. The index also noted modest improvements in migration policies, with more nations welcoming refugees and migrants.
However, the CGD warned that the broader global trend is regressive. “While some improved on migration or environment, overall the trend is backward with arms exports, trade barriers, and fossil fuel subsidies all rising,” the think tank said.
As rich nations prioritise national security and economic protectionism, the pullback in aid spending threatens to widen global inequality and stall progress toward international development goals.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Taiwan Investigates Ex-TSMC Executive On Chip Security Concerns
Taiwan is investigating a retired TSMC executive who recently joined Intel, the island’s economy minister said on Wednesday, after local media reported that he may have taken the chipmaker’s advanced technology data to his new employer.
Taiwanese media outlets, including the Liberty Times, reported this week that Wei-Jen Lo, who played a key role in advancing TSMC’s cutting-edge chip manufacturing technologies from 2 nanometres to 5 nanometres, allegedly took company data before joining Intel in October.
Lo did not respond to a request for comment.
National Security Concerns
Taiwan’s High Prosecutors’ Office said on Tuesday it was aware of the media reports and had opened a case to look into the matter. No formal complaint or charge has been filed.
Taiwan Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said on Wednesday that the government was concerned about national security, which includes the protection of advanced semiconductor technologies.
“The Ministry of Economic Affairs will cooperate (with prosecutors) by explaining the current control mechanisms for Taiwan’s core technologies and by assessing whether there are any concerns related to the national security law,” he said.
He said the government would closely monitor whether the situation could affect Taiwan’s semiconductor industry or its customer relationships.
Lo’s Career Path
TSMC did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Intel, which has not publicly unveiled Lo’s appointment, also did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
A source familiar with the matter said Lo is currently working at the U.S. chipmaker and reports directly to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
Lo spent 21 years at TSMC before retiring this year as senior vice president for corporate strategy development.
He previously led TSMC’s research and advanced technology development, helping drive mass production for 5-nm, 3-nm and 2-nm manufacturing processes, and strengthened ties with suppliers, according to the company and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute.
Before joining TSMC in 2004, Lo worked at Intel for 18 years. He served as a director of technology development and was a factory manager, running Intel’s development facility in Santa Clara, California.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Malaysia: River Turns Blue, Mining Operations Suspended, Probe On
Malaysia has halted operations at a rare earth facility and two tin mines in western Perak after an investigation into complaints that a section of a major river had turned bright blue, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Minister Johari Abdul Ghani told parliament on Wednesday that authorities had launched a probe after public reports about discoloured water in a part of the Perak River, the second-longest on the Malaysian peninsula.
Initial investigations found discharges at the rare earths mining site, operated by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd, which matched the colour of the water in the river, Johari said.
Radiation readings at the site were also found to be as high as 13 becquerels, far above the 1 becquerel limit permitted under the project’s initial environmental impact assessment report, he added.
“The investigation is now focusing on the type of chemicals used in the mining process and whether it is consistent with the information that has been reported to the authorities,” Johari said.
MCRE and Malaysia’s Rare Earth Ambitions
According to its website, MCRE operates Malaysia’s pioneer rare earths mining project, using a method known as in-situ leaching, with technology shared by Chinese rare earth firms.
Malaysia, which has an estimated 16 million tons of rare earths deposits, has been seeking to capitalise on growing global demand for the minerals, but lacks the technological know-how to mine and process them.
It has been in talks with China, the world’s leader in rare earths mining and processing, on a potential refinery, and last month signed a deal with the United States on rare earths development.
Suspension Orders for Non-Compliance
In a separate statement on Wednesday, the ministry said it had issued suspension orders to MCRE as well as two tin mining companies after inspections found they were not complying with regulations related to effluent discharge, erosion and sediment control, and chemical management.
The suspensions were made following complaints of pollution at several rivers in Perak, the ministry said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Dozens Dead, Missing After Overnight Russian Strikes on Ukraine
At least 26 people were killed and dozens remain missing after a Russian drone and missile assault on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil overnight, Ukraine’s interior minister said on Wednesday. The attack, one of the deadliest in months, tore through residential buildings, leaving families trapped and emergency crews racing to find survivors in freezing conditions.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said 26 people, including three children, were still missing, while nearly 100 others were injured. He described the devastation on Telegram, saying that entire sections of a residential block had been obliterated. “In the building where two entrances were completely burned out, not a single apartment was left intact,” he wrote. “The flames flared up instantly and engulfed the building in a wave.”
Residents Trapped as Rescue Operations Continue
The upper floors of the apartment complex were ripped apart, scattering debris across the streets below. Firefighters battled the blaze through the night as desperate residents waited for news of their loved ones.
Among them was Oksana Kobel, who said her teenage son had been inside their ninth-floor flat when the strike hit. “I called him and said, ‘Bohdan, go to the shelter, get dressed.’ He answered, ‘Mom, I am already up, everything will be fine,’” she recalled tearfully.
Officials said the barrage included 476 drones and 48 missiles, many targeting Ukraine’s energy and transport networks. Emergency power cuts were introduced across several regions as temperatures plunged. Energy infrastructure was hit in seven regions, and restrictions on electricity use were imposed nationwide.
Regional Fallout and Rising Global Pressure
The attack prompted neighbouring Poland, a NATO member, to temporarily close airports in Rzeszow and Lublin—both key transit hubs for Western military aid to Ukraine. Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled to secure the country’s airspace during the barrage.
The strikes coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to Turkey for talks aimed at reviving stalled peace negotiations with Russia. Speaking afterwards, Zelenskiy urged allies to step up sanctions and increase air-defence support. “Every brazen attack against ordinary life shows that the pressure on Russia is insufficient,” he said on X. “Effective sanctions and assistance to Ukraine can change this.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv would raise Russia’s “horrific murder” at an upcoming UN Security Council meeting.
US Framework Proposal and Moscow’s Response
Sources told Reuters that the United States has quietly presented Ukraine with a framework proposal to end the war, suggesting that Kyiv make territorial concessions and reduce the size of its armed forces. The reported plan has not been publicly confirmed but has sparked debate over potential compromises after nearly four years of conflict.
Russia claimed responsibility for the airstrikes, saying they were retaliation for what it called “terrorist attacks” on Russian territory. Moscow alleged that Ukrainian forces had fired four US-made ATACMS missiles at the southern Russian city of Voronezh.
Ukraine’s military acknowledged striking military targets in Russia earlier in the week, continuing its campaign to disrupt Moscow’s operations.
The Ternopil attack adds to a growing list of deadly assaults on Ukrainian cities as the war shows no signs of slowing. For residents still searching for missing relatives, the human cost remains immeasurable.
(with inputs from Reuters)
U.S. Clears Sale Of Javelin Anti-Tank Missile To India
In a major defence deal, U.S. State Department has approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile system and Excalibur guided artillery munitions worth $93 million to India, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Wednesday.
The deal aims to boost India’s precision-strike capability, strengthen deterrence, and integrate seamlessly with existing force structures.
The Deal
The purchase of U.S. defence equipment is India’s first under Washington’s foreign military sales programme since ties soured in August after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% as punishment for New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
It follows a re-order this month of fighter jet engines made by General Electric to power more of India’s home-produced Tejas combat aircraft.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the DSCA said in a statement.
The Indian government had requested to buy up to 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles and 100 units of the Javelin system, the DSCA said. India already uses the Excalibur artillery ammunition in its M-777 Howitzer guns.
The Economic Times reports that the package further encompasses various non-major defence equipment, including Portable Electric Fire Control Systems with Enhanced Platform Integration Kits, along with U.S. government technical assistance, technical data, repair-and-return services, and comprehensive logistics and program support.
The initial tranche includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one Javelin FGM-148 missile (fly-to-buy), and twenty-five (25) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units (CLU). This shipment is designed to fulfill urgent operational needs while the Army works on a longer-term co-production agreement.
Enhancing India’s Military Capabilities
The DSCA said the procurement will enhance India’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing precision-strike capability, increasing “first strike accuracy” within its brigades. The systems can be integrated into India’s existing force structure without difficulty.
The principal contractors for the sales will be RTX Corp for the Excalibur projectiles and its joint venture with Lockheed Martin for the Javelin systems, the DSCA said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Philippine Ex-Mayor Guo Sentenced For Life For Human Trafficking
A Philippine trial court has sentenced a former mayor accused of having ties to Chinese criminal syndicates to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of human trafficking, a government anti-crime agency said on Thursday.
Alice Guo ran for mayor in Bamban, an agricultural town north of the capital Manila, as a Filipino citizen, but she was later identified by law enforcement as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.
“This eagerly awaited ruling is not only a legal victory but also a moral one. It delivers justice to victims, reaffirms the government’s united stance against organised crime,” the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) said in a statement.
Probe Into Guo
Guo’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Guo has previously denied links to criminals and has also maintained that she is a natural-born Philippine citizen.
The Philippine Senate launched a congressional probe into Guo in May last year, two months after a police raid revealed a scam centre operating out of a facility built on land partially owned by Guo. It was one of many such centres to spring up across Southeast Asia in recent years.
The raid uncovered hundreds of trafficked workers, including foreign nationals, resulting in a human trafficking complaint against Guo from PAOCC.
The court also convicted seven other individuals for trafficking and sentenced them to life imprisonment, the PAOCC said. The facility was ordered to be forfeited to the government.
Guo’s case has gripped the Philippines, where suspicions about China’s activities have been building as a result of escalating tensions in the South China Sea, in which the two nations have overlapping claims.
Guo Arrest
The Senate held Guo in contempt and ordered her arrest after she later refused to attend congressional hearings. She fled the country but was later captured in Indonesia and deported to the Philippines in September 2024.
Guo, who was removed from office by the Ombudsman in August 2024 for grave misconduct, also faces other criminal charges, including graft and money laundering.
The controversy surrounding Guo intensified calls for a crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, which are largely run by Chinese nationals catering to clients in China.
These operations thrived during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration but later came under heavy scrutiny and were eventually banned by President Ferdinand Marcos.
(with inputs from Reuters)