0 billion deal between India and four European countries

Today's news: at least 26 victims in Indonesia due to heavy rain; Ramadan begins amidst tensions surrounding the war in Gaza; A North Korean delegation leaves for Mongolia; In Russia, the commission to reconcile blood conflicts has resolved 13 cases since the beginning of the year.

INDIA – EUROPE

India has signed a free trade agreement with four European countries: Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Lichtenstein, which form the European Free Trade Association. “This historic pact underlines our commitment to promoting economic progress and creating opportunities for our youth,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement. The agreement provides for investments in India of 100 billion dollars.

PAKISTAN

The CEO of Pakistan's largest bank has been appointed minister and could soon take up the position at the Finance Ministry, sources told Reuters. Muhammad Auganzeb, CEO and president of HBL bank, was chosen to help the country's economic recovery among several personalities, including Ishaq Dar, who has already held the position four times, but could take on the role of Foreign Minister.

INDONESIA

There are currently 26 victims after the heavy rains that hit the island of Sumatra, while 11 people still remain missing. Landslides and floods have hit several districts and according to the authorities it is likely that the number of deaths could increase in the coming hours, while rescue efforts and the distribution of aid to displaced people continue.

NORTH KOREA – MONGOLIA

A North Korean diplomatic delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho has left for Mongolia, Rodong Sinmun, the country's main newspaper, reported yesterday, without specifying the purpose of the trip. This is the first visit of this kind since 2020 and according to experts it serves to strengthen diplomatic ties with a country traditionally friendly with North Korea.

ISLAM

The holy month of Ramadan begins today for several countries in the Gulf and the Levant, while Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, but also Oman and Jordan will begin fasting starting tomorrow, the religious authorities have announced. For many faithful, the celebration is marked by the war between Gaza and Israel: the Israeli Defense Forces have completed the construction of a new road that crosses the north of the Strip from east to west and according to experts it will serve to control the territory.

ARMENIA – AZERBAIJAN

The deputy prime minister of Armenia, Mger Grigoryan, who chairs the commission for border demarcation with Azerbaijan, declared that the Azeris refuse to recognize the occupation of 31 inhabited centers on Armenian territory, also demanding the return of others 4 villages in the Tavuš region, near the state road to Georgia.

RUSSIA

The president of the Russian republic of Ingushetia, Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov, announced that since the beginning of the year he has managed to reconcile 13 blood conflicts between family members, thanks to the work of the special reconciliation commission which deals with revenge and problems similar, considered "natural regulatory mechanisms for the defense of life and honor".

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