China's reduction of the tax on the import of donkey skins, a product whose demand has led to a fall in the population of the animal, came into force on Monday.


China cuts import taxes on donkey skins


IANS Automatic

Three unrelated developments in December provide some useful indicators about the security and strategic outlook for India in 2018.


India needs to harmonise ties with major power nodes (Comment)


Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the first time from Monday.


Saudi Arabia, UAE introduce VAT for first time


Security along Tripura's inter-state borders with Assam and Mizoram and international boundaries with Bangladesh has been tightened in view of publication of a part draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ensuing assembly polls, officials said here on Monday.


Security beefed up along Tripura's borders


North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in his New Year's Day address said on Monday that his country has completed its nuclear arsenal and he has the ignition button ready "always on" his desk.


Nuclear button always on my desk, says Kim


Iran will use funds from the Eximbank of Russia to implement some infrastructure projects, media reports said on Sunday.


Russian bank to fund Iran's development projects


Some tension prevailed along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur's Tengnoupal district on Sunday, a day after Myanmar Army started levelling the no-man's land, officials said.


Tension along border after Myanmar work in no man's land


South Korean authorities on Sunday said they have seized and are investigating a Panamanian ship suspected of selling oil to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.


Seoul detains Panamanian vessel suspected of selling oil to Pyongyang


Iran exported 8.5 million square metres of tiles and ceramics worth $20 million to Pakistan during the eight months to November 21.


Iran exports $20 mn-worth tiles, ceramics to Pakistan in 8 months


One of British Prime Minister Theresa May's key advisers, Lord Andrew Adonis, has announced he is quitting his role, describing Brexit as a "populist and nationalist spasm".


British PM's key adviser quits over Brexit


Turkey and Russia have inked a loan agreement in Ankara for purchase of the S-400 missile defence system worth $2.5 billion, a Turkish official said.


Turkey, Russia sign S-400 missile system loan deal


China on Friday said it was aware of the detention of its national in India near the Myanmar border and was closely following the development.


Aware of our national's detention in India: China


A new US cruise has docked here in a bid to promote Cuba as one of its most important destinations in the Caribbean despite a serious setback in bilateral ties.


New US cruise ship docks in Cuba


India on Thursday signed a loan agreement worth $40 million with the World Bank for "UP Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project" aimed at increasing tourism-related benefits for local communities in Uttar Pradesh.


India signs $40 mn World Bank loan for UP tourism


Morocco has successfully tested Africa's fastest high-speed rail, state-owned railway operator ONCF announced on Thursday.


Morocco successfully tests Africa's fastest high-speed rail line


In a milestone development, an aircraft carrying perishable items arrived from Kabul at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport here, marking the launch of a dedicated air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan, an official said on Thursday.


Mumbai-Kabul air freight corridor opens


Jordan on Thursday called for an increased role for India in the Middle East peace process while appreciating New Delhi's support for a two-state solution to end the Palestinian conflict.


Jordan seeks increased Indian role in Middle East peace process


The Chinese Defence Ministry said on Thursday that patrols by its fighter jets close to the island of Taiwan, separated unilaterally from the Chinese communist regime, will continue in the future and be regularised, despite the Taiwanese pro-independence government's protests.


Chinese Army warns Taiwan of regularising air patrols


Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma was the cynosure of all eyes alongwith khayal artist Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar on day two of the Bengal Classical Music Festival at the Abahani ground here.


Legendary artists enthrall audience at Bengal Classical Music Festival


Worried over "many" of its citizens being fined, prosecuted and even imprisoned for breaking Indian laws, the Chinese government has told its people to respect local laws and not to go to areas restricted to foreigners.


China warns citizens not to go to restricted areas in India


San Francisco, Dec 28 (IANS/MAP) The US top aircraft manufacturer Boeing has announced that it has finalised an order to sell four state-of-the-art passenger airplanes to Morocco to help expand its international service.

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