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In a bold statement that has sparked discussion, former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter <keyword id="21527088" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rashid-Latif" source="keywords">Rashid Latif</keyword> has suggested that <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword> should stop playing cricket against <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> until the two nations resolve their ongoing issues. Latif, known for his forthright views, even proposed that the <keyword id="19901179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="International-Cricket-Council" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="International Cricket Council" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="International Cricket Council">International Cricket Council</keyword> (ICC) should withhold the hosting rights of global events from both countries until their political and diplomatic concerns are addressed. "There's a big possibility that Pakistan can stop playing cricket against India. Had I been in power, then, yes, I may have taken this strong step. I would not blame anyone for this. If you don't want to play (in Pakistan), then don't play against us (at all)," Latif told PTI. His comments come as speculation grows around the upcoming Champions Trophy, which was set to be hosted in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (<keyword id="19901245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bcci" source="keywords">BCCI</keyword>) has made it clear it will not send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns, and there is growing speculation that the tournament could be moved to another country. <h2>A call for the ICC to act</h2>Latif didn't stop there, saying the ICC should take a stronger stance. "In my opinion, ICC should withhold the hosting rights for both countries until these issues between them are resolved; until their problems are settled," he explained. The former cricketer, who played 37 Tests and 166 One-Day Internationals, also raised concerns about the ICC's inconsistency when it comes to political interference in cricket, especially in Asia. Latif pointed out how Sri Lanka Cricket was suspended by the ICC in 2023 and Zimbabwe Cricket in 2019 due to political interference, asking, "Why aren't India and Pakistan getting banned? Because, ICC has a lot of stake on them." Latif also expressed frustration with the BCCI's stance on security. The BCCI has argued that the Indian team cannot travel to Pakistan due to security risks, but Latif believes the reasoning is weak. "This is the first time, I would say, the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are stating is very weak. It has to be in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team is feeling threatened," he said. He continued, "The ICC security team came here and gave the green light for the tournament. If you had issues, you could have reported to them." <h2>What happens if Pakistan doesn’t play India?</h2>Despite the growing tensions, Latif is confident that Pakistan’s cricketing future won’t suffer if the team doesn’t play India. "We didn’t play at home for 12 long years. What could be more painful than that?" he said, referencing the years Pakistan went without international cricket being played on its soil due to security concerns. Latif added that Pakistan could still thrive in international cricket without India, saying, "Pakistan will get the 34 million dollars in every eight-year time from ICC, whether they play India or not. The boards that are rich will suffer losses, not a board like PCB that doesn't have the money." Latif concluded by stressing that Pakistan could continue to progress in world cricket by playing bilateral series with other countries, even without playing India or hosting major ICC tournaments. Latif’s remarks come at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan in cricket continue to rise, with both sides refusing to play each other in recent years. As the situation develops, the ICC faces increasing pressure to address the political and security concerns that continue to shape the future of cricket between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif wants Pakistan to stop playing cricket with India, here's why

The fountain of youth could very well be the microorganisms residing in your gut. New research has revealed that our <keyword id="20440275" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gut-microbiome" source="keywords">gut microbiome</keyword> plays a pivotal role in the ageing process. Researchers from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore have uncovered fascinating insights into how specific gut bacteria can influence our health and longevity. By analysing the gut microbiomes of over 200 octogenarians, the scientists discovered a significant decline in bacterial diversity with age. One particularly notable finding was the decrease in <keyword id="23870461" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Faecalibacterium-prausnitzii" source="keywords">Faecalibacterium prausnitzii</keyword>, a bacterium known for producing butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid crucial for <keyword id="20288943" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gut-health" source="keywords">gut health</keyword> and inflammation reduction. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114851528" title="A scientist who researches healthy aging shares how she eats and works out" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Interestingly, the researchers observed an increase in Alistipes and Bacteroides species, which can compensate for the decline in F. prausnitzii by producing butyrate through alternative metabolic pathways. This adaptive mechanism may contribute to healthier ageing in older individuals. The study also highlighted the potential of gut bacteria as biomarkers for ageing-related health conditions. For instance, Parabacteroides goldsteinii was linked to fasting blood glucose levels, while Streptococcus parasanguinis and Bacteroides coprocola were associated with serum Vitamin B12 levels. These findings suggest that analysing gut bacteria could help identify individuals at risk of <keyword id="21445454" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="age-related-diseases" source="keywords">age-related diseases</keyword> and inform targeted interventions. Scientists are now focused on further investigating the identified <keyword id="23870463" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microbial-strains" source="keywords">microbial strains</keyword> and their metabolic pathways. They aim to develop probiotic and prebiotic therapies that can modulate the gut microbiome to promote <keyword id="20598652" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthy-ageing" source="keywords">healthy ageing</keyword>! <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114859164" title="Tom Hanks says he&amp;#39;s in &amp;quot;better shape&amp;quot; at age 68 than in his 30s. He can take care of himself now his kids have grown up." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Here’s what your gut microbes can tell you about how you will age!

The investigation into the untimely death of <keyword id="21128622" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="liam-payne" source="keywords">Liam Payne</keyword>, former member of One Direction, has taken a dramatic new turn as authorities make arrests and uncover additional details surrounding his tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Payne, who was just 30, was found dead on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. New reports now reveal the complex and troubled circumstances leading up to that fatal night. According to an official autopsy obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Payne had multiple narcotics in his system when he died. The investigation’s spotlight has fallen on two men recently arrested: a hotel maintenance worker and a suspected local drug dealer. Both individuals are accused of supplying Payne with the narcotics, which reportedly included cocaine, as revealed by forensic tests. The investigation has also implicated an Argentine businessman who claimed to be Payne’s manager during the singer's last days. Authorities believe the businessman falsely presented himself in this role and was involved in several incidents that may have contributed to the singer's distress. <h2>Mysterious events</h2>Reports describe Payne’s hotel room as a chaotic environment: there were broken items, alcohol bottles, and narcotics. Witnesses say this tension culminated in a confrontation with two women, identified as "L" and "R," whom Payne had allegedly contacted via an escort app. In a heated encounter, the women reportedly demanded $5,000 from Payne, which led to an argument that spilled into the hotel lobby. The hotel manager attempted to de-escalate the situation by calling the Argentine businessman, who was said to be a friend of Payne. This businessman, however, now faces a charge of "abandonment of a person" for allegedly failing to notify Payne’s family about his worsening state or alerting authorities after his death. Although he has cooperated with police only through his lawyer, he has not been detained. Authorities believe that while he may not have directly caused Payne’s death, his actions could have prevented tragedy if he had intervened sooner. <h2>An expanding investigation</h2>In their search for answers, Argentine police have raided nine locations tied to those involved. They have gathered critical evidence, including nine mobile phones, computers, hard drives, and a jar of marijuana, which they believe may hold clues to what truly happened. One of the nine locations raided was the rented room of "L," who had reportedly spent time in Payne's hotel room before the fatal incident. However, after briefly speaking with authorities, she disappeared, adding another layer of mystery to the case. Neighbours reported hearing a dog barking from her now-vacant room, and police are actively searching for her. As the investigation deepens, Payne’s family is preparing for his body’s return to the UK, where they will lay him to rest. Authorities continue to analyse the extensive evidence collected in hopes of understanding the full scope of events that led to the tragic loss of the young star. (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery deepens in Liam Payne’s tragic fall: Two arrested as new clues emerge

<ul class="summary-list"><li>North Korea fighting alongside Russia would be a serious escalation to the Ukraine war.</li><li>NATO and Western allies are facing pressure to respond — but have historically been hesitant.</li></ul>Western allies have options to react to the threat of North Korean troops in Russia, but are hamstrung by fears of escalation, military experts told Business Insider. On Monday, the Pentagon<a target="_blank" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/article/3948100/pentagon-deputy-press-secretary-sabrina-singh-holds-an-off-camera-on-the-record/"> said</a> that 10,000 North Korean troops had been shipped to Russia for training and were likely to join Russian forces"over the next several weeks." NATO chief Mark Rutte said that some troops are already in Kursk, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_230105.htm">calling</a> the move "a significant escalation." He added that it is "yet another" contravention of UN Security Council resolutions. He said the bloc is "actively consulting" on what to do next. Despite these statements — and a similar chorus of condemnation from Western governments — few commitments have been made. On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration, saying that his allies' response was "not so loud as it has to be" in reaction to the North Korean threat,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-war-in-ukraine-russia-north-korean-troops-western-allies-response/"> Politico reported</a>. "Till now, we heard some reactions, but it is not strong enough," he added. <h2>A watershed moment?</h2>In itself, 10,000 more troops in Russia's war in Ukraine is not a game changer, Patrick Bury, a military analyst at the UK's University of Bath, told BI. The troops, many with no experience in real war situations, could also be of limited help. There is reason, however, to imagine the numbers could rise. North Korea has steadily ramped up its cooperation with Russia, reportedly supplying<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/north-korea-supplies-half-of-the-shells-used-by-russia-in-ukraine-d3fkhppjs"> half of all artillery shells</a> used in Ukraine in the last year. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has the fourth-largest standing army in the world, so there is no shortage of troops. Crucially, experts consider his regime to be receiving<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-military-officials-helping-russia-ukraine-win-for-kim-2024-10"> an economic and technological lifeline</a> in exchange. Edward Hunter Christie, a former NATO official and a research fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, described the dangers of the partnership as "a much more serious test of resolve for the West than most people currently realize." He added: "There's a reluctance to act." This at least means there will be no rash decisions, he said. Christie, along with other experts BI spoke to, described a hesitancy and fear of escalation among Ukraine's biggest Western partners that amounts to alack of overall strategy. <h2>The West has some options — and a history of slapping them down</h2>When it comes to options for the US and Europe, "the tools are the same tools that have been there all along," Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com./news/articles/2024-10-28/ukraine-allies-face-limited-options-as-north-korea-troops-arrive?embedded-checkout=true"> told Bloomberg.</a> That includes the ad-hoc trickling through of aid packages like one<a target="_blank" href="https://kyivindependent.com/norways-pm-announces-new-500-million-euro-aid-package-for-ukraine/"> recently announced by Norway</a>. It also includes things that have long been ruled out, like allowing Ukraine to make long-range strikes in Russia with Western-supplied missiles. A bipartisan group in Congress has called on Biden to allow Poland to intercept Russian missiles in Ukrainian airspace, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4960374-biden-poland-air-defense-ukraine/">The Hill reported</a>. It's a move that NATO's former chief Jens Stoltenberg had earlier ruled out, saying it would risk the alliance "becoming part of the conflict," the outlet reported. South Korea, too, has said it is considering sending military aid directly to Ukraine. It's an unprecedented move that could prove highly beneficial, but which the state is hesitant to make,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/south-korea-ukraine-weapons-big-difference-russia-north-korea-2024-10"> experts told BI</a>. Lithuania's foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has also revived a suggestion made in February by France's President Emmanuel Macron of not ruling out the deployment of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/french-president-wont-rule-out-sending-troops-ukraine-2024-2">NATO troops in Ukraine</a>, in support roles. "We are still on the back foot, reacting to escalation instead of reversing it,"<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GLandsbergis/status/1848006509013225679"> Landsbergis wrote on X</a>. "Macron's ideas should now be revisited." That idea was earlier<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/everyone-angry-germany-series-screw-ups-leaks-scholz-macron-ukraine-2024-3"> publicly slapped down</a> by Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. Such a move "would free up a lot of resources for Ukraine," said Ann Marie Dailey, a geopolitical strategist at RAND. It would also send an important signal to Russia, she said: "That they don't have dominance on the escalation ladder." <h2>The escalation trap</h2>President Joe Biden's administration — along with much of Western Europe — has largely avoided actions that could be seen as escalating the conflict. The fact that now a serious escalation looks possible thanks to North Korea is an indication of the failure of that policy, Christie told BI. The US presidential election and the impending change of administration also puts a chilling effect on any dramatic changes in policy for the coming months, he said. "We live in an age of US-led hesitancy within the Western world, which just keeps on failing us, which just keeps on increasing the level of danger to the security of the collective West," he said. The bind for the Biden administration is not only in dealing with two nuclear states, but also that North Korea's belligerence could cause the conflict to spill over toward its southern neighbor and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-muted-response-russia-north-korea-alliance-costly-ukraine-economy-2024-10">damage relations with China.</a> Western states are likely to have been quietly hoping that China might step in diplomatically and dissuade North Korea, Christie said. At some point, the West has to react decisively, he argued. Dailey told BI: "The problem with having a strategy of de-escalation is that if that is your stated strategy, you've already ceded every step on the escalation ladder to the enemy." In Bury's view, the West's problem is that it cannot even agree on its broader strategy, let alone decide how to implement it. "The broader point here is: the West, we're not doing the strategy," he said. "We're muddling through."

What can the West do about North Korea giving troops to Russia? Not much it hasn't already flinched from.

At the invitation of Russian President <keyword id="19900702" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vladimir-putin" source="keywords">Vladimir Putin</keyword>, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President <keyword id="19946362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xi-Jinping" source="keywords">Xi Jinping</keyword> will attend the 16th <keyword id="21003379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BRICS-summit" source="keywords">BRICS Summit</keyword> in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-23, 2024. The summit will focus on the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," providing a key platform for leaders to discuss pressing global issues and explore opportunities for collaboration. The <keyword id="20037428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BRICS" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BRICS" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BRICS">BRICS</keyword> group, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2006, has grown to include South Africa, and recently expanded further to welcome Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, making it a 10-member bloc. <keyword id="19911498" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Putin" source="keywords">Putin</keyword> sees this <keyword id="23595116" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="expanded-BRICS" source="keywords">expanded BRICS</keyword> as a counterweight to Western dominance in global politics and trade. During his visit, <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> is expected to hold bilateral meetings with fellow BRICS leaders and other invited representatives, aiming to strengthen partnerships and advance shared objectives. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that the summit will offer a valuable opportunity to evaluate the progress of BRICS initiatives and identify new areas for future collaboration. Modi's visit to Russia follows an informal meeting with Putin in Moscow earlier this year and a call in August, where the Indian leader urged for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The upcoming summit highlights the growing <keyword id="23595115" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="geopolitical-significance" source="keywords">geopolitical significance</keyword> of BRICS in reshaping global dynamics. (With inputs from sources)

PM Modi to meet Putin and Xi Jinping at BRICS summit in Russia on October 22-23

When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, it was being looked upon as something straight out of a Sci-Fi film. The <keyword id="19896272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="generative-AI" source="keywords">generative AI</keyword> chatbot could write, code, compose music and whatnot. While many people started using the AI chatbot everyday and started appreciating it, there were others who were afraid that the chatbot would take away their jobs. And then there were people who believed that knowing how to use <keyword id="20096338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-tools" source="keywords">AI tools</keyword> would be a necessary skill in the future. “AI won’t replace your job but someone using AI tools would” was a popular quote surfacing on LinkedIn at the time AI tools started getting popular. And as per a recent study, this quote holds true. A new study by Gartner says that by 2027, a staggering 80% of engineering professionals may find themselves at risk of <keyword id="20080267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-loss" source="keywords">job loss</keyword> if they do not adapt and enhance their skills, particularly in the face of advancing generative AI technologies. Generative AI is changing the way software development and engineering roles are approached at the workplace. This shift poses significant challenges for engineers who have relied on traditional skills and methods. As AI systems become more capable of performing tasks previously done by humans, engineers must recognise the importance of staying current with new tools and methodologies to remain competitive in the job market. According to an Analytics India Mag report, industry experts warn that those who do not actively pursue further education or training may struggle to secure employment. As the demand for <keyword id="23563446" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-related-skills" source="keywords">AI-related skills</keyword> rises, professionals who fail to adapt risk being left behind. The pressure to keep pace with technological advancements is not just a trend; it’s becoming a necessity for career survival. To mitigate the risks associated with job displacement, engineers should engage in <keyword id="20186222" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lifelong-learning" source="keywords">lifelong learning</keyword>. Upskilling can take various forms, including online courses, workshops, and certifications focused on AI and machine learning. Many educational institutions and online platforms are responding to this need by offering specialised programmes tailored to the demands of the industry. The call for continuous learning is not just about acquiring new technical skills. It also involves developing soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. These competencies are increasingly valuable in a world where collaboration with AI systems will become the norm.

Study reveals 80% of software engineers must upskill by 2027 to keep their jobs

The 24 best places to retire in the US, where people are happier, taxes are lower, and life is relatively affordable

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The chief AI officer is a developing C-suite position that leads a company's AI strategy.</li><li>The AI chief at Golin, a PR agency, said his role was created to help the company integrate AI.</li></ul>Companies worldwide are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/technology-executives-on-artificial-intelligence-applications-role-of-cto-cio-2024-9">using AI to enhance their efficiency and creativity</a>. Golin, a global public-relations agency, is embracing this transition with the ambitious goal of becoming the world's first fully AI-integrated PR agency by 2026.Jeff Beringer, Golin's newly appointed <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chief-artificial-intelligence-officer-job-skills-required-2024-5">chief AI officer</a>, said he hoped to weave AI into every facet of the company's operations. He told Business Insider that the company was in the "phase of enablement" as it rolls out AI-powered tools to employees and strategizes how to use AI with clients. Golin partners with companies such as Adobe to access their AI services and also develops more niche solutions in-house.Beringer, who's worked at Golin for over 20 years, stressed that public relations would always require a human touch. He said Golin wasn't looking to use AI for automation but for "intelligence augmentation."The following has been edited for clarity and length.The role of chief AI officer is new for Golin, and you're the first to have the title. Why did the company see the need for a CAIO?Our journey with AI began over two years ago when we started an incubator to explore how <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-artificial-intelligence-customer-experience-business-applications-2024-5">new technologies could enhance our work </a>for clients. We realized that the changes in AI are happening much faster than anticipated.Our executive leadership team asked ourselves, if we were starting this 70-year-old agency from scratch today, would it look the same? The answer was probably not.So we made a transformation plan to become the first fully AI-integrated global PR agency by the start of 2026. By fully integrated, we mean that every employee, regardless of role, specialty, or seniority, will benefit from AI's assistance.That's a lot of change in a short time, and my role spun out of that ambition. As the chief AI officer, my job is to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-the-ai-revolution-means-for-business-2024-5">orchestrate that change</a> by working with other leaders at Golin and with our clients.What specific steps has Golin made toward achieving the goal of becoming fully AI-integrated by 2026?We've mapped out a detailed plan that unfolds in phases, almost quarterly. The first step was setting the right ambition and making sure everyone in the organization understands it, and we've done that.Currently we're in the phase of enablement. We've identified the right tools for core jobs across our organization and are building or licensing the best technology to support them.We're also working with client partners to test these tools. For example, with Grubhub, we're <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://golin.com/2024/11/04/ai-in-pr-lessons-from-golin-and-grubhubs-special-delivery-campaign/">exploring how AI can improve our work</a>, from research and insights to creative content production.Can you share details about the specific AI tools, software, and services Golin is using?Our philosophy is to remain flexible and not get boxed in with specific providers. That said, we have partnerships with companies like Adobe. Adobe's Firefly technology, for example, is transformative for creative work.Besides partnering, we develop products internally. We've created a solution for influencer vetting. Using AI, we can analyze up to 10 years' worth of an influencer's online presence to identify potential risks. Before, that was both time-consuming and less thorough.We also use <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-surveillance-detects-emotion-at-work-gets-you-fired-2023-11">AI for emotive content testing</a>. Traditionally, content testing involved expensive and time-consuming focus groups. Now we use AI and facial-recognition technology to gauge real-time emotional reactions to content that hasn't been published yet.Does Golin have an engineering team on staff to develop these solutions?We have developers, but we're not a technology company. Our strategy is to work with the best partners out there.However, we're adding depth in areas like data science and data architecture because there's immense opportunity in leveraging the data we generate daily. We're hiring in these areas to better synthesize data and make more informed decisions with AI assistance.Importantly, we're not trying to replace people with server farms. Instead of AI and automation for everything, we're at intelligence augmentation. What our clients really want is a great human partner.There's a lot of interest in AI, but also a lot of criticism. How does Golin balance excitement with caution, especially with clients more wary of AI?It's evolving, and it reminds me of the early days of digital or social media. Some clients are eager to move fast, while others take a wait-and-see approach.What's different with AI is the speed at which clients have moved from being inspired to focusing on application. They want to see results, not promises.Each client is different in their appetite for AI, but many realize that if they don't embrace it, they <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-ai-extended-reality-disrupting-changing-technology-industry-2023-8">risk being left behind</a>.From a business perspective, where are you looking to see the return on investment with AI?We are focused on efficacy more than efficiency.With clients, our primary metrics are improved outcomes. We want to see that our clients are satisfied.Internally, we're looking at employee engagement and happiness. If AI helps our people spend more time on thoughtful, strategic tasks rather than routine ones, that's a win.These are the most important goals. Is our work getting better? Are our people happier in their roles? If we get those two things right, everything else will follow.

Golin's first chief AI officer shares the company's strategy for using AI to transform public relations

In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at <keyword id="20751669" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hyderabad-House" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Hyderabad House" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Hyderabad House">Hyderabad House</keyword> in Delhi on Monday. This visit is widely seen as an effort to reset ties between the two nations after a year of tense relations. <keyword id="20101322" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="President-Muizzu" source="keywords">President Muizzu</keyword>, who arrived in India on Sunday for a five-day visit, received a red carpet welcome. During a joint press briefing, President Muizzu expressed heartfelt gratitude to India, thanking President Droupadi Murmu, <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> and the people of India for their warm reception. He emphasised the Maldives' deep-rooted ties with India, noting that tourism — especially Indian visitors—remains a crucial pillar of the Maldivian economy. “India is our largest source market for tourists, and we hope to welcome even more Indian visitors in the future,” Muizzu remarked. Key areas of cooperation discussed included economic ties and maritime security, critical given the Maldives' position in the Indian Ocean. Following their talks, India granted the financially struggling Maldives a rollover of USD 100 million in Treasury bills, in addition to formalising a <keyword id="23458604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="currency-swap-agreement" source="keywords">currency swap agreement</keyword> and a ₹3,000 crore currency swap. Prime Minister Modi characterised the "development partnership" as a key component of India-Maldives relations, asserting that India has consistently prioritised the needs of the Maldivian people. "Our development partnership is vital to our relationship with the Maldives, and we have always placed importance on the priorities of its people. This year, SBI rolled over USD 100 million in Treasury Bills, and a USD 400 million currency swap agreement was signed based on the Maldives' requirements," he explained. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="106837748" title="Withdraw troops by mid-March, Maldives tells India" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In September, India announced that the <keyword id="19934368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="State Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="State Bank of India">State Bank of India</keyword> would purchase Maldivian government bonds worth USD 50 million, following a similar USD 50 million transaction in May 2024. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu witnessed the first <keyword id="20563654" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RuPay-card" source="keywords">RuPay card</keyword> payment transaction launched in the Maldives and virtually inaugurated the runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport. Modi stated that India and the Maldives would soon be connected through UPI. "Recently, we launched the RuPay card in the Maldives, and in the future, we will link both countries via UPI," he said during a joint press briefing. Muizzu also expressed his desire to conclude a <keyword id="19945642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Free-Trade-Agreement" source="keywords">Free Trade Agreement</keyword> with India, a step he believes will open the door to greater Indian investment in the Maldives. Modi emphasised India's commitment to supporting the Maldives through various initiatives, including supplying essential commodities and Covid vaccines, inaugurating airports, and constructing social housing. He noted that a new drinking water project is now operational on 28 islands, providing clean water to over 30,000 residents. The leaders also discussed the opening of consulates in Addu and Bengaluru. Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated following Muizzu's election last year, which saw a shift towards a pro-China stance and the promise to withdraw Indian troops stationed in the archipelago. His visit to China before India in January had raised eyebrows in New Delhi, as it was perceived as a slight. However, since attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third term in June, Muizzu has moderated his anti-Indian rhetoric, signalling a thaw in relations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that the discussions provided "a new impetus" to the relationship. This meeting likely marks a positive turn in Indo-Maldivian relations, setting the stage for further cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours. (With inputs from agencies) <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112094153" title="Maldives President Muizzu thanks India for economic support, affirms hope of signing FTA" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

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